Statewide Initiatives Coordinator

Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation

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Job Summary

About Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation (GELF)

Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation (GELF) equips Tennessee’s children with books and innovative literacy tools that encourage lifelong learning for a brighter future. GELF is a non-partisan 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to strengthening early literacy in Tennessee by serving as a thought leader, advisor, and catalyst for programs across the state. Our programs include Birth-5 Book Delivery, K-3 Home Library, Caregiver Engagement, Book Buses, and Storybook Trails. As we continue expanding SELECT, Literacy Lights, Storybook Trails, and Book Bus programs, we seek a highly motivated and organized individual to join our team as a Statewide Initiatives Coordinator.

Job Summary

GELF is seeking a strategic and relationship-driven leader to help expand statewide literacy initiatives that bring books, resources, and learning opportunities to children and families across Tennessee. This role will support the Director of Statewide Initiatives in the development, execution, and sustainability of GELF’s key statewide initiatives by managing partnerships, convenings, and program logistics at a statewide level.

Job Responsibilities

This role focuses on design and implementation of statewide literacy initiatives, event coordination, community engagement, and internal operations.

Program Execution & Expansion

• Oversee implementation and growth of statewide literacy initiatives, which may include SELECT, Literacy Lights, Storybook Trails, and Book Bus programs.
• Plan and facilitate events, convenings, and workshops that bring together educators, partners, and literacy advocates.
• Manage program logistics, outreach, and communications to ensure engagement across communities.
• Oversee marketing and network-building efforts in collaboration with GELF’s communications team.

Strategy & Engagement

• Build and strengthen relationships with non-profit partners, school districts, libraries, community organizations, and state agencies.
• Identify opportunities to scale programs and ensure they meet the needs of both rural and urban communities.
• Track and analyze program impact to guide future expansion and improvements.
• Serve as a thought partner in GELF’s statewide initiative development.

Hours and Location

This is a full-time, exempt position with a hybrid work schedule. The ideal candidate will be based in Nashville, where GELF’s office is located, but strong candidates from other areas of the state will be considered. For those outside of Middle Tennessee, regular travel to Nashville will be required for team collaboration, meetings, and planning sessions.

Travel

Given the statewide nature of this role, extensive travel across Tennessee is required, particularly as we expand SELECT, build partnerships, and support regional literacy partners. This role will involve approximately 30-35% travel, including attendance at convenings, literacy events, and partner meetings statewide. Evening and occasional weekend travel may be required. A valid Tennessee driver’s license is required.

Physical Demands

This role involves frequent travel and event coordination. Candidates should be comfortable with standing for extended periods while leading meetings and events, lifting and moving materials (up to 30 lbs) for event setup and setting up and breaking down event spaces.

Encouragement to Apply

We recognize that strong candidates come from diverse backgrounds and may not meet every listed qualification. If you’re excited about this role and believe you can contribute to GELF’s mission, we strongly encourage you to apply—even if you don’t check every box. We value a range of experiences and perspectives that strengthen our work.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree with 5+ years’ experience in relevant field.
• Experience working with educators, libraries, and/or community organizations.
• Background in education, literacy, community building, or nonprofit work preferred.

Required Skills & Competencies

• Program and event management.
• Partner engagement and relationship-building.
• Exceptional written and oral communication and organization skills.
• Strong problem-solving and strategic thinking skills.
• Ability to anticipate challenges and identify solutions.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proficiency with Office 365 and related products.
• Ability to lift 30 pounds.
• Valid Tennessee Driver’s License.

Additional Information

Benefits

How to Apply

To apply for this position, candidates should:

Step 1: Send your resume and cover letter to careers@governorsfoundation.org by June 1, 2025

Step 2: Complete the Predictive Index assessment and cognitive assessment (LINK)

Qualified candidates will be contacted by phone or email for in-person interviews.

Our Hiring Process:

 We value the people we bring onto our team. As a result, we are careful in our selection process. As an applicant, here is what to expect:

• Phase 1 – Selection of potential candidates – we will filter the most qualified candidates into the top 10 and let them know via email that they have been selected.
• Phase 2 – Preliminary interview – this will be a short 15–20-minute virtual interview to help us narrow down the candidates to the top 3-5 most suitable applicants. You may be asked to complete an additional assessment to prepare for the interview.
• Phase 3 – In-person interview and team meeting – we will invite the top 3 candidates to come to our offices for an in-person interview and for candidates to meet our team. It’s an opportunity for interviewees to get to know our team and for our team to get to know the potential candidates. This usually takes 1.5-2 hours.
• Phase 4 – Selection and Job Offer – once we have narrowed our search, our hiring committee will decide and make a candidate a conditional offer.

 Please Note:

 The deadline above does not prevent the organization from beginning the hiring process. Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible if they are interested in pursuing this opportunity.

Details

• Date Posted: May 2, 2025
• Type: Full-Time
• Job Function: Educator
• Service Area: Children / Youth
• Salary Range: $60,000 - $65,000
• Working Hours: M-F, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm