Reading Science Literacy Content Specialist
Since 1920, Mount St. Joseph University has provided an education that is based on interdisciplinary liberal arts and professional curricula emphasizing mission, values, integrity, and social responsibility. Faculty and staff deliver high-quality academics, hands-on experiential learning, and personalized attention to support student success. Join our award-winning team, recognized for four consecutive years as a 'Best College to Work for,' and be part of a vibrant culture that places a premium on inclusion and belonging.
Purpose:
The successful candidate will serve as a core member of the Curriculum Project Team in the Center for Reading Science at Mount St. Joseph University. This is a grant-supported, full-time (12-month), non-tenure-track position with funding secured through June 2026; ongoing funding is anticipated. The position supports the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of structured literacy content and instructional materials aligned with the science of reading.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The Reading Science Literacy Content Specialist will:
- Collaborate with the curriculum team to design, revise, and align instructional content to evidence-based reading practices and project goals.
- Develop high-quality, structured literacy instructional materials (e.g., lesson plans, assessments, training modules, and rubrics) for use in professional development and teacher preparation.
- Support the creation of resources and frameworks that prepare educators to meet the needs of diverse learners, including multilingual students and students with disabilities.
- Participate in regular team meetings to review data, revise materials, and plan project deliverables.
- Conduct field-based work, including site visits and data collection, to support implementation of curriculum and training in school settings.
- Ensure all materials are aligned with current research, state standards, and certification pathways.
- Maintain detailed records and contribute to project documentation and reporting as required by grant guidelines.
- Collaborate with the faculty team to support graduate coursework or related initiatives in the Reading Science program, as needed.
Expectations and Additional Responsibilities:
- Contribute to the mission of the Center for Reading Science and the broader goals of the School of Education.
- Participate in service to the graduate program, university, and professional communities.
- Demonstrated ability and commitment to creating a culture of belonging in the workplace.
- Build and maintain collaborative relationships with faculty, staff, school partners, and external stakeholders.
- Other duties as assigned by the project director.
Primary Contacts: School of Education faculty and staff.
Qualifications
- A master’s degree in reading, literacy, special education, or a related field is required; doctorate preferred (ABD candidates are welcome to apply).
- Extensive classroom experience teaching reading in PreK–5 settings.
- Demonstrated ability to design or adapt instructional materials grounded in the science of reading.
- Experience training, coaching, or mentoring educators in structured literacy practices.
- Strong understanding of MTSS, explicit instruction, and assessments that support literacy development.
- Proven ability to work with diverse learners and communities, including students with disabilities and multilingual learners.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Experience managing multiple projects and meeting deadlines in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.
Work Environment, Physical Demands:
- Must possess an aptitude for technological development and its implications for appropriate automation of office; proficient in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook, Internet, CARS, and copier
- Multiple service hours; computer data input; multiple concurrent tasks with service interruptions; extensive customer contact; strict confidentiality; detailed work.
Benefits
Mount St. Joseph University offers a wide array of benefit options, to meet the financial, educational, health, and wellness needs of you and your family. Eligibility varies by position and FTE.
- Tuition Remission for you and your family.
- 403b Retirement
- Excellent benefits including medical, employer HSA contributions, dental, vision, life, parental leave.
- Generous PTO.
- 16 paid holidays.
- Competitive salaries.
- Opportunity to work in a dynamic and inclusive educational environment.
- Professional development opportunities.
Applicants should upload (1) a letter of intent expressing in detail how they meet the required qualifications for this position and outlining research interests; (2) a curriculum vitae; and (3) three references that include contact information; (4.) copy of a recent research publication (preferred) or a research presentation handout. (5) Official copies of graduate and undergraduate transcripts should be mailed directly to the School of Education.
A review of resumes will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
Questions about the position should be directed to Dr. Amy Murdoch at amy.murdoch@msj.edu
Information about the Reading Science Program and The Center for Reading Science can be found on our websites
Program Information – www.msj.edu/reading-science
Center - ww.readingscience.org
Mount St. Joseph University is an Equal Opportunity Employer
