Program Coordinator/Technical Assistant

The Program Coordinator/Technical Assistant at the Iowa Reading Research Center (IRRC) supports statewide literacy improvement by designing, delivering, and evaluating structured literacy professional development and technical assistance for Iowa schools and partner organizations. This role coordinates PD planning and implementation; develops evidence‑based training materials, resources, and eLearning content; and delivers sessions in both in‑person and virtual formats. The provider collects and analyzes participation and implementation data to inform continuous improvement and ensure high-quality, research-aligned professional learning.

In collaboration with IRRC leadership, the provider contributes to strategic literacy initiatives, supports development of the Dyslexia Specialist Endorsement program, and may serve as an adjunct instructor. The position also helps identify emerging literacy needs, participates in cross-functional project teams, and may provide supervision or guidance to staff. Through strong facilitation, coaching, and content expertise, the Program Coordinator/Technical Assistant serves as a key liaison to districts, AEAs, educators, and caregivers statewide. 

Position Terms: Professional and Scientific Full Time. Specified term with possibility for renewal.

Location: Iowa City, Iowa | College of Education | Iowa Reading Research Center.

Work Modality: On Campus.

Travel: This position may require approximately 25% travel within the state of Iowa during the academic year.

Specific Job Duties and Tasks

• Coordinate planning, scheduling, and delivery of professional development and technical assistance services for Iowa school districts and other organizations.
• Monitor project timelines, milestones, and deliverables to ensure high-quality, on-time implementation of PD initiatives. 
• Contribute to the development and refinement of IRRC strategic goals related to statewide literacy improvement.
• Identify emerging literacy trends, policy shifts, and district needs to inform PD priorities and resource management. 
• Serve as a liaison between IRRC and school districts, Area Education Agencies (AEAs), administrators, instructional coaches, and educators across Iowa.
• Facilitate in-person and virtual professional development sessions, workshops, webinars, consultation meetings, and observations. 
• Ensure all PD content and guidance aligns with IRRC editorial guidelines and complies with University policies.  
• Maintain alignment with research-based literacy practices in all PD and resource development. 
• Evaluate effectiveness of PD sessions and technical assistance using participant feedback and implementation data.
• Analyze data to identify patterns, strengths, and growth areas within and across districts. 
• Provide functional supervision, mentoring, or guidance to project staff, graduate assistants, or consultants as assigned.
• Serve as a leader through content expertise and teaching experience on cross-functional project teams in developing literacy tools, eLearning modules, or statewide initiatives. 

To obtain the full job description including key areas of responsibility, technical competencies, and desirable qualifications, please contact Alex-Schutman@uiowa.edu

About the Iowa Reading Research Center (IRRC)

The purpose of the Iowa Reading Research Center is to improve the literacy proficiency of pre-kindergarten through twelfth-grade students. To that end, the IRRC’s work is done in four main categories:

Conducting research in practical settings to evaluate the effectiveness of literacy practices and the usefulness of assessments for guiding literacy instruction.  

Facilitating professional learning for educators on literacy instructional strategies and related topics online through eLearning and in-person at workshops and conferences.  

Collaborating with local education agencies to provide technical assistance involving planning and implementation to address a specific literacy issue

Offering family resources to help family members and caregivers take an active role in their children’s literacy skill development, assisting families affected by a reading disability through assistive technology consultation and eLearning.

All efforts of the Iowa Reading Research Center are conducted in collaboration with educators, parents, community representatives, and policymakers. Results have a direct application to literacy policy and education in Iowa. 

The Iowa Reading Research Center is part of the University of Iowa College of Education.

It operates in collaboration with the Iowa Department of Education. 

Education Requirement:

• Bachelor’s degree in education, special education, communication sciences and disorders, or closely related field, or an equivalent combination of experience and education.

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum 1–3-year experience as a certified classroom teacher.
• Demonstrated knowledge and expertise in evidence-based literacy assessment and instruction.  
• Experience designing and delivering high-quality professional development for in-service educators.  
• Experience developing literacy lessons or instructional materials aligned to evidence-based literacy practices.  
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in the area of dyslexia, such as specialized training and/or certifications in structured literacy, experience assessing and teaching students with characteristics of dyslexia, or the Dyslexia Specialist Endorsement.
• Strong written communication skills, including development of professional learning materials and practitioner-facing resources.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and virtual meeting platforms.

Desired Qualifications:

• Terminal degree in education, special education, or communication sciences and disorders
• Experience as an instructor in a teacher preparation program.
• Experience coaching educators or serving in a literacy leadership role (e.g. instructional coach, reading specialist, literacy coordinator).
• Master’s in education, special education, communication sciences and disorders.

Application Details

In order to be considered for an interview, applicants must upload:

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Job openings are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days. This job may be removed from posting and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended. Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process. 

For questions, contact Alex Schutman at Alex-Schutman@uiowa.edu

Benefits Highlights

• Regular salaried position. Pay level 4A. Located in Iowa City, Iowa.
• Fringe benefit package including paid vacation; sick leave; health, dental, life and disability insurance options; and generous employer contributions into retirement plans.
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About Iowa

Joining the University of Iowa means becoming a vital part of the Hawkeye community, where your work directly impacts education, research, and student success. Enjoy exceptional health coverage, university-paid life insurance, robust retirement plans, and generous leave policies. Benefit from 24/7 support services, well-being resources, and access to UI Health Care specialists. Grow professionally with advanced training, leadership development, and tuition assistance. Iowa City offers a great quality of life with world-class performances at Hancher Auditorium, Big Ten athletics, top-ranked public schools, and outdoor recreation. Join us in making a difference at a leading Big Ten university and premier public research institution.