Research Scientist & Director of Early Learning and Literacy Position Available In Alachua, Florida

Research Scientist & Director of Early Learning and Literacy
Employer
University of Florida Lastinger Center for Learning
Location
Gainesville, Florida
Salary
Salary is negotiable, competitive, and commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Date posted
Mar 25, 2025
View more categories In collaboration with the Lastinger Center Director, the Director of Early Learning and Literacy will direct and execute a vision for the Center’s early learning and literacy portfolio, including the development and implementation of evidence-based, technology-enhanced professional development for early childhood and literacy educators and leaders. The Director of Early Learning and Literacy will develop strategic partnerships at the state and national level and cultivate public and private funding opportunities to support the Center’s early learning and literacy portfolio. The work of the Director of Early Learning and Literacy will support and align with the core mission of the Center. The Director will offer key subject matter expertise and serve as the executive sponsor on early learning and literacy contracts and grants, managing the implementation of early learning and literacy projects as well as the research and evaluation agendas in these areas. The Director will also consult and coordinate with business administration, project management, product management, data management, content development, external affairs, and communications and marketing functions across the Center to execute these projects. The position will also coordinate closely with the Assistant Center Director, the Director of Mathematics, and the Director of State Initiatives to manage the Center’s overall research agenda and align on the Center’s relationships with external partners. The position will serve as a member of the executive team at the Center, will report and provide advisement to the Director, and support decision making around the strategy, tactics, and operations of the Center. This will be a 12-month, non-tenure track faculty appointment. The University of Florida Lastinger Center for Learning’s mission is to improve the quality of teaching, learning, and childcare. We research, develop, and scale educational innovations for adults and children that put all learners on trajectories for lifelong success. Specifically, the Center targets kindergarten readiness, 3rd grade reading proficiency, and algebra proficiency as critical milestones in children’s educational trajectory that are predictive of success in school and life. The Center works at the nexus of research, practice, and policy to develop sustainable systems that leverage educational technologies and improve the implementation of research-based practices. Housed in one of the nation’s elite public research universities, the Center operates as a dynamic, entrepreneurial workplace focused on executing UF’s service mission to strengthen the human condition and improve the quality of life. The Lastinger Center is committed to attracting, hiring, and retaining top talent by valuing diversity of thought, skill, and experience. As an equal opportunity employer, we believe in fostering environments where team members feel included, valued for their differences, and empowered to do their best work.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Works in consultation with the Center Director, Assistant Center Director, and Advisory Board to develop and manage the early learning and literacy strategy and portfolio for the organization.
Serves as a subject-matter expert in early learning and literacy, supporting the development, management, and implementation of the Center’s early learning and literacy initiatives and projects.
Articulates and executes the Center’s research and evaluation agenda for early learning and literacy with clear goals and timelines, in coordination with other members of the executive team
Provides leadership on the Center’s early learning and literacy product roadmap and policy agenda, maintaining productive, positive relationships with key stakeholders as well as state and national experts who serve as resources. Through these relationships, advances system development initiatives and public policy that improve teaching and learning outcomes. Coordinates these external relationships with other members of the executive team to ensure consistency across their interactions with the Center.
Cultivates private fundraising opportunities to develop early learning and literacy products and programs as well as public investment to scale and sustain their implementation.
Engages external business and industry experts to learn and influence business strategies, remaining alert and forward-thinking about opportunities and risks.
Builds new partnerships to expand awareness, increase engagement and support for the Center’s initiatives.
Cultivates and maintains relationships among key stakeholders, government, and philanthropy to maintain awareness of emerging needs and interests
Represents the Center on relevant committees and task forces, as well as at speaking engagements, conference panels and trainings.
Facilitates the execution of the early learning and literacy strategy by working collaboratively with other executive team members and ensuring that the early learning and literacy strategy is communicated and easily understood by all throughout the organization. Ensures that strategic actions are completed at all levels of the Center to achieve desired results.
Ensures that appropriate metrics are in place to measure performance across all projects and progress toward early learning and literacy strategic goals both internally and externally.
Manages working relationships with the Center’s early learning and literacy partners and staff to deliver high quality services that are on budget and on deadline.
Implement and maintain high standards of quality control. These responsibilities include recruiting, performing employee reviews, overseeing team interactions, and focusing promotion effort to maintain the highest quality. Ensuring the morale of staff remains high and personnel remain motivated to achieve goals and objectives of the Center is of great importance.
Responsible for ensuring that all programs and activities comply with university, state, and federal regulations.
Responsible for maintaining a working environment that is free from discrimination and harassment.
Performs other duties as assigned by the Center Director or other appropriate administrator.