Literacy Coordinator

New Mexico State University; Las Cruces (NM); On-site; USD 48,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

New Mexico State University in Las Cruces is seeking a Literacy Coordinator for a one-year appointment, contingent upon external funding. The role supports structured-literacy initiatives across teacher preparation programs and higher education partners.

The position requires advanced knowledge of reading processes, assessment, and adult learning, with collaboration across faculty and state agencies. Standard work schedule is Mon-Fri, 8-5.

Qualifications

• A strong understanding of reading processes, assessment, and adult learning.
• Experience collaborating with higher education faculty, state agencies, and LEAs.
• Knowledge of structured literacy and evidence-based literacy practices.

Responsibilities

• Implement a structured literacy plan with faculty support and resources.
• Align coursework and program with HB 156 and statewide literacy expectations.
• Coordinate 100-hour structured-literacy observation placements with LETRS-trained mentors.
• Serve as primary liaison with state agencies and LEA partners for literacy initiatives.
• Establish processes to collect and report candidate performance data in literacy-related assessments.
• Prepare a year-end progress summary detailing activities, deliverables, and next steps.

Skills

Reading processes

Adult learning

Collaboration with faculty

Structured literacy

Education

Associate's Degree + 7 years experience

Bachelor's degree + 5 years experience

Master’s or Doctoral in education or literacy

Job description

Department Contact: Alma Meza, 575-646-4022, [e-mail]

Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants

Advertising Summary: The School of TPAL at NMSU seeks a Literacy Coordinator for a one year appointment. This position is contingent upon funding.

Position Details

PositionTitle: Literacy Coordinator

College/Division: College of Hlth, Educ & Soc Trans

Department: 350150-CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION

Location: Las Cruces

Offsite Location (if applicable):

Target Hourly/Salary Rate: $53165.80

Appointment Full-time Equivalency: 1.0

FLSA Status: Exempt

Bargaining Unit Announcement: This is NOT a bargaining unit position with American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

Contingent Upon Funding: Contingent upon external funding

Standard Work Schedule: Standard (M-F, 8-5)

If Not a Standard Work Schedule:

Job Duties and Responsibilities: The Literacy Program Coordinator will carry out the following responsibilities:
A. Structured literacy implementation plan and faculty support
Develop or update an EPP structured-literacy implementation plan that identifies priority program areas, faculty-support needs, timelines, and responsible personnel. Provide or coordinate faculty learning opportunities, technical assistance, and resource support related to the sciences of reading and evidence-based literacy practices.
B. Coursework and program alignment
Create a resource and data management storage system; review applicable coursework, syllabi, assessments, and clinical-experience expectations; identify needed revisions; and support faculty and program leadership in implementing changes needed to align with HB 156 and statewide structured-literacy expectations.
C. Clinical and observation placements
Strengthen the current processes for implementing the required 100-hour structured-literacy observation placements with LETRS-trained mentor teachers. This may include identifying placement sites and mentors, coordinating with field-experience personnel and LEAs, and addressing implementation barriers.
D. State-agency and LEA coordination
Serve as the NMSU’s primary point of contact, as appropriate, for coordination with HED, PED, ECECD, and LEA partners on state-wide literacy-related initiatives and activities. Participate in state-sponsored meetings or workgroups as requested.
E. Candidate assessment, data, and reporting
Establish or refine processes to collect, review, and use candidate performance data from literacy-related assessments. Support required state, institutional, and accreditation reporting, including documentation of program alignment, candidate outcomes, observation hours, and implementation progress.
F. Continuous improvement and annual progress documentation
Use implementation and candidate data to identify strengths and areas of improvement for structured-literacy preparation. Prepare a year-end progress summary that documents activities completed, major deliverables, implementation challenges, outcomes to date, and priorities for next steps.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience:
Classification Requirements:
Associate's Degree + 7 years of relevant experience or a Bachelor's degree + 5 years of relevant experience.
HED Requirements:
A minimum of five years of experience as a classroom teacher, reading specialist, or literacy coach.
A Master’s or Doctoral degree in education, literacy, or reading.
A strong understanding of reading processes, assessment, and adult learning.
The ability to collaborate effectively with higher education faculty, state agencies, and LEAs.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Doctorate in Education, Literacy, Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Leadership, Special Education, or a related field.
• Experience working in teacher preparation programs or higher education settings.
• LETRS certification, structured literacy credential, or comparable professional training.
• Experience supporting faculty, advocacy, curriculum review, program improvement, or accreditation activities.
• Experience using candidate performance data to support program improvement and decision-making.
• Experience coordinating professional development or faculty learning initiatives.
• Knowledge of New Mexico educator preparation programs and educational systems.
• Demonstrated commitment to cultivate an understanding of the rich and varied cultures of New Mexico to the success of the university's mission to serve local and global communities.
• Demonstrated commitment to cultivating and understanding use of culturally and linguistically sustaining literacy practices
• Demonstrated knowledge of the sciences of reading including structured literacy practices.
• Experience collaborating with educators, schools, districts, or higher education faculty

Special Certification/Licensure: NM Teacher License, Level II or Equivalent

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Environment: Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.

Physical Effort: No or very limited physical effort required.

Lifting Requirements: Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 10 pounds or some standing or walking.

Risk: No or very limited exposure to physical risk.