Description
About FULCRUM
FULCRUM is a literacy advocacy organization committed to radically improving student reading outcomes by advancing the awareness, adoption, and effective implementation of evidence-based literacy instruction in schools, educator preparation programs, and policy nationwide.
The Opportunity
Across the United States, only approximately 25% of educator preparation programs teach future teachers using curriculum fully aligned with the Science of Reading. As a result, 75% of programs continue to inadequately prepare educators to teach reading effectively to all students.
FULCRUM is seeking a Director of Program who will partner with institutions of higher education—including colleges, universities, and alternative preparation programs—to recommend and execute strategies that strengthen educator preparation in literacy. This role is designed for a systems-level leader who can build strong relationships while also supporting curriculum alignment, field placements, and implementation in practice.
In collaboration with FULCRUM’s Executive Director (Kareem Weaver) and the Managing Director of Program (Devika Sood), the Director will design and facilitate learning experiences, provide coaching, connect partners to resources, and work alongside educator preparation programs and partner organizations to drive sustainable, evidence-based improvements in literacy systems—ultimately improving outcomes for all students.
Why This Role, Why Now
Facilitate strategic collaboration among district leaders, higher education institutions, and community partners.
Drive progress toward a more coherent, aligned, and effective literacy ecosystem.
FULCRUM is committed to investing in the caliber of leadership necessary to achieve these outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Systems Alignment
- Support the development and lead the implementation of FULCRUM’s literacy strategy for higher education.
- Help literacy leads and system-level leaders align priorities, accelerate progress, and deepen knowledge and skill.
- Represent FULCRUM in cross-district collaboratives, higher education partnerships, and policy conversations to ensure alignment from classroom to leadership levels.
Implementation Oversight & Coaching
- Support district and school leaders through coaching and instructional decision-making.
- Promote evidence-based literacy practices and meaningful implementation.
- Coordinate with community partners and FULCRUM’s program, communications, and external partnerships teams to maximize collective impact while aligning contributions with core priorities.
Cross-Sector Partnerships & Influence
- Support institutions of higher education in aligning with district literacy needs.
- Assist K–12 systems in articulating literacy priorities and strategically recruiting from effective educator preparation programs.
- Work alongside FULCRUM’s program team and Executive Director to promote coherence within institutions of higher education and alignment with K–12 systems.
- Facilitate strategic convenings and participate in regional communities of practice.
- Perform additional duties as assigned.
Requirements
FULCRUM seeks a collaborative leader who can work effectively across diverse communities and systems. The ideal candidate will have:
- Demonstrated success in systems-level leadership, particularly in driving literacy improvement across districts or regional networks.
- Deep expertise in evidence-based literacy practices and experience supporting implementation at scale.
- Strong coaching skills with senior leaders, including Literacy Leads, Chief Academic Officers, superintendents, and higher education deans.
- Proven ability to build relationships across diverse stakeholders, including community leaders, funders, and state agencies.
- A track record of using data, research, and evidence to inform decisions and accelerate student outcomes.
