New Worlds Reading Initiative, Operations Specialist

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profile Job Location:

Gainesville, FL - USA

profile Monthly Salary: $ 55000 - 65000
Posted on: 16-10-2025
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Classification Title:

Project Manager I

Classification Minimum Requirements:

Bachelors degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Job Description:
Under the supervision of the Operations Manager the Operations Specialist supports the operations and implementation of the New Worlds Reading Initiative Floridas free at-home literacy program for VPK through fifth grade students reading below grade level. The program is administered by the University of Florida Lastinger Center for Learning and delivers high-quality books and family resources directly to childrens homes each month during the school year.
The Operations Team serves as the programs central hub. It provides project management support that fosters collaboration organization and timely delivery. By coordinating across internal teams and affiliate partners the team streamlines processes improves communication and strengthens program outcomes.
As part of this team the Operations Specialist helps turn strategy into action by supporting projects from planning to completion ensuring coordination among partners and contributing to measurable literacy gains for Floridas children and families.
About Our Program
The New Worlds Reading Initiative is Floridas free at-home literacy program for students in VPK through fifth grade who are reading below grade level. Administered by the University of Florida Lastinger Center for Learning the program delivers high-quality age-appropriate books directly to childrens homes each month during the school year along with resources for families to support reading at home. Materials are available in English Spanish Haitian Creole and braille. Since its launch in 2021 the initiative has provided millions of books to Florida students helping children build reading skills confidence and a lifelong love of learning.
The University of Florida Lastinger Center for Learnings mission is to improve the quality of teaching learning and childcare. We research develop and scale educational innovations for adults and children that put all learners on trajectories for lifelong success. Specifically the Center targets kindergarten readiness 3rd grade reading proficiency and algebra proficiency as critical milestones in childrens educational trajectory that are predictive of success in school and life. The Center works at the nexus of research practice and policy to develop sustainable systems that leverage educational technologies and improve the implementation of research-based practices. Housed in one of the nations elite public research universities the Center operates as a dynamic entrepreneurial workplace focused on executing UFs service mission to strengthen the human condition and improve the quality of life. The Lastinger Center is committed to attracting hiring and retaining top talent by valuing diversity of thought skill and experience. As an equal opportunity employer we believe in fostering environments where team members feel included valued for their differences and empowered to do their best work.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
General Project Management Support
  • Act as project manager for a variety of initiatives and processes across the program.
  • Maintain and manage project management software providing support and training to staff outside of the operations team.
  • Create and maintain standard operating procedures and documentation to ensure clarity and consistency.
  • Develop track and monitor project timelines and deliverables.
  • Maintain accurate project documentation data and records to ensure transparency.
  • Coordinate regular reporting and evaluation activities; make recommendations for process improvements.
  • Support cross-team collaboration by facilitating communication aligning goals and streamlining workflows.
  • Assist with planning coordination and execution of program events meetings and trainings including logistics communications and follow-up.
  • Identify opportunities to improve processes tools and workflows to enhance efficiency and impact.
  • Support internal stakeholder engagement by preparing communications updates and materials that keep teams aligned.
Vendor and Affiliate Management
  • Manage relationships with vendors and affiliate partners to support program goals and ensure strong collaboration.
  • Coordinate communications and serve as a primary point of contact between internal program teams and external partners.
  • Facilitate project meetings to provide updates address challenges and track progress with vendors affiliates and internal stakeholders.
  • Develop and maintain project plans timelines deliverables and critical milestones in partnership with vendors and affiliates.
  • Monitor vendor and affiliate performance identify risks or barriers and escalate issues as needed.
  • Support the continuous development of best practices tools and processes to strengthen partner management and program execution.
Expected Salary:

$55000- $65000

Required Qualifications:

Bachelors degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred:
  • Project Management: Experience managing complex projects including planning tracking and coordinating cross-functional teams. Professional certification (such as PMP CAPM or PRINCE2) preferred but not required.
  • Collaboration & Communication: Experience working with internal teams vendors and external partners; strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Software Proficiency: Familiarity with project management software (Asana Trello Smartsheet Microsoft Project) and productivity tools (Microsoft 365 Google Workspace Zoom).
  • Data & Reporting: Experience maintaining project documentation tracking progress and generating reports for stakeholders.
  • Higher Education or Nonprofit Experience: Experience in higher education literacy programs or nonprofit program administration.
  • Flexibility & Adaptability: Ability to manage changing priorities adapt to new processes and work independently when needed.
Special Instructions to Applicants:

In order to be considered you must upload your cover letter and resume.

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.

This is a time-limited position.

This requisition has been reposted. Previous applicants are still under consideration and need not reapply.

Health Assessment Required:No


Required Experience:

IC

Classification Title:Project Manager IClassification Minimum Requirements:Bachelors degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.Job Description:Under the supervision of the Operations Manager the Operations Specialist supports the operations and implementation of the New Worlds R...
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Key Skills

  • Financial Services
  • Information Technology
  • Cost Control
  • Corporate Risk Management
  • Law

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A top five public land-grant research university, the University of Florida creates a collaborative environment and accelerates future solutions.

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