Upcoming Events
For 27 years, Rodman for Kids has held its non-competitive cycling tour through Southeastern, MA. The Rodman Ride for Kids is the #1 one-day athletic event supporting kids in the nation!
Raising A Reader MA is one of the organizations that Rodman supports. We're putting together a team of riders (choice of 25, 50, or 100 miles) to raise money, ride and to change the lives of kids across MA through literature!
If you're interested in riding, please email bridget@raisingareaderma.org.
How to Help
Corporate leadership in advancing literacy/education opportunities in our community is a key factor in the success of Raising A Reader MA. The Leadership in Literacy Award Breakfast serves to honor the year's most committed in assisting not just our efforts, but the efforts of other organizations and initiatives. We are thrilled to honor Deloitte, accepted by Kevin McGovern, New England Managing Partner.
Interested?
Young Professionals
Emerging Leaders Board
Raising A Reader MA’s Emerging Leaders (EL) was conceived and established by the RAR MA Board of Directors as independent group with its own Board structure in order to raise awareness of RAR MA to young professionals in the greater Boston area. Emerging Leaders is a membership based group, whose participants regularly contribute to the progression of the organization's core mission and develop into potential future leaders, specifically as EL and RAR MA Board members.
EL members apply to participate in the group and are required to raise at least $250 for RAR MA each year. Applications are reviewed and accepted by the RAR MA EL Board.
Executive Committee:
Co-Chair – Mike Dakers - Boston College
Co-Chair – Josh Schaer - Operating Partner, Freshii Boston
Brooks Finnegan - Senior Account Executive, National Financial Partners (NFP) Corp.
Members:
Sarah Curry - Jones Lange Lasalle Boston
Jack Gilbert - Cambridge Associates
Elise Goodhue - Northwestern Mutual
Parker Greiwe - Boston Children's Hospital
Bill Hall - Gordon's Wine
Sonja Haviland - Sonja Haviland Design
Sheila Joyce - Deloitte
Chapman Leedy - Federal Reserve Boston
Emily Leinbach - Bowdoin Group
Brendan Rice - Magellan Jets
Career Opportunities
Boston, MA
Director of Development
Key Responsibilities
Development Strategy
- Build on recent development strategy planning by refining and executing annual plan for fundraising, including identification of growth areas, measures of success, return on investment, and supporting metrics
Development Execution
- Drive and execute identification, research, cultivation and stewardship work to attract new donors, deepen relationships with existing donors and ensure a rewarding donor experience to increase retention and giving annually
- Utilize the capabilities of Salesforce.com CRM to manage the entire donation process, and produce reports that inform development efforts
- Oversee events, analyzing and leveraging use of outside events consultants if cost-effective in maximizing staff time and Return on Investment
- Oversee and support Grant Writer with weekly pipeline reviews and whole organization participation in grant preparation, site visits, and reporting that strengthens grants capacity
- Supervise and support Development Manager in managing the gift entry and acknowledgement process, maintaining CRM data, preparing fundraising-related communications including digital content, email campaigns, and giving campaigns, and in events execution
Administration
- Work with the Director of Programs and Operations to ensure revenue reporting is accurate and consistent with acceptable accounting practices
- Manage development budget and revenue forecasting
- Be ready, willing, and able to take on other duties as needed to support the staff team and move the organization forward
Qualifications
- Strong passion for our mission
- Proven record of accomplishment in fundraising, particularly in the areas of individuals and major gifts, with a working knowledge of all other aspects of fundraising
- Highly developed interpersonal skills, affinity for networking, and high level of confidence, professionalism and poise in front of others
- Eagerness to learn, grow, and stay on top of trends in philanthropy and early literacy
- Excellent ability to write and edit persuasive materials
- Exceptional time management, project management and organizational skills focused on both short-term and long-term strategy
- Demonstrated ability to work autonomously and effectively without close supervision
- Willingness to function effectively as a member of a team, and to participate in activities that will contribute to the organization’s overall success
- Strong understanding and practice of cultural humility and respect for others
- Proficiency in Salesforce or other CRM. Solid information technology skills.
- Bachelor’s degree
Raising A Reader encourages individuals of all backgrounds to apply for this position, and we do not discriminate on any basis prohibited by applicable law. We celebrate the diversity of our world and our community, and we seek to build a team that reflects that diversity.
To apply: Please send a resume and cover letter describing your interest in and qualifications for the position to careers@raisingareaderma.org. Please state your preference for full or part time, as well as where you learned of this opportunity.
Boston, MA
Program and Operations Manager
Key Responsibilities
Program Support:
Curriculum - Maintain curriculum resources; Support program team in adapting curriculum materials for different populations and settings; Oversee implementation of new technological innovations in curriculum delivery
Evaluation – Oversee all data collection and database management for program evaluation; Serve as liaison to external evaluators; Manage and improve organizational evaluation systems; Monitor program outputs/outcomes and communicate with program team to ensure achievement of goals; Produce annual program report and other internal/external reporting materials; Provide essential programmatic information to Development team
Communications - Develop collateral for partnership management; Curate content for and distribute monthly program partner newsletter; Contribute to community and main Facebook pages as needed, in collaboration with Development team
Operations Support
Human Resources – Manage hiring and onboarding of new employees; Oversee volunteer/intern recruitment, training and management; Support employee benefits administration and general employee satisfaction efforts as assigned
Finance – Process and track incoming bills as well as accounts receivable; Track consultant expenses; Oversee monthly expense reimbursement for employees; Other finance support as assigned
Office Management – Oversee office communication including phones, mail, email, and visitors; Maintain orderly and well-stocked supply room and office while ensuring compliance with document retention policies; Manage vendor relationships and contracts
Technology - Track inventory of all technology including laptops, cell phones, etc., and coordinate routine technology support needs
Other - Provide support on special projects, as well as data entry and administrative support, as needed
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Demonstrated commitment to improving the lives of children and families; deep appreciation and enthusiasm for the literacy mission of RAR-MA
- Ability to take initiative with enthusiasm and follow through
- Ability to deal with ambiguity and handle multiple tasks simultaneously
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail
- Ability to work as a member of a team and with a high degree of independence
- Strong understanding and practice of cultural humility and respect for others
- Knowledge of current office procedures/programs, with proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint; Knowledge of web design a plus
- Proficiency and/or comfort with cloud computing and contact management platforms such as Constant Contact, Salesforce
- Proficiency in Spanish preferred, but not required
This position is full time, with an annual salary of $40,000 – $45,000, depending on experience. Raising A Reader MA offers competitive benefits and paid time off, and the office is closed for the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Raising A Reader MA encourages individuals of all backgrounds to apply for this position, and we do not discriminate on any basis prohibited by applicable law. We celebrate the diversity of our world and our community, and we seek to build a team that reflects that diversity.
To apply, please send resume and cover letter to careers@raisingareaderma.org. Please state where you learned of this position.
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Boston, MA and/or Chelsea, MA
Program Manager and/or Coordinator, Part-Time or Full-Time
Program Coordinator Responsibilities:
- Build and maintain positive relationships at a programmatic level:
- Manage relationships with partner administrators
- Train partner staff (program implementers) and attend to their ongoing development as implementers
- Organize and facilitate parent workshops
- Cultivate the engagement of Parent Ambassadors and volunteers
- Adhere to annual program calendar and ensure program goals are met by coordinating program implementation with an identified caseload of partners
- Support successful maintenance and growth of community, at the direction of the Senior Program Manager, by:
- Supporting program evaluation strategies and tracking necessary data in Salesforce software
- Collaborating with community stakeholders, including community literacy councils, libraries and other community leaders
- Managing regional social media and other outlets for deepening community integration and raising awareness
- Working closely with supervisor to monitor expenses and stay on budget throughout the year
- Coordinating parent engagement efforts with the Parent Liaison
- Contribute to the Program Team to advance the impact of Raising A Reader MA
- Perform other related tasks as assigned
Program Manager Responsibilities:
In addition to the duties of a Program Coordinator, the Program Manager will also
- Hold overall responsibility for community level outcomes
- Develop a deep understanding of the community s/he serves: agencies present, areas and resources of need, funding streams, power players, neighborhood-aligned businesses, and more
- Build and maintain long-lasting, strategic relationships in the community and effectively promote Raising A Reader MA
- Recruit new partners to expand Raising A Reader MA’s reach in the community, as appropriate
- Support development staff in developing funding proposals and reporting results to funders
- Recruit and manage project-based interns and volunteers, as appropriate
Qualifications:
- Entrepreneurial and charismatic with motivation and ability to establish Raising A Reader MA as an effective partner in the community
- Deep commitment to creating high-impact opportunities for children and families
- Familiarity with community preferred
- Bilingual in English and Spanish required
- Training and marketing abilities, leadership skills, and public speaking experience
- Creative thinking, specifically related to project implementation
- Ability to work independently
- Familiarity and comfort with technology applications; experience with Salesforce or similar data management system preferred
- Strong administrative capabilities, organizational skills and ability to multitask
- Exceptional ability to work effectively with people representing diverse cultures
- Car and valid driver’s license
- Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent professional/life experience) in Education, Human Services, or other related field
- Program Coordinator: 1+ years of experience in early childhood development, education or social services
- Program Manager: 3+ years of experience in early childhood development, education or social services
This position may be part time or full time, depending on need. Schedule is flexible within normal working hours (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm), and some evenings/weekends are required. Salary range is $30,000-$42,000 annually, depending on experience and pro-rated based on hours. Raising A Reader MA offers competitive benefits (for full time employees) and paid time off, and the office is closed for the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Raising A Reader MA currently has openings for several program roles on our Boston and Greater Boston teams. We are flexible with regards to schedule and level of responsibility, determined in accordance with the candidates’ experience and availability.
The Program Coordinator(s)/Manager(s) will be based in either our Chelsea or Boston office, with frequent travel to program partner sites across Boston and Greater Boston (Chelsea, Revere, Malden, Everett, Lynn). They will work at the direction of a region-based Senior Program Manager.
To apply, please send resume and detailed cover letter to careers@raisingareaderma.org. Please indicate preference for schedule and location, as well as where you learned about this opportunity.
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Boston, MA
Boston Parent Liaison (Part-Time)
Responsibilities
Parent Ambassador Cohort Maintenance and Growth
- Follow up with interested parents by ensuring they have an opportunity to receive an orientation in a timely manner
- Coordinate volunteer placements according to requests from program staff; including maintaining current documentation of requests and volunteer availability in Google spreadsheets and calendars, communicating with all parties via phone/text/email, confirming participation and communicating any changes to all affected parties in a timely manner, etc.
- Organize and facilitate volunteer orientation/training sessions; including inviting volunteers, arranging food and space, arranging child care, preparing materials, etc.
- Mentor/coach new parent volunteers as needed, in such areas as Dialogic Reading, outreach strategies, facilitation strategies, etc.
- Track parent ambassadors’ activities and progress in Salesforce
- Collect feedback from parent volunteers and support the program team in continuous program improvement
Parent/Family Outreach
- Invite parents/caretakers to events via phone calls, text messages, emails, etc.
- Talk to families and hand out flyers at partner programs
- Support with tabling at partner events and community gatherings to promote Raising A Reader MA’s mission and raise community awareness
- Support Raising A Reader MA’s evolving social media presence
Program Team Support
- Plan and facilitate parent education workshops at assigned partner programs
- Provide storytimes at partners and community spaces as availability allows, with the aim of increasing awareness
Skills and Qualifications:
- Passionate about the importance of book sharing and enthusiastic about spreading that energy
- Certified, or able to achieve certification quickly, in Dialogic Reading (offered as part of new staff orientation if needed)
- Experience with group facilitation and public speaking
- Experience working with families and caretakers
- Familiarity with the Boston community
- Outgoing personality and excellent communication skills
- General office, scheduling and telephone skills
- Demonstrated ability to work autonomously and effectively without close supervision
- Willingness to function effectively as a member of a team, and to participate in activities that will contribute to the organization’s overall success
- Strong understanding and practice of cultural humility and respect for others
- Comfortable with technology including Microsoft Office software, Google tools, e-mail, web
- Experience with data management systems such as Salesforce preferred
- Reliable transportation required for travel throughout Boston (i.e. car and valid driver's license; comfort and timeliness on public transportation, etc.)
- Bilingual in English and Spanish required
The Parent Liaison will be based in the Boston headquarters, with frequent travel to partner sites across Boston, and close collaboration with the Greater Boston team located in Chelsea. The Parent Liaison will be a member of the Program Team and will work at the direction of a Senior Program Manager. This position is part time at 20 hours/week, and may be either year round or 10 months (September to June), with a salary of $18,000. Although this position is initially grant-funded for three years, we expect to sustain the role as a permanent part of the team.
Raising A Reader encourages individuals of all backgrounds to apply for this position, and we do not discriminate on any basis prohibited by applicable law. We celebrate the diversity of our world and our community, and we seek to build a team that reflects that diversity.
To apply: Please send a resume and cover letter describing your interest in and qualifications for the position to careers@raisingareaderma.org. Please state your preference for 12 or 10 month schedule, as well as where you learned of this opportunity.
Other Ways to Support Us
HOST A
BOOK DRIVE
Businesses, schools and community groups often host new and used book drives to support Raising A Reader MA.
IN-OFFICE
DATA ENTRY
Assist in tasks such as entering family pre- and post- Red Bag implementation surveys, entering information forms, and entering partner surveys.
IN-OFFICE
ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT
Assist in re-organizing our copy room, sorting books, filing documents, repurposing old technology, and other general office management tasks.
SUPPORT WORKSHOPS
THROUGH OUR AMAZON WISHLIST
Give the gift of literacy when you provide us with workshop supplies such as gift cards, flip chart paper, and books!
IN-OFFICE
CURRICULUM & OUTREACH
Assist in preparing email communications for program participants using Constant Contact and preparing texting communications for program participants.
AT HOME
REMOTE OPPORTUNITIES
Assist in tasks such as translating documents (Arabic, Somali, Haitian Creole, Cape Verdean Creole, Spanish, and more needed), contributing to our monthly newsletter, researching new funder prospects, and graphic design.
Interested in these and other opportunities?
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