Reading Partners is changing the education landscape. We are a leader in working to solve the literacy crisis in our country by leveraging community volunteers in under-resourced schools. Our diverse and expansive volunteer base provides one-on-one tutoring to students twice weekly, and our program is proven to help children master the reading fundamentals they need to unlock their potential as successful, happy, and confident readers in school and in life. Our people are our heartbeat and our greatest resource; we are all passionately rallied around our mission to help children become lifelong learners by empowering communities to provide individualized instruction that truly works. Join our stellar, committed team leading the charge to deepen our impact and expand our service. Watch this video to learn more about the mission and core tutoring work of Reading Partners.

The high level:

The Managing Director, Regional Operations (MDRO) plays a critical role in supporting the Regional Operations department in executing Reading Partners’ strategic plan. This department is responsible for all aspects of operations for 7 regions, over 200 AmeriCorps members serving over 7,000 students. At the heart of this department’s work is connecting the work implemented all over the United States with Reading Partners’ national strategy by building the systems and structures necessary to enhance operational excellence and collaboration. 

Reporting directly to the Chief Regional Officer (CRO), the MDRO will serve as a “force multiplier” for the CRO, the Regional Operations team, National Community Engagement (CE), and the National Impact and Service department (NIS) and serves as a key strategic thought partner to these units. The MDRO operates at a tactical, strategic, and operational level. This executive is responsible for driving cross-cutting projects and initiatives that have far reaching impact. Also, this seasoned leader will serve as an ambassador for Reading Partners’ REDI work and ensure that it is inculcated operationally at every level across all regions, while centering students at the heart of our work. They will directly manage the national Community Engagement team (three direct reports) to ensure the operational success of all regions. 

This leader is responsible for supporting the operational success of all regions. The MDRO will take on strategic initiatives to build the systems and infrastructure necessary to enable the Regional Operations department to effectively analyze, strategize, and execute to meet outcomes. As a key strategic partner to the CRO and the Vice President of Regions (VPR), this individual will lead on cross-functional project teams (e.g., finance, executive professional development, and data analysis) in partnership with other Reading Partners departments.

This role is highly complex, requiring exceptional analytical, problem-solving, project management, influencing, and change management skills. Additionally, the MDRO will navigate work streams at Reading Partners and must be able to operate with a high level of discretion and emotional intelligence. Also, the MDRO collaborates with the CRO daily to help provide support to and troubleshoot issues for all Reading Partners regions. 

Location: This position is remote but requires candidates to reside within one of Reading Partners’ operating locations. Reading Partners operating locations include Baltimore, MD, Charleston, SC, Denver, CO, Los Angeles, CA, New York City, NY, North Texas (Dallas and Fort Worth), San Francisco Bay Area, CA, Seattle, WA, Twin Cities, MN, Tulsa, OK, and Washington, D.C.

What you’ll do: 

The MDRO’s primary responsibilities include: 

Strategic Thought Partnership for Regional Operations Leadership (40%) 

• Provide strategic and confidential counsel to the CRO to drive major decisions.
• Serve as strategic counsel to the CRO and VPR on regional initiatives and culture.
• Lead effort to build an efficient, driven culture within the Regional Operations team, National Impact and Service (NIS) department, and Community Engagement (CE) against the national big, bold strategic plan.
• Drive strategic initiatives and special projects. 
• Devise a strategy to maximize Regional Operations engagement with key organizational colleagues and other internal stakeholders. 
• Partner with CRO to conduct monthly Regional operations stepbacks, time audits, and strategic priorities.
• Support CRO and departmental preparation for National Board of Directors meetings and relevant committee meetings. 

Strategic Project and Operational Management (25%)

• Have general knowledge of volunteer recruitment, retention and engagement while overseeing the national community engagement team
• Provide strategic counsel to CRO, VPR, and regional leadership on how to help regions expand literacy impact with students and achieve fundraising targets.
• Partner with the CRO, VPR, and regions to develop and implement annual regional operating goals. 
• Lead and manage special projects across a variety of topics, including managing the multi-year roadmap planning process for regions, operating principles, etc.
• Work with national departments and Regional Operations to ensure that organizational-wide initiatives are designed and executed to support and accelerate the success of regions.
• Represent the CRO, when necessary, on teams that are engaged in a broad range of projects that impact both NIS, CE, Regional Operations department, and regions. 
• Partner with CRO, VPR, and relevant teams to ensure that new initiatives are rolled out in a coordinated manner that regions can effectively execute.
• Provide support to Executive Directors with developing regional roadmaps and multiyear planning in collaboration with the CRO, VPR, Regional Operations department, and other national departments.
• Keep department team work aligned with organizational goals and strategic initiatives
• Revise and/or build a framework for dashboard that measures against goals.

Data Generation and Analysis (15%)

• Devise and maintain a data and analytical infrastructure to assess regional performance, as well as a common framework for how to leverage strengths and address areas of opportunity.
• Build, create, and implement comprehensive data analytic tools to measure impact, understand trends, and guide performance management against goals. 
• Ensure the CRO has the data and insights to drive strong decision-making.
• Operationalize a deep comprehension of data and analytics and a thorough understanding of interpersonal and organizational dynamics.

Regional Processes, Structures, and Systems Development (10%)

• Work with the Regional Operations department to create professional development opportunities for NIS, CE, and leaders, managers, and administrative staff.
• In targeted situations, support the CRO and VPR with the hiring of new Executive Directors and Regional Operations department staff.
• Work with the Talent and Equity team to convene regional operations staff and create opportunities for their professional development.
• Work closely with the VPR to ensure daily operational support is provided to help regions maximize their service delivery and potential.
• Understand and appreciate the complexities of local markets.

Regional Internal Communications (10%)

• Create systems to ensure a constant flow of communication within the Regional Operations team and among regions.
• Collaborate with the Executive Office on all internal communications.
• Responsible for partnering with CRO and VPR on specific ED communications. 
• Partner with VPR to execute feedback mechanisms to enable the CRO to understand important perspectives of regional staff and AmeriCorps members.
• Support the CRO’s and VPR’s efforts to communicate with regional staff (e.g., Executive Directors) to ensure they have a clear understanding of Reading Partners’ strategy and priorities.
• Lead planning and facilitation of the department team retreats.
• Take a lead role with the strategy, preparation, and execution for all department team meetings, Executive Director calls, etc.

How you’ll do it: 

This seasoned executive must deeply understand the department and Reading Partners’ organizational priorities. Additionally, this change agent should be able to identify the CRO’s focus and goals. The MDRO must have the judgment to ensure the department’s time is allocated to activities that have the highest impact on our regional, AmeriCorps, and Community Engagement success. They know how to maximize the time of those who work with the Regional Operations team and prioritize value-added activities that advance the Regional Operations team, including impact, revenue, and operational excellence. The MDRO leads across regions and national departments in partnership with the Vice President of Regions (VPR) to ensure that these activities are delivered with high quality and with appropriate involvement from Regional Operations. Also, the MDRO will devise and maintain a data and analytical infrastructure to assess regional performance, as well as a common framework for how to leverage strengths and address areas of opportunity.

About you!

• 8+ years of managerial and leadership experience within an education or nonprofit setting, including 4+ years of management and organizational leadership roles with progressive responsibility in large-scale project management and organizational strategy.
• Culturally competent and a self-reflective leader who understands the effects of race, class, ethnicity, income, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, and other issues of difference in society and is able to lead direct conversations about them.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required, master’s degree in business or related field preferred. 
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, and the ability to persuade others.
• Experience working with senior leaders in an organization of significant complexity.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to synthesize and draw sound conclusions from data. 
• Teamwork – demonstrated success collaborating with others. 
• A positive, can-do attitude. 
• The ability to effectively navigate across functional lines and bring people with differing priorities to a consensus.
• Understands how to build systems and processes to facilitate collaboration and teamwork across an organization.
• Track record of using creativity when helping navigate teams through complex, comprehensive change management, with, at times, limited resources.
• Wisdom, curiosity, empathy, and high emotional intelligence. 
• Adept at conflict management and calm in a crisis.
• Demonstrate a commitment to fostering a dynamic and collaborative work environment.
• Display a deep belief in our mission and root your work in our core values.
• Ability to prove eligibility to work legally in the U.S. and that you are at least 18 years of age.

What we offer: 

Reading Partners’ compensation and benefits programs are designed to attract, motivate, engage, and retain top talent to propel our mission forward. We aim to set salaries based on objective, external, high-quality market data. Our salaries are adjusted for candidates in different geographic regions. We do our very best to ensure that we’re bringing our best offer - therefore we do not engage in salary negotiations.

• This is a full-time, exempt, and salaried position. The pay for this position is $135,703 - $159,650 per year. After applying, candidates who move forward in the hiring process are provided with the salary for their geographical location. 
• We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, flex spending accounts, generous paid time off, commuter benefits, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and currently a 403(b) match option.
• Unlimited or Flexible Paid Time Off (PTO) benefits for regular employees scheduled to work 30 hours or more per week. In addition to paid holidays, we close our offices for one week in early July and between Christmas and New Year's Day. 
• We offer well-being benefits like Spring Health which provides easy access to therapy, coaching, and wellness resources. We also offer Carrot to help staff navigate inclusive hormonal health, fertility, gender-affirming services, and family-building benefits.
• We offer an exciting and dynamic culture, and we commit to investing in and supporting our amazing people to grow their careers with us.

The other things you need to know:

• This is a remote-based role.
• Travel: This position travels throughout our regional locations. Travel is up to 10% per year for site visits, team retreats, and relevant touchpoints. 

What’s Next?

If you’re interested in joining our Reading Partners team, please submit the following application materials to our online job posting:

• A cover letter describing your interest in Reading Partners and how your past experience has prepared you for this role. 
• Resume