Program Manager, Early Literacy

Job Overview

Lead statewide coordination and strategic oversight for early literacy initiatives in North Carolina, focusing on programs like Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to support equitable access to books and resources for children from birth to age five across all 100 counties. This remote role involves collaboration with partners, data analysis, and 10-15% travel within the state.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership, coordination, and oversight for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, supporting implementation, sustainability, and growth of county programs.
• Partner with Smart Start local partnerships, statewide committees, the Dollywood Foundation, and internal colleagues to ensure equitable access to early literacy resources.
• Convene and facilitate Smart Start literacy committees or communities of practice to promote shared learning, alignment, and continuous quality improvement.
• Collaborate across divisions to align early literacy initiatives with data, policy, communications, equity, family support, and systems-building efforts.
• Lead monitoring of enrollment, participation, and funding trends; use data and qualitative stories to inform planning, reporting, and decision-making.
• Cultivate and steward relationships with philanthropic, corporate, public-sector, and community partners to increase awareness, enrollment, and sustainable funding.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Literacy, Public Health, Public Administration, or a related field preferred from an accredited college or university.
• 3-5 years of program management experience, including strong presentation and public speaking skills.
• Experience overseeing large-scale projects or initiatives strongly preferred.