Literacy Initiatives Manager

About Literacy Mid-South

For more than 50 years, Literacy Mid-South (LMS) has remained committed to one core belief: literacy changes lives. Founded in 1974 to help adults strengthen essential reading skills, LMS has expanded to serve learners of all ages across the Mid-South.

Our mission is to ensure that individuals and families have access to the literacy skills needed to thrive-academically, economically, and personally. Through direct programming and regional collaboration, LMS works to break cycles of limited literacy and expand opportunity for generations to come.

At LMS, literacy is not simply an educational outcome-it is a pathway to empowerment, equity, and long-term community transformation.

Position Summary

The Literacy Initiatives Manager is responsible for leading and executing Literacy Mid South's community-based literacy strategy, with a primary focus on book distribution, literacy best practices, community engagement, and the creation of literacy-rich environments. This role ensures that all literacy initiatives are high-quality, culturally responsive, data-informed, and aligned with organizational goals to improve literacy outcomes across the region.

The Literacy Initiatives Manager oversees book selection and distribution, develops literacy resources and materials, designs and implements literacy campaigns and events, manages key community partnerships, and ensures that all literacy spaces and programs reflect best practices in early literacy, family engagement, and equitable access to books.

This is a highly collaborative, externally facing role that blends strategy, program execution, relationship management, and creative leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Literacy Strategy & Program Leadership

• Lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of community based literacy initiatives and programs.
• Ensure all literacy programming aligns with evidence-based best practices in early literacy, family literacy, and reading engagement.
• Collaborate with internal teams to align literacy initiatives with organizational goals, grant requirements, and community needs.

Book Selection & Distribution

• Serve as the primary lead for selecting high-quality, culturally relevant, age appropriate book titles for all Literacy Mid-South book distribution programs.
• Oversee the planning and execution of large-scale book distribution efforts, including community events, school partnerships, and special initiatives.
• Maintain strong knowledge of diverse authors, literacy trends, and high-impact titles to ensure inclusive and representative book access.
• Work closely with operations, logistics, and volunteers to ensure smooth fulfillment, inventory management, and distribution processes.

Literacy-Rich Spaces & Environments

• Develop, design, and maintain literacy-focused spaces (e.g., Pinwheel Playrooms, community literacy hubs, partner sites) that encourage reading, exploration, and family engagement.
• Provide guidance and support to community partners in creating and sustaining literacy-rich environments.
• Ensure spaces are welcoming, inclusive, and aligned with literacy development best practices.

Literacy Materials & Resource Development

• Create, curate, and maintain high-quality literacy materials, toolkits, tip sheets, and family resources to support reading at home and in the community.
• Collaborate with marketing/communications staff to develop content for "Best Book Choice" campaigns, Book of the Month features, and literacy awareness efforts.
• Ensure all materials are culturally responsive, accessible, and aligned with literacy standards and research.

Campaigns, Events & Community Engagement

• Plan and lead literacy-focused campaigns such as Best Book Choice initiatives, reading challenges, and awareness efforts.
• Design and implement literacy nights, family engagement events, community reading events, and partner-based literacy activities.
• Represent Literacy Mid-South at community events, meetings, and partner sites as a literacy ambassador and subject-matter resource.

Partnerships & Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with schools, community organizations, early childhood providers, libraries, and other partners.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for literacy-related partnerships and requests.
• Collaborate with partners to co-design literacy initiatives that meet community needs and align with shared goals.

Assessment, Data & Continuous Improvement

• Collect and analyze data related to literacy programming, book distribution, and community engagement efforts.
• Monitor outcomes and impact to inform program improvements and storytelling.
• Work closely with data/evaluation staff to track participation, reach, and literacy related outcomes.
• Use feedback from families, partners, and participants to continuously improve program quality and relevance.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with communications, development, and volunteer teams to ensure alignment and strong execution of literacy initiatives.
• Support grant…