What are the responsibilities and job description for the Reading Specialist position at Vibrant Pittsburgh?
Nonprofit
Pittsburgh, PA - Onsite
Reader Specialist
How to apply: Submit a resume and cover letter by June 8, 2026
Job Summary: The Reading Specialist leads the development of strategic vision for school-age literacy and ‘striving reader’ or ‘rising reader’ services throughout Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (CLP). They collaborate with library and community stakeholders to identify and implement ways CLP can support youth, families, and educators in positively impacting K-12 students’ reading achievement in the city of Pittsburgh. The Reading Specialist builds connections, collaborations, and partnerships with community organizations and stakeholders that ensure community and family input and engagement in service design. They believe that guardians and parents are a child’s first and most important teachers and lead staff in fostering a supportive network that brings together K-12 formal education, family engagement, community organizations, and library learning.
The Reading Specialist works with librarians, library services associates and other library staff to support student literacy development and staff practice in the areas of reading and writing. They create and implement strong text-dependent literacy activities that lead to student learning and growth. They adapt formal education skills to an informal education setting. They act as a content specialist to expand and refine library staff understanding of and use of structured literacy in library services.
Location: Office of Programmatic Services, Pittsburgh, PA
Hiring Supervisor: Erin Zambataro – Library Administrator, Children’s and Teen Services
Work Hours: 37.5 hours per week, base schedule
Compensation: $65,000 annually
Number of Vacancies: 1
Additional Details: This is a four-year grant-funded position (2026-2030)
Essential Functions
Develop, coordinate and evaluate a range of developmentally-appropriate literacy programs and services that address reading inequities that impact Pittsburgh’s Black and Brown students disproportionately;
Review new and existing programs, resources and services; utilize knowledge of how children learn to read and write and literacy data to co-design library offerings;
Incorporate research-based methods and culturally relevant resources and strategies to meet the learning needs of diverse students in the library’s informal education setting;
Identify and administer literacy screenings to K-5 students; Share results directly with students’ guardians and recommend library or community resources to support their students’ literacy and reading development;
Review possible Multi-Tiered Systems of Support, intervention systems and progress monitoring structures to determine if/when they can be applied to the Library’s informal education environment and literacy services;
Research, design, implement and evaluate volunteer opportunities that bring community involvement to the Library’s literacy programs and K-12 learners;
Form partnerships with Pittsburgh’s formal and informal education partners to positively impact student success;
Collaborate with CLP’s Library Services Supervisor of School Partnerships to ensure library supports compliment Pittsburgh Public Schools curriculum and align with PA Core Standards;
Support staff in having informed conversations with adult caregivers interested in supporting their child’s reading growth;
Lead systemwide collaborative work through project teams, committees and pilot opportunities to bring services to life;
Engage stakeholders and staff throughout the Library and community to garner input, listen to feedback and co-design impactful services;
Supervise assigned staff in the Office of Programmatic Services and provide guidance and support to non-direct reports across the system;
Coordinate reading, writing & literacy-related onboarding, staff training and professional development opportunities for children and teen staff, as well as location supervisors and managers;
Collaborate and communicate empathetically and clearly with parents, guardians and caregivers of K-12 students;
Work constructively with teachers, principals, and other formal and informal educational partners;
Assess potential literacy tools to evaluate their efficacy and appropriateness for the Library’s context and goals;
Develop sustainable literacy services to operate beyond the grant period;
Act as a representative of CLP to the public;
Perform other duties as assigned.
Knowledge Of
Competencies and Qualifications:
Science of Reading research and the application of structured literacy in a library or informal education setting;
Current research in literacy instruction, general teaching practices, and K-12 and adult learning;
Family engagement and dynamic strategies for meeting families where they are in supporting their student’s reading and writing journey;
Dyslexia and other learning disabilities and disorders that impact reading and writing development;
Child and teen development and behavior;
Experiences, circumstances, interests and needs of Pittsburgh’s youth, families, and educators;
Uses of metrics and statistics to assess the effectiveness of programs and services to determine and measure outcomes and impact;
Shared practices in equity, diversity, and inclusion and how to effectively integrate them into leadership approaches and library services;
Emerging technology, media mentorship and media use, especially as they apply to informal education and libraries;
Children’s, middle grade and teen literature and its application in literacy activities.
Skills In
Project management and evaluation;
Leadership; an experienced manager, and a collaborative team player;
Communication including diplomacy, tact, excellent listening skills, strong group facilitation skills, and analytical and problem-solving skills;
Articulating a vision and strategic direction to a wide variety of audiences; strategic thinking, flexibility and adaptability; and a willingness to embrace and drive change;
Utilizing a range of productivity, virtual meeting and recording software to work collaboratively and use appropriately in youth programs.
Ability To
Understand CLP’s organization, services, locations and policies;
Work with communities and engage people outside the Library walls through various channels;
Establish an environment of open, honest communication and rational decision-making;
Work interdepartmentally and achieve consensus, coordinate with internal and external constituencies;
Work in conjunction with the grant manager and development department to create and manage grant supported programs and deliverables;
Manage a diverse pool of library volunteers to implement literacy supports with students;
Create and manage budgets for literacy services and related activities;
Independently travel locally, regionally and nationally as required.
Education And Experience
Master’s degree in Reading, Literacy Education, Curriculum & Instruction (literacy focus), or a closely related field required;
Graduate level coursework in evidence-based reading instruction, including phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension;
Reading Specialist (PK–12) certification or equivalent preparation preferred;
Experience with Multi-Tiered Systems of Support, intervention systems and/or progress monitoring structures;
Experience in facilitating professional development opportunities, including coaching, preferred;
Five years of reading or literacy instruction in an education setting, including demonstrated leadership and project management;
Experience in designing, managing and evaluating literacy, family engagement or library services.
Physical And Environmental Conditions
Must be able to travel independently for outreach, meetings and presentations;
Travel to CLP sites and other locations will be required, along with transporting related materials;
Work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts, which require normal safety precautions typical of such places as offices, libraries or meeting rooms, e.g., use of safe workplace practices with office equipment, and/or avoidance of trips and falls, etc.;
Ability to lift and move 25 pounds, perform physical duties including moving outreach materials.
Pre-Employment Requirements
PA State Criminal Record Check
Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance
FBI Fingerprint Criminal Record Check
Mandated Reporter Training
To apply for this job please visit www.carnegielibrary.org.
Pittsburgh, PA - Onsite
- 65,000 USD / Year
- Employment Type: Full-time
- Experience: Mid (5-7 years)
Reader Specialist
How to apply: Submit a resume and cover letter by June 8, 2026
Job Summary: The Reading Specialist leads the development of strategic vision for school-age literacy and ‘striving reader’ or ‘rising reader’ services throughout Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (CLP). They collaborate with library and community stakeholders to identify and implement ways CLP can support youth, families, and educators in positively impacting K-12 students’ reading achievement in the city of Pittsburgh. The Reading Specialist builds connections, collaborations, and partnerships with community organizations and stakeholders that ensure community and family input and engagement in service design. They believe that guardians and parents are a child’s first and most important teachers and lead staff in fostering a supportive network that brings together K-12 formal education, family engagement, community organizations, and library learning.
The Reading Specialist works with librarians, library services associates and other library staff to support student literacy development and staff practice in the areas of reading and writing. They create and implement strong text-dependent literacy activities that lead to student learning and growth. They adapt formal education skills to an informal education setting. They act as a content specialist to expand and refine library staff understanding of and use of structured literacy in library services.
Location: Office of Programmatic Services, Pittsburgh, PA
Hiring Supervisor: Erin Zambataro – Library Administrator, Children’s and Teen Services
Work Hours: 37.5 hours per week, base schedule
Compensation: $65,000 annually
Number of Vacancies: 1
Additional Details: This is a four-year grant-funded position (2026-2030)
Essential Functions
Develop, coordinate and evaluate a range of developmentally-appropriate literacy programs and services that address reading inequities that impact Pittsburgh’s Black and Brown students disproportionately;
Review new and existing programs, resources and services; utilize knowledge of how children learn to read and write and literacy data to co-design library offerings;
Incorporate research-based methods and culturally relevant resources and strategies to meet the learning needs of diverse students in the library’s informal education setting;
Identify and administer literacy screenings to K-5 students; Share results directly with students’ guardians and recommend library or community resources to support their students’ literacy and reading development;
Review possible Multi-Tiered Systems of Support, intervention systems and progress monitoring structures to determine if/when they can be applied to the Library’s informal education environment and literacy services;
Research, design, implement and evaluate volunteer opportunities that bring community involvement to the Library’s literacy programs and K-12 learners;
Form partnerships with Pittsburgh’s formal and informal education partners to positively impact student success;
Collaborate with CLP’s Library Services Supervisor of School Partnerships to ensure library supports compliment Pittsburgh Public Schools curriculum and align with PA Core Standards;
Support staff in having informed conversations with adult caregivers interested in supporting their child’s reading growth;
Lead systemwide collaborative work through project teams, committees and pilot opportunities to bring services to life;
Engage stakeholders and staff throughout the Library and community to garner input, listen to feedback and co-design impactful services;
Supervise assigned staff in the Office of Programmatic Services and provide guidance and support to non-direct reports across the system;
Coordinate reading, writing & literacy-related onboarding, staff training and professional development opportunities for children and teen staff, as well as location supervisors and managers;
Collaborate and communicate empathetically and clearly with parents, guardians and caregivers of K-12 students;
Work constructively with teachers, principals, and other formal and informal educational partners;
Assess potential literacy tools to evaluate their efficacy and appropriateness for the Library’s context and goals;
Develop sustainable literacy services to operate beyond the grant period;
Act as a representative of CLP to the public;
Perform other duties as assigned.
Knowledge Of
Competencies and Qualifications:
Science of Reading research and the application of structured literacy in a library or informal education setting;
Current research in literacy instruction, general teaching practices, and K-12 and adult learning;
Family engagement and dynamic strategies for meeting families where they are in supporting their student’s reading and writing journey;
Dyslexia and other learning disabilities and disorders that impact reading and writing development;
Child and teen development and behavior;
Experiences, circumstances, interests and needs of Pittsburgh’s youth, families, and educators;
Uses of metrics and statistics to assess the effectiveness of programs and services to determine and measure outcomes and impact;
Shared practices in equity, diversity, and inclusion and how to effectively integrate them into leadership approaches and library services;
Emerging technology, media mentorship and media use, especially as they apply to informal education and libraries;
Children’s, middle grade and teen literature and its application in literacy activities.
Skills In
Project management and evaluation;
Leadership; an experienced manager, and a collaborative team player;
Communication including diplomacy, tact, excellent listening skills, strong group facilitation skills, and analytical and problem-solving skills;
Articulating a vision and strategic direction to a wide variety of audiences; strategic thinking, flexibility and adaptability; and a willingness to embrace and drive change;
Utilizing a range of productivity, virtual meeting and recording software to work collaboratively and use appropriately in youth programs.
Ability To
Understand CLP’s organization, services, locations and policies;
Work with communities and engage people outside the Library walls through various channels;
Establish an environment of open, honest communication and rational decision-making;
Work interdepartmentally and achieve consensus, coordinate with internal and external constituencies;
Work in conjunction with the grant manager and development department to create and manage grant supported programs and deliverables;
Manage a diverse pool of library volunteers to implement literacy supports with students;
Create and manage budgets for literacy services and related activities;
Independently travel locally, regionally and nationally as required.
Education And Experience
Master’s degree in Reading, Literacy Education, Curriculum & Instruction (literacy focus), or a closely related field required;
Graduate level coursework in evidence-based reading instruction, including phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension;
Reading Specialist (PK–12) certification or equivalent preparation preferred;
Experience with Multi-Tiered Systems of Support, intervention systems and/or progress monitoring structures;
Experience in facilitating professional development opportunities, including coaching, preferred;
Five years of reading or literacy instruction in an education setting, including demonstrated leadership and project management;
Experience in designing, managing and evaluating literacy, family engagement or library services.
Physical And Environmental Conditions
Must be able to travel independently for outreach, meetings and presentations;
Travel to CLP sites and other locations will be required, along with transporting related materials;
Work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts, which require normal safety precautions typical of such places as offices, libraries or meeting rooms, e.g., use of safe workplace practices with office equipment, and/or avoidance of trips and falls, etc.;
Ability to lift and move 25 pounds, perform physical duties including moving outreach materials.
Pre-Employment Requirements
PA State Criminal Record Check
Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance
FBI Fingerprint Criminal Record Check
Mandated Reporter Training
To apply for this job please visit www.carnegielibrary.org.
Salary : $65,000