Early Literacy Program Manager

The Early Literacy Program Manager coordinates and implements statewide efforts to advance early literacy in North Carolina through leadership of the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library (DPIL). Working interdepartmentally and in partnership with local affiliates, state agencies, funders, and national partners, the Early Literacy Program Manager ensures a shared vision for early literacy is broadly disseminated and implemented across the state.

Responsibilities include:

• Provide statewide leadership, coordination, and strategic oversight for North Carolina’s Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, supporting implementation, sustainability, and growth of county programs.
• In partnership with Smart Start local partnerships, statewide committees, the Dollywood Foundation, and internal colleagues, support equitable access to books and early literacy resources for children birth to age five across North Carolina.
• Convene and facilitate Smart Start literacy committees or communities of practice to promote shared learning, alignment, and continuous quality improvement.
• Collaborate across NCPC divisions to align early literacy initiatives with data, policy, communications, equity, family support, and systems-building efforts.
• Lead statewide 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 for DPIL and related literacy initiatives.

Compensation & Benefits:

The new hire will be eligible for our generous benefits package, including free employee-only health coverage and a 7% discretionary company contribution to the 401k.

Pay range: $63,333 – $70,000

This is a Raleigh-based hybrid role which will typically involve 10%-15% travel within North Carolina.

Requirements:

• 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 in overseeing large-scale projects or initiatives is strongly preferred.