Literacy Specialist Indianapolis, IN 46227

Posted:

07/22/2026

Deadline:

Open until filled

Employment:

Full-time

Pay:

Depends upon skills and experience

Department:

Center of Excellence in Leadership of Learning

Experience:

Mid-Level Job Description The Literacy Specialist offers technical leadership and support for a range of initiatives pertaining to literacy programming in alignment with CELL's science of reading and Indiana's priorities for literacy with K12 schools, teachers, and higher education institutions. The Literacy Specialist has specific skills and knowledge relative to the science of reading, including the ability to connect research to practice when working with stakeholders.

REQUIREMENTS/MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum 5 years experience as a classroom teacher, delivering reading instruction. Possess a practical and theoretical understanding of the science of reading research as it relates to school-based reading programs.

Licenses/Certifications/Credentials:

reading specialist or other literacy credential preferred, but not required. A graduate degree in education, reading/literacy, cognitive/learning sciences, or related fields is strongly preferred. Experience as a teacher preparation instructor, a literacy coach, or professional development leader is preferred. Experience as a school administrator is preferred, but not required.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Support the efforts of schools, higher education partners, and State government related to improving reading proficiency for all students.
• Support the leadership and execution of CELL's literacy programs
• Develop and lead professional development for various audiences on a variety of literacy-specific topics, focused on the science of reading.
• Establish new partnerships and / or continue existing partnerships
• Co-develop partnership scopes of work
• Meet on-time deliverables established in partnership scopes of work
• Engage in the development of professional learning opportunities using academic science of reading, learning sciences and neuroscience studies.
• Remain abreast on policy changes and curricular requirements related to literacy in Indiana
• Visit schools across Indiana for the purpose of program evaluation and monitoring; some travel is required.
• Effectively communicate with CELL leadership staff and forecast programmatic barriers to success.
• Frequent travel within Indiana required
• Follow the guidance and direction of supervisor(s).
• Demonstrate respectful, ethical, responsible behavior.
• Abide by the University's policies, procedures, and rules.
• Perform employee responsibilities as detailed in employee handbooks and policies
• Demonstrate regular and predictable attendance and punctuality.
• Other duties, including special projects, as required or assigned.

This role serves as a Title IX Responsible Employee. Yes This role serves as a Campus Security Authority. No This role requires a clean or acceptable driving record. Yes This role is considered Essential (see Extreme Weather Policy for definition). No

COMPETENCIES/OTHER CHARACTERISTICS

To perform the job successfully, an individual will demonstrate the following:

• An understanding and agreement with the science of reading, as defined as the preponderance of evidence to inform educators about how proficient reading and writing abilities are developed; explaining why some students have difficulty acquiring basic literacy skills; and how to most effectively assess and improve student outcomes through interventions for reading difficulties.
• A deep, practical understanding of phonological/phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension instructional and assessment practices.
• Experience examining and reviewing research-based principles associated with literacy development.
• Effective project management skills and experience.
• Prior experience in teacher leadership or other leadership roles.
• A working understanding of typical public-school policies, rules and norms.

Company Description Thank you for your interest in the University of Indianapolis! The University is a private, liberal arts university located on 65 acres just minutes from downtown Indianapolis. With more than 700 faculty and staff, it is a place where you can become part of a close-knit campus community that emphasizes the importance of community partnerships in the future growth of the University. UIndy's mission is to prepare its graduates for effective, responsible, and articulate membership in the complex societies in which they live and serve and for excellence and leadership in their personal and professional lives. The motto of "Education for Service" provides the foundation for our work to better our communities, both near and far. As University employees, we know the work we do is important to our students and our communities. To accomplish our mission, we welcome talented, civic-minded, and diverse individuals from all career levels to help maintain our high standards of excellence and quality. If you want to join our dynamic environment and experience hard work, creativity, and teamwork, we welcome your application!