Job Description

Work for Indiana

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About the Indiana Department of Education (DOE):

The Indiana Department of Education provides innovative support to Indiana schools, teachers, students, and parents. We proactively work with educators, policymakers, business leaders, and community-based organizations to build student success. Our strategic priorities include:

• Delivering quality, purposeful educational opportunities for each student.
• Elevating and supporting Indiana’s educators.
• Increasing partnerships and delivering aligned, effective, and efficient support.

Role Overview:  

The Literacy Center Specialist provides strategic leadership, coordination, and technical support in the design, implementation, and scaling of literacy initiatives aligned to the science of reading. This role plays a critical part in advancing Indiana's commitment to evidence-based instruction by supporting educators, schools, and districts in delivering high-quality foundational reading instruction for students in pre-kindergarten through grade 5.

This specialist interprets and applies state education policy related to literacy, collaborates across departments to align statewide efforts, and develops and disseminates high-quality resources and professional learning opportunities-both in print and digital formats. The specialist also represents Indiana in key statewide and national literacy initiatives.

Role Responsibilities: 

• Provide leadership in the implementation and continuous improvement of Indiana's Priorities for Early Literacy, ensuring alignment with the science of reading and current research.
  Inform and coordinate the development of early literacy initiatives within the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE), particularly those focused on explicit, systematic instruction in phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.
• Support the development and implementation of instructional guidance, professional development, and technical assistance to ensure strong early literacy practices are in place in PK-5 classrooms.
• Analyze literacy data, research, and instructional trends to inform policy development, program design, and resource creation.
• Respond to requests for information and support from the State Board of Education, State Legislature, local education agencies, and stakeholders across the state.
• Serve as a trusted resource to educators and other departments by providing guidance aligned to the science of reading.
• Maintain collaborative relationships with national and state-level educational organizations and contribute to the advancement of best practices in literacy.
• Contribute to the development and upkeep of on-line platforms, including Indiana Learning Lab, that serve as professional learning communities for literacy educators.
• Participate in cross-functional agency teams and other duties as assigned.

Role Requirements:

The ideal candidate demonstrates a strong foundation in early literacy instruction, policy, and systems-level leadership, with the ability to lead complex, research-based initiatives:

• Bachelor's degree in education (Master's degree preferred), with at least five years of successful classroom teaching experience in PK-5 settings.
• Active Indiana teaching license preferred.
• Documented experience implementing the science of reading in classroom instruction, including use of structured literacy approaches.
• Experience designing and delivering professional development or instructional coaching aligned with evidence-based reading practices.
• Knowledge of state-level literacy policy, assessment, and curriculum standards.
• Experience managing and maintaining digital content and communities of practice.

Salary:

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $59,800.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience. Use our to view the total compensation package.

A Day in the Life:

The essential functions of this role are as follows:

• Monitor education program/initiative objectives, outcomes, and actions to achieve agency goals. 
• Interpret and explain policies, rules, regulations, or laws to constituents within educational institutions. 
• Implement strategic action plans to address program gaps and opportunities. 
• Prepare and disseminate reports on program effectiveness. 
• Ensure program requirements adhere to federal and state policies and grants compliance. 
• Assist in the training and development of education system employees or agency consultants on program requirements and usage.
• Serve as a liaison between agency and other state and federal agencies.

The job profile is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.

What You'll Need for Success:

Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:

• Specialized knowledge in educational systems obtained through experience and/or education
• Specialized knowledge of education programs and services including pertinent rules and regulations. 
• Extensive knowledge of all source materials and references including federal and state laws governing the programs. 
• Ability to develop and implement new processes and approaches and discern any far-reaching implications. 
• Ability to communicate effectively both internal and external customers, the public, government officials, and other stakeholders. 
• Ability to analyze information and evaluate results to choose the best solution and solve problems. 
• Ability to work effectively with a wide variety of stakeholders.

A degree is not required. However, at least 6+ years of experience applying the outlined knowledge, skills, and abilities in a similar role may be considered.

Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:

This role may serve as a team lead for an assigned work group.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes: 

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
• Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
• Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
  • 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
  • Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
• Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
• 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Group life insurance
• Referral Bonus program
• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Free Parking for most positions
• Free LinkedIn Learning access

   

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov .

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