Remote Literacy Partnerships Consultant – Central Appalachia

Room to read; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 67,000 - 201,000; Part time

Job summary

Room to Read in the United States is seeking a part-time Consultant to conduct a Partner Landscape Analysis for Central Appalachia, focusing on East Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, and surrounding areas. You will map literacy partners, review datasets, and interview key organizations to understand the regional ecosystem.

The role requires a BA in education or related field, strong qualitative research skills, and the ability to translate findings into strategic recommendations for pilot

Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge of the literacy landscape, education systems, cultural context, and community-based organizations within Central Appalachia or the broader Appalachian region.
• Proven experience conducting landscape analyses, environmental scans, and independent qualitative research through document review, online research, and stakeholder interviews.
• Residence in or demonstrated professional experience working within Central Appalachia strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of early literacy, family literacy, school readiness, K–3 education, or related educational initiatives.
• Ability to synthesize qualitative and quantitative information into clear, actionable reports and strategic recommendations.

Responsibilities

• Conduct a landscape scan of the Central Appalachian literacy and education ecosystem using publicly available research, datasets, policy documents, organizational materials, and other relevant sources.
• Map organizations and initiatives supporting early childhood literacy, family literacy, book access, reading promotion, and out-of-school literacy programming.
• Research and assess nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, libraries, government agencies, funders, community-based organizations, and other potential partners.
• Examine relevant state and regional education systems, literacy initiatives, professional learning networks, and school district efforts.
• Conduct interviews and meetings with selected literacy organizations, educational leaders, libraries, funders, and community partners, as needed.
• Map existing partnerships, collaborative networks, regional initiatives, geographic coverage, and areas of focus.
• Identify regional strengths, service gaps, unmet needs, funding opportunities, and promising literacy models.
• Assess and prioritize potential partners based on alignment with Room to Read's mission and program objectives.
• Develop recommendations for potential pilot communities and short-, medium-, and long-term engagement.
• Provide warm introductions to key stakeholders where appropriate.
• Present findings and strategic recommendations to Room to Read's project team.

Skills

Landscape analysis

Stakeholder interviews

Qualitative research

Written communication

Education systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in education, public policy, nonprofit management, community development, library and information science, or a related field

Job description

Room to Read in the United States is seeking a part-time Consultant to conduct a Partner Landscape Analysis for Central Appalachia, focusing on East Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, and surrounding areas. You will map literacy partners, review datasets, and interview key organizations to understand the regional ecosystem.

The role requires a BA in education or related field, strong qualitative research skills, and the ability to translate findings into strategic recommendations for pilot