Description

Project Literacy is Howard County Library System's adult learning and advancement initiative, supporting adult learners from diverse cultural, linguistic, educational, and socioeconomic backgrounds through literacy, English language learning, workforce readiness, and other educational pathways that promote economic mobility, community connection, and lifelong learning.

The Project Literacy Manager provides strategic, instructional, operational, and community leadership within a highly regulated grant environment governed by state and federal accountability standards, assessment protocols, fiscal oversight, and performance deliverables. The Manager oversees instructional programming, grant administration, data management, staff and volunteer supervision, community partnerships, and continuous program improvement to ensure the program's effectiveness, growth, and long-term sustainability. Through strategic planning, partnership development, resource acquisition, and innovative practices, the Manager advances learner success and community impact while cultivating inclusive, strengths-based learning environments grounded in cultural competence, equity, and Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) principles.

The Project Literacy Manager positions Howard County Library System as a leading provider of lifelong public education by demonstrating commitment to HCLS' Five Core Values—Community, Learning, Equity, Intellectual Freedom, and Teamwork—and fully supporting the HCLS Mission: Your place to Learn, Grow, and Connect, and Vision: An empowered community where all people reach their potential.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Strategic Program Leadership

Promotes the mission, philosophy, goals, and objectives of Project Literacy and HCLS
Provides leadership for the planning, implementation, administration, and continuous improvement of adult literacy and English language learning programs and services
Establishes and monitors performance metrics and uses data to drive continuous program improvement and informed decision-making
Ensures program structures, procedures, and services effectively support adult learners and align with local, state, and federal requirements
Uses needs assessments, learner data, community feedback, and program outcomes to inform strategic planning and program development
Ensures the program remains responsive to community needs, learner goals, and emerging trends in adult education
Develops recommendations for expanding services, reaching underserved populations, and addressing barriers to participation and learner success

Instructional Leadership

Provides instructional leadership and oversight for intake, assessment, placement, curriculum development, instructional practices, and learner support services
Supports implementation of instructional strategies and adult learning practices grounded in current research and evidence-based methodologies
Ensures instructional programming is inclusive and responsive to learners with diverse cultural backgrounds, English language learning needs, and varied educational experiences
Monitors instructional quality, learner progress, and program outcomes through observation, data analysis, and evaluation processes
Assures appropriate instructional intensity, schedule flexibility, learner support services, and teacher-to-learner ratios to support learner success
Leads the development, implementation, and evaluation of new program services, instructional models, and learner supports that improve access, engagement, retention, and outcomes.

Staff Supervision & Professional Development

Supervises and supports program staff, including instructional and operational team members
Oversees equitable and clearly documented processes for recruiting, hiring, onboarding, training, evaluating, and supporting staff and volunteers
Cultivates a collaborative, culturally responsive, and learner-centered team environment
Supports staff professional growth through coaching, feedback, mentoring, and professional development planning
Models lifelong learning practices and promotes continuous professional development for staff

Data, Compliance & Fiscal Management

Oversees local and state data collection, reporting, monitoring, and the implementation and maintenance of data quality systems and procedures
Ensures compliance with all grant requirements, reporting deadlines, and adult education accountability measures
Monitors program budgets, expenditures, and fiscal reporting processes
Prepares reports, presentations, and data analysis for leadership, funders, partners, and stakeholders
Attends required state administrative meetings, trainings, and professional development activities, and implements relevant guidance at the local level

Community Engagement & Partnerships

Builds and maintains collaborative partnerships with community organizations, workforce development agencies, educational institutions, volunteers, and other stakeholders
Collaborates with community partners to improve service delivery, expand resources, and advocate for adult learners
Applies culturally responsive and strengths-based engagement practices that foster learner belonging, trust, and community connection
Supports outreach and engagement efforts that increase awareness of Project Literacy services and learner access to programs

Organizational Responsibilities

Maintains regular and predictable attendance
Adheres to all HCLS policies and procedures
Performs other duties as assigned

Requirements

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SKILLS

Bachelor's degree required; master's degree preferred. Degree in education, social services, community engagement, adult education, data management, or a related field preferred.
A minimum of 1 year of supervisory or management experience
Demonstrated instructional leadership and program management experience required
Experience with grant writing & management, budget administration, compliance reporting, and program accountability systems preferred
Demonstrated organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain accuracy and attention to detail, and adapt effectively in a fast-paced environment
Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, spreadsheets, databases, reporting systems, and related technologies, including the ability to prepare reports, analyze data, and support data-informed decision making
Knowledge of adult learning theory, instructional strategies, assessment practices, curriculum development, and learner support systems
Knowledge of the challenges and barriers faced by English language learners, including cultural differences and socioeconomic factors
Familiarity with Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) principles and strengths-based community engagement practices preferred
Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, including the ability to build collaborative relationships and provide culturally responsive, learner-centered leadership across diverse cultural and language difference
Strong math skills
Demonstrated ability to supervise, coach, mentor, and support staff in a collaborative team environment
Knowledge of community resources, workforce systems, educational partnerships, and current community issues and trends preferred
Bilingual skills, particularly Spanish or other languages commonly spoken within the communities served, are highly desirable
Current valid driver’s license required

PHYSICAL STANDARDS

Job allows for variance in work routine and requires standing, walking, bending, reaching, pushing, pulling, sitting, and driving. Occasional strenuous activity may be required, including lifting cartons of books or moving furniture, equipment, and packages using appropriate equipment such as hand trucks.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

FULL-TIME: 37.5 hours per week, as defined by HCLS
Grade 15; Salary range: $80,062 - $140,388/annually
Position is located at the Administrative Branch
Works under the supervision of the Chief Diversity Officer.
Supervises Project Literacy instructional and operational staff, including the Education Assistant position
Project Literacy is part of the Department of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging.
Attendance at required state meetings, trainings, professional development activities, community events, and occasional evening or weekend programs must be included within weekly paid hours
Position closes on Wednesday, July 15th, 2026, at 4 PM

Howard County Library System

Open Positions (1)

Operations

Project Literacy Manager