Project Literacy Manager

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