OVERVIEW 

Based in Indianapolis and serving central Indiana, Indy Reads builds the literacy, English language, and job readiness skills to empower adults and families to reach their full potential. We believe that everyone should have an opportunity to gain an education and advance our mission through our innovative Community Classrooms around Marion County and through our community bookstore, which serves as a retail space, community space, and extension of educational programming. We operate through our core values: Student Centered; Innovative; Inclusive; Literacy. This highly regarded, well-established organization has more than 30 years of experience in adult education. Under the direction of new leadership and deeply committed to advancing social equity within all aspects of the organization, from programming and operations to advocacy and community-building, Indy Reads is poised for growth. 

The full time VP of Community Impact is responsible for setting the organization’s programming strategy, cultivating, maintaining, and advancing innovative partnerships, ensuring program compliance with grant commitments, and overall program quality assurance. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the VP of Community Impact is a member of Indy Reads’ leadership team and oversees Indy Reads’ program department. Currently, this department consists of a teaching team of 7 part-time Instructors, a student services team comprised of a Student Navigator and an ELL Intake Coordinator, the community bookstore team of a Bookstore Program Director and Bookstore Program Coordinator, an AmeriCorps Coordinator, AmeriCorps service members, and volunteers. This is an exciting opportunity for a community-minded, creative leader to advance Indy Reads’ mission by expanding existing programs and reimagining adult education with new initiatives and partnerships. The ideal candidate operates with the highest level of integrity, professionalism, and passion for Indy Reads’ mission. Hybrid work options are available for this position. 

The following is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the job. Other duties may be assigned. 

PROGRAM PLANNING AND INNOVATION 

• Collaborate with the CEO to develop and implement Indy Reads programming strategy and budget 
• Responsible for hiring, training, supervising, and developing program staff  
• Contribute to setting the overall design and strategy for Indy Reads’ AmeriCorps program 
• Oversee, direct, and organize the work of program team, including staff, AmeriCorps service members, and volunteers 
• Contribute to the relaunch and expansion of Indy Reads’ volunteer program and oversee volunteer training and placement to grow capacity  
• Strategize classes, partnerships, class types, locations, and instructors for each program year based on program budget with foresight into adult education trends and best practices 
• Contribute to the generation of student-led and student-informed bookstore programming to serve current students and their families  
• Supervise the Bookstore Program Director for bookstore programming alignment with Indy Reads’ strategic vision and daily operations

INSTRUCTION OVERSIGHT & DEVELOPMENT 

• Oversee the enhancement and management of student intake processes to ensure data is collected, managed, and documented accurately and in a timely manner 
• Supervise and support instructors to develop curriculum and resources for classes, including distance education and certification courses 
• Oversee testing strategy and train student intake team members to administer TABE and TABE CLAS-E tests and assessments 
• Evaluate programs, track standardized testing performance data to ensure progress toward goals and identify areas for improvement, and develop resources and strategies for student success 
• Conduct periodic classroom visits (in-person and virtual), lead PD meetings, and communicate with teachers for coaching and operations purposes 
• Work with teachers to improve classroom management, lesson planning skills, distance learning engagement, and blended learning procedures

BUSINESS AND PARTNERSHIP DEVELOPMENT  

• Explore innovative partnerships to advance Indy Reads’ mission and strategic vision, including Workforce Education Initiative and/or Integrated Education Training classes, and creative revenue generating collaborations 
• Develop partnerships with organizations that serve adults from groups historically facing low literacy, English language acquisition, and barriers to employment, including immigrants and refugees, at-risk youth (16+), people in re-entry, and those in high crime/low-income areas 
• Develop collaborative relationships with other government programs/non-profits such as one-stop partners, employers, and the Chamber of Commerce to offer services to adult learners

ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP  

• Collaborate with the leadership team to align Indy Reads’ programming, outreach, and development in revenue generating strategies and functions 
• Participate in all Board meetings, and monthly/recurring grant-required meetings (e.g. DWD, etc.) 
• Serve as a vital member of the leadership team by staying abreast of organizational issues and contributing to the development and achievement of the organization’s long-term vision, positive culture, and strategic operating plans 
• Provide input, context, and edits on program-related grant applications and reports, as needed 
• Assist with program information for marketing/development campaigns and initiatives, as needed 
• Serve as strategic thought-partner to the CEO

REQUIREMENTS 

• 5+ years of professional experience with relevant responsibilities, particularly in Adult Education. Equivalent combination of education and work experience may be considered. 

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite; familiar with Salesforce 

• Experience developing, evaluating, mentoring, or remediating Adult Education programs and personnel  

• Familiarity with Adult Education and WIOA landscape in Indiana, particularly central Indiana  

• Familiarity with the Indiana State Adult Education Database(s), particularly InTERS 

• Proven organizational, project management, and problem-solving skills and supervisory ability  

• Cultural sensitivity with excellent verbal and written communication skills 

• Able to engage with wide range of stakeholders, including diverse student body, human services providers, and private sector employers to foster collaboration and partnerships 

• Flexible and adaptable leadership style that can advance organizational and educational goals 

• Ability to work independently without close oversight, take initiative, and manage multiple tasks and projects at a time 

• High energy and passion for Indy Reads’ mission  

• Creative and forward-thinking, with strong time management skills and exceptional attention to detail 

• A sense of humor

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to use his/her hands to feel objects, tools or controls. The employee is regularly required to stand, walk and sit. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required for this position include close vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.  

Indy Reads is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We seek employees from all backgrounds to join our team and encourage them to bring their authentic and best selves to work. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. 

COMPENSATION 

This is an excellent opportunity for a highly motivated professional to assume a pivotal role in the evolution of a fast-growing, highly respected organization. We are seeking an individual of outstanding quality with a respected record of accomplishment. Indy Reads is prepared to offer a very attractive compensation package, including a competitive  salary as well as health, 401(k), and generous PTO/days off benefits. 

APPLY

To apply for this position, please submit a cover letter and resume for the Vice President of Community Impact position via the “Join Our Team” button on the About Our Team page on the Indy Reads website.