📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Reading Science Literacy Content Specialist
🔹 Company: Mount St. Joseph University
🔹 Location: Cincinnati, OH
🔹 Job Type: Full Time
🔹 Category: Education
🔹 Date Posted: May 20, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Designing and aligning instructional content to evidence-based reading practices
- Developing structured literacy instructional materials
- Supporting curriculum and training implementation in school settings
- Collaborating with a team to achieve project goals
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong background in reading science and literacy instruction, as well as experience working with diverse learners.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Collaborate with the curriculum team to design, revise, and align instructional content to evidence-based reading practices and project goals.
✅ Develop high-quality, structured literacy instructional materials (e.g., lesson plans, assessments, training modules, and rubrics) for use in professional development and teacher preparation.
✅ Support the creation of resources and frameworks that prepare educators to meet the needs of diverse learners, including multilingual students and students with disabilities.
✅ Participate in regular team meetings to review data, revise materials, and plan project deliverables.
✅ Conduct field-based work, including site visits and data collection, to support implementation of curriculum and training in school settings.
✅ Ensure all materials are aligned with current research, state standards, and certification pathways.
✅ Maintain detailed records and contribute to project documentation and reporting as required by grant guidelines.
✅ Collaborate with the faculty team to support graduate coursework or related initiatives in the Reading Science program, as needed.
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a significant amount of collaboration, project management, and attention to detail.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: A master’s degree in reading, literacy, special education, or a related field is required; doctorate preferred (ABD candidates are welcome to apply).
Experience: Extensive classroom experience teaching reading in PreK–5 settings is required. Candidates should have at least 5-10 years of experience in literacy instruction and curriculum development.
Required Skills:
- Expertise in the science of reading and evidence-based reading practices
- Proven ability to design or adapt instructional materials grounded in the science of reading
- Experience training, coaching, or mentoring educators in structured literacy practices
- Strong understanding of MTSS, explicit instruction, and assessments that support literacy development
- Proven ability to work with diverse learners and communities, including students with disabilities and multilingual learners
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Experience managing multiple projects and meeting deadlines in a collaborative, fast-paced environment
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with curriculum development for professional development or teacher preparation programs
- Familiarity with grant-funded projects and reporting requirements
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a strong background in literacy instruction and curriculum development, with a focus on the science of reading.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $60,000 - $75,000 per year (Estimated based on industry standards for a mid-level education role in Cincinnati)
Benefits:
- Tuition Remission for you and your family
- 403b Retirement
- Medical, dental, vision, life, and parental leave
- Generous PTO and 16 paid holidays
- Competitive salaries
- Opportunity to work in a dynamic and inclusive educational environment
- Professional development opportunities
Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week
ASSUMPTION: The estimated salary range is based on industry standards for a mid-level education role in Cincinnati. Actual salary may vary based on experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Higher Education, specifically focused on teacher preparation and professional development in the field of reading science and literacy.
Company Size: Medium-sized university with a strong focus on teacher preparation and professional development in the field of reading science and literacy.
Founded: 1920
Company Description:
- Mount St. Joseph University is a Catholic liberal arts university that provides an education based on interdisciplinary liberal arts and professional curricula emphasizing mission, values, integrity, and social responsibility.
- The School of Education at Mount St. Joseph University is recognized for its high-quality academics, hands-on experiential learning, and personalized attention to support student success.
- The Center for Reading Science at Mount St. Joseph University is an award-winning team recognized for four consecutive years as a 'Best College to Work for.'
Company Specialties:
- Teacher preparation and professional development in the field of reading science and literacy
- Curriculum development and implementation support
- Research and grant-funded projects
Company Website: Mount St. Joseph University
ASSUMPTION: Mount St. Joseph University is a well-established institution with a strong reputation for its School of Education and Center for Reading Science.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level, with potential for growth and advancement in the field of reading science and literacy education and curriculum development.
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the project director and collaborates with the curriculum team, faculty, and school partners.
Work Arrangement: Full-time, on-site position with the opportunity for flexible work arrangements based on project needs and team collaboration.
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential for career advancement in the field of reading science and literacy education and curriculum development
- Opportunities to contribute to research and grant-funded projects
- Potential for teaching or mentoring roles within the Reading Science program
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth opportunities for candidates interested in advancing their careers in the field of reading science and literacy education and curriculum development.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: University campus setting with a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
Office Location(s): Mount St. Joseph University, Cincinnati, OH
Geographic Context:
- Cincinnati, Ohio, is located in the southwestern corner of the state, along the Ohio River, which forms the state's border with Kentucky.
- The city is known for its rich history, vibrant arts and culture scene, and diverse neighborhoods.
- Cincinnati offers a variety of housing options, from urban lofts to suburban family homes, with a cost of living that is generally lower than the national average.
Work Schedule: Full-time, with flexible scheduling based on project needs and team collaboration.
ASSUMPTION: The work environment at Mount St. Joseph University is collaborative, inclusive, and focused on supporting student success and mission-driven initiatives.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission through the university's career portal
- Phone or video screening with the hiring manager
- On-campus or virtual interview with the hiring manager and members of the curriculum team
- Background check and reference check
- Final decision and offer
Key Assessment Areas:
- Expertise in the science of reading and evidence-based reading practices
- Experience with curriculum development and implementation support
- Ability to work collaboratively and manage multiple projects
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your experience and skills in literacy instruction, curriculum development, and project management.
- Prepare for interview questions that focus on your expertise in the science of reading, experience with curriculum development, and ability to work collaboratively.
- Be ready to discuss your familiarity with grant-funded projects and reporting requirements.
ATS Keywords: Reading Science, Literacy Instruction, Curriculum Development, Project Management, Collaboration, Evidence-Based Reading Practices, Multilingual Learners, Students with Disabilities, Teacher Preparation, Professional Development
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is competitive, and candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their expertise in the science of reading and experience with curriculum development and implementation support.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook)
- Internet and web-based tools for research and data collection
- CARS and copier for office automation
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, or Microsoft Project)
- Curriculum development software (e.g., Adobe Captivate, Articulate, or similar tools)
ASSUMPTION: This role requires proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with project management tools and curriculum development software.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Mission-driven and focused on student success
- Collaborative and inclusive work environment
- Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Focus on professional development and growth opportunities
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Focused on mission-driven initiatives and student success
- Adaptable and flexible, with a willingness to take on new challenges and projects
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you have a strong background in literacy instruction and curriculum development, with a focus on the science of reading?
- Are you comfortable working collaboratively and managing multiple projects in a fast-paced environment?
- Do you share Mount St. Joseph University's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and are you eager to contribute to a mission-driven and inclusive work environment?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their alignment with Mount St. Joseph University's values and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Balancing multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- Working with diverse learners and communities, including students with disabilities and multilingual learners
- Keeping up-to-date with current research, state standards, and certification pathways in the field of reading science and literacy
- Adapting to changes in project scope and priorities based on grant funding and team collaboration
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong project management skills, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is similar to other literacy coach, curriculum developer, or professional development specialist positions in higher education or educational consulting firms.
- However, this role is unique in its focus on the science of reading and collaboration with a grant-funded project team.
- Career paths for this role may include advancement to senior curriculum developer, director of professional development, or similar leadership positions within the field of reading science and literacy education.
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with literacy instruction, curriculum development, and project management, as well as their familiarity with the science of reading and grant-funded projects.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing a comprehensive curriculum for a professional development program focused on evidence-based reading practices
- Creating assessment tools and rubrics to evaluate teacher performance and student learning outcomes in literacy instruction
- Designing and implementing a training module for educators on supporting multilingual learners in literacy development
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and required skills for this role, from curriculum development and assessment design to training and implementation support.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the current state of the curriculum development process and how this role will contribute to its success?
- How does the curriculum team collaborate with faculty, school partners, and external stakeholders to ensure the materials meet the needs of diverse learners?
- What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the Center for Reading Science and the broader School of Education?
- How does the project team adapt to changes in grant funding and project priorities?
- What is the work environment like, and how does the team support each other's success?
ASSUMPTION: These interview questions are designed to help candidates understand the role's responsibilities, team dynamics, and growth opportunities within the Center for Reading Science and the broader School of Education.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through Mount St. Joseph University's career portal
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your experience and skills in literacy instruction, curriculum development, and project management
- Prepare for interview questions that focus on your expertise in the science of reading, experience with curriculum development, and ability to work collaboratively
- Be ready to discuss your familiarity with grant-funded projects and reporting requirements
- Follow up with the hiring manager, Dr. Amy Murdoch, within one week of submitting your application to express your interest in the position
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
