Executive Director of Literacy Program

Carney, Sandoe & Associates, an education recruitment organization has partnered with the Diocese of Bridgeport Catholic Schools to find their next Executive Director of Gillis Literacy Program.

Position Overview:

This inaugural role offers the opportunity to lead the execution of a five-year plan to roll out evidence-based literacy programs across five schools, overseeing budget, timeline, and progress. The ideal candidate is an expert and a leader in the Literacy space, excited about advancing the mission of the program while promoting the values of the Catholic Church.

Mission:

The Gillis Literacy Education Program (GLEP) is a five-year, grant-funded initiative of the Diocese of Bridgeport Catholic Schools designed to close opportunity gaps in literacy by implementing evidence-based, Science of Reading–aligned instruction across grades PreK–12. Through the development of literacy centers, placement of literacy coaches, use of screening and diagnostic assessments, and targeted professional learning, the program seeks to build a sustainable, data-driven system that strengthens teaching practice, supports all students, and fosters a lifelong love of reading advancing both academic excellence and the mission of Catholic education.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the execution of the 5-year GLEP Phased Rollout Plan (Phases I-V) across 5 pilot schools, ensuring fidelity to the timeline, budget, and stated objectives.
• Manage the program’s budget, including the allocation of capital funds for the five Gillis Literacy Center buildouts.
• Implement and monitor a robust Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) for literacy across the schools, ensuring clear protocols for universal screening, targeted intervention, and progress monitoring.
• Lead the review, selection, and implementation of evidence-based reading programs (EBP) and diagnostic assessment tools, ensuring alignment with priority standards and vertical alignment across all grade levels (K-12).
• Conduct assessment of educational technology requirements to fully support the implementation of the program and oversee the acquisition of necessary additions and/or upgrades.
• Oversee the capital improvements necessary to support the program at Kolbe Cathedral Prep.
• In conjunction with the Office of the Superintendent, oversee the hiring, placement, and professional development plan for all Literacy Coaches and Reading Specialists needed to deliver the program with fidelity.
• Lead high-leverage professional development (PD) based on program fidelity data and student performance data, specifically addressing teacher capacity gaps.
• Establish and maintain robust data management systems to track student progress, program efficacy, and intervention outcomes.
• Lead the annual Program Efficacy and Fidelity Assessment (Phase III), utilizing qualitative and quantitative data to drive continuous improvement.
• Serve as the chief communicator of program status, efficacy, and budget management to the Superintendent, school leaders, and the Gillis Foundation.
• Create reports for stakeholders.

Qualifications and Personal Attributes:

• Working knowledge of and a strong commitment to the mission of fostering lay leadership in the Catholic Church.
• If a baptized Catholic, must be a practicing Roman Catholic.
• Master's degree in Literacy, Educational Leadership, or a related field.
• Deep, demonstrated knowledge of the Science of Reading, evidence-based instructional practices, and developmental reading acquisition.
• Expertise in designing and managing multi-tiered system of support (MTSS/SRBI) frameworks.
• Exceptional ability to lead complex change initiatives across multiple school sites. Proven success in building consensus and fostering collaborative relationships with school leaders, teachers, and external partners.
• Experience managing major grants and categorical budgets. Demonstrated ability to track budget spending, forecast resource needs, and reallocate personnel/resources based on data.
• Project management expertise to oversee projects.
• High proficiency in utilizing and integrating educational assessment platforms (e.g., DIBELS, i- Ready) and Student Information Systems (SIS, specifically FACTS). Demonstrated ability to translate complex data analytics into actionable, accessible reports for classroom teachers.
• Excellent communications skills including written, verbal, public speaking and presentation skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior school leadership experience.
• Doctorate Degree in Educational Administration.
• School Leader certification.
• Travels to school building and professional meetings as required.

Carney Sandoe does not discriminate on the basis of physical handicap, sex, race, creed, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national or ethnic origin in administration of its services, consulting, events, professional development, or other programs.