Director Gillis Literacy Education Program Diocese of Bridgeport

Under the direction of the Superintendent of Schools, the Director of the Gillis Literacy Education Program (GLEP) is responsible for supporting school(s) and the Diocese of Bridgeport in its mission. This is a full‑time, grant‑funded position with an anticipated end date of December 2029. The primary mandate is to directly lead and oversee the GLEP Initiative. He/she will guide a systemic, PreK‑12 vision for teaching and learning of literacy skills within the pilot schools.

This role requires an established educational leader with deep expertise in curriculum design, data‑driven intervention models (MTSS/SRBI), and district‑level change management. The role serves as the primary liaison between the Gillis Foundation, the Superintendent’s Office, and the school leadership teams to ensure a comprehensive, effective, and sustainable approach to academic excellence. All educators engaged in a school conducted by the Roman Catholic Church are for the express purpose of education in the academic, social, moral and religious values promulgated by the Church.

• 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 (Kolbe Cathedral Preparatory High School and the four Catholic Academy of Bridgeport schools).
• Design, 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.
• Design and 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.
• Other duties as assigned.

Note:

The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.

• 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 in good standing with the Church.
• If married, must be in a valid sacramental marriage. Those living with a partner must be in a valid sacramental marriage.
• 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…