Director of Literacy, ESL, and Inclusion

Summary

The Director of Literacy, ESL (English as a Second Language), and Inclusion is responsible for overseeing the development, implementation, and management of educational programs designed to enhance adult literacy, English language proficiency, and GED attainment, as well as facilitate understanding of equity and inclusiveness within college and community for the changing community college student. This role requires a dynamic leader who can cultivate partnerships with community organizations, educational institutions, and local businesses to expand opportunities for program participants. The Director will work to ensure that the programs meet the needs of diverse learners, while also seeking out and promoting new opportunities for workforce development and career advancement. The Director supervises non-credit instructional and professional staff and reports to the Executive Director of the Center for Innovation and Learning. Some evening and weekend hours and must be willing to travel to multiple sites in the three county (Lehigh, Carbon, and Schuylkill) region.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Program Leadership and Management:

• Lead the strategic planning, development, and evaluation of literacy, ESL, and GED programs.
• Supervise and support instructional staff, including teachers, program coordinators, and support personnel.
• Ensure programs are aligned with best practices and are responsive to the needs of the local community.
• Work collaboratively across departments, to develop and implement student focused programs and initiatives to enhance cultural intelligence, understanding of equity and inclusiveness within college and community.
• Serve as an advocate to help address challenges and biases that might inhibit student development, sense of belonging and the ability to thrive in the campus community.
• Seek and continuously participate in professional development to enhance organizational transformation to better support the changing needs of community college students.
• Research best practices in peer institutions on an on-going basis to consider strategies to enhance student success and identify areas for growth or improvement.
• Serve on college committees and task forces, as assigned to bring forward student engagement and inclusion perspectives.

Curriculum Development:

• Collaborate with instructional teams to design, implement, and update curricula that meet the needs of adult learners.
• Ensure that instructional materials and methods are culturally responsive and differentiated for diverse learners.
• Monitor student progress and adjust program delivery to improve learning outcomes.
• Be a resource for departments and services in their review of policies, procedures, and protocols with a diversity, equity, and belonging lens to reduce unintentional bias.

Partnership Development:

• Seek out and build partnerships with local businesses, workforce development agencies, and community organizations.
• Promote new opportunities for collaboration that support program participants in gaining skills for career advancement.
• Develop and maintain relationships with local employers to facilitate job placements, internships, and on-the-job training opportunities for students.

Community Outreach and Engagement:

• Act as a liaison between the program and community stakeholders, including civic leaders, social service organizations, and educational institutions.
• Design and implement outreach initiatives to increase program visibility and attract new participants.
• Promote awareness of the literacy, ESL, and GED programs through marketing, public relations, and social media.

Grant Writing and Fundraising:

• Identify and pursue grant opportunities to secure funding for program expansion and innovation.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to prepare grant proposals, reports, and budgets.
• With the Program Director of literacy, manage grant program budgets and ensure effective allocation of resources.

Workforce Development and Career Pathways:

• Develop strategies to integrate workforce development skills into literacy, ESL, and GED programs.
• Partner with businesses to align training with industry needs, creating pathways to employment for program participants.
• Promote the development of career-specific English language programs and vocational training opportunities.

Data Collection and Reporting:

• Oversee the collection and analysis of data related to program enrollment, retention, and outcomes.
• Provide regular reports on program effectiveness and impact to stakeholders and funders.
• Use data to inform continuous improvement efforts and ensure program goals are met.

Qualifications

Required

Education

• Master’s degree in Education from an accredited institution or a related field.

Certifications

• Act 153 Clearances (Act 34 PA Criminal Background, Act 151 PA Child Abuse History, Act 114 FBI Clearance Fingerprinting)

Work Experience

• Experience working with immigrant and/or ELLs in college/university or secondary levels.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Experience in building partnerships with businesses, community organizations, and educational institutions.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Proven ability to develop and manage programs that meet the needs of diverse learners.
• Knowledge of workforce development and adult education best practices.
• Experience with grant writing and budget management.
• Excellent presentation skills and experience with outreach programming and activities.
• Familiarity with and commitment to the mission of a comprehensive community college.
• Demonstrated computer proficiency (word processing, spreadsheet, and database systems).
• Ability to work independently and as a team.
• Must possess a high level of the following work skills and behaviors: teamwork/cooperation, initiative, customer service, and commitment to continuous professional growth in skills and knowledge.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual (Spanish/English) strongly preferred.
• Experience working with underserved populations.
• Familiarity with current trends in workforce development, career pathways, and educational technology.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk and hear.  The employee may regularly lift and/or move up to15 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and distance vision.

Work Environment

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate.

LCCC is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from diverse candidates.

LCCC Internal candidates must apply within 15 days of posting.