Literacy Program Specialist

WHO WE ARE:

West End House (WEH) is a vibrant community anchor and youth development organization rooted in Boston’s Allston neighborhood and serving young people citywide. Since 1906, we have empowered youth to succeed academically and in life—providing high-impact programs that foster learning, creativity, wellness, leadership, and economic mobility.

Our 46,000-square-foot facility offers a safe and dynamic space where young people build lasting relationships, explore their strengths, and chart their own paths to success. Programming spans seven interconnected focus areas—from academics and mental health to food security and the arts—designed to help youth thrive emotionally, socially, and academically.

With a trauma-informed approach, a deep commitment to equity, and strong community partnerships, West End House continues to evolve to meet the needs of Boston’s youth and families—ensuring every young person has the opportunity, support, and confidence to lead, create, and thrive.

We are committed to advancing racial equity through our work and throughout all aspects of our organization- our youth programs, our community and family engagement, and our board and leadership. Our employees reflect and build upon our values - opportunity for all, youth first, joy, equity, and community.

THE OPPORTUNITY:

We know that educational growth is vital to creating pathways that set young people up for long-term success. By providing youth with the academic tools, guidance, and support they need to thrive in school and beyond, West End House helps young people grow in a holistic, well-rounded way. A key driver of academic success is literacy—an essential building block that strengthens learning across all subject areas and provides a critical foundation for future achievement.

West End House literacy programs are designed to build strong literacy skills and confidence while fostering a genuine joy of reading. Our signature literacy program, Reading Buddies, pairs elementary-aged youth who need the most reading support with trained volunteers for targeted, research-based reading practice and literacy games. West End House intentionally prioritizes youth who are reading below grade level and would benefit most from individualized support. Other literacy-focused programs compliment reading buddies for elementary and early middle school youth and strengthen reading, writing, and communication skills. In recent summers, we have partnered with local schools to improve literacy outcomes for 2nd–4th grade students through targeted interventions embedded in our Summer Learning Adventures program.

The Literacy Program Specialist is responsible for planning, implementing, and coordinating all components of West End House’s literacy programming for club members ages 7–12. This role plays a critical part in ensuring high-quality program delivery, strong volunteer engagement, and meaningful literacy growth for participating youth. If you’re passionate about empowering young readers and creating joyful, high-impact literacy experiences in a community setting, this role is for you.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Student Reading Growth: Identify and recruit 7–12-year-olds, with a focus on students reading below grade level, and match them with volunteers to support reading growth through the Reading Buddies program.
• Volunteer Training & Support: Train, support, and provide ongoing feedback to Reading Buddies volunteers; guide volunteer–student interactions and ensure effective use of the Book Nook platform.
• Family Partnership & Communication: Partner with caregivers through regular communication about program content, schedules, and student progress, and build strong relationships to inform program design and support individual needs.
• Program Operations, Data & Platform Management: Oversee daily program logistics; manage and evaluate the Book Nook platform for impact and ease of use; analyze data, ensure grant alignment, and support continuous improvement
• Additional Literacy Program Development: Create and implement at least one targeted literacy program each season, such as reading incentive initiatives, book clubs, or other engaging activities that promote reading engagement and skill development.
• Volunteer & Peer Leader Support: Manage, support, and provide ongoing feedback to assigned volunteers and peer leaders to ensure high-quality program delivery.
• Data Collection & Reporting: Collect, track, and submit youth participation data, surveys, and other required information to inform program improvement and organizational decision-making.
• Safety & Compliance: Implement and adhere to all BGCA membership, safety, and program requirements to ensure a safe, supportive environment for youth.
• Facilities & Equipment Care: Take responsibility for the care and proper use of program spaces and equipment, and report maintenance or safety concerns to the facility manager in a timely manner.

Work hours include: Four (4) afternoons between the hours of 2:30 pm and 7:30 pm, up to 20 hours per week.

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR:

There are many ways to learn and grow professionally, and we know that people gain skills through a variety of experiences. We respect this when we review applications and take a broad look at the experience of each applicant. We want to get to know you and the unique strengths you will bring to work. With this in consideration, we are most likely to be interested in your candidacy if you can demonstrate most of the qualifications and experiences listed below:

• Bachelor’s degree; advanced work in literacy preferred
• 2 years of experience in program facilitation, youth development, or educational settings
• Demonstrated familiarity with designing content in literacy
• History of contributing to initiatives in underserved communities
• Experience working with youth across various stages of the learning spectrum
• Proven track record of building relationships with diverse stakeholders through empathy and robust communication skills
• Strong classroom management and program facilitation skills
• General project and people management experience is a strong plus
• Demonstrable knowledge of youth psychology is a strong plus

WHAT WE OFFER:

The hourly compensation for this role is $30-$40 per hour. Rates of pay within this range will be based on factors such as years of experience, educational qualifications, and proficiency in a second language. Ranges are developed in alignment with West End House’s internal compensation policy and because internal equity is critical, offers are firm. The compensation philosophy provides all employees with a clear path for growth, showing how performance can lead to increased pay.

Time off: Our part time staff team benefits from 16 holidays and wellness time, ensuring ample opportunities to rest and recharge year-round.

And More... Team members have access to our pool & fitness center for their personal use; receive daily, scratch made meals; and can elect pre-tax commuter and childcare benefits.