Be A Reader (BeAR) Program Coordinator

The Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater is seeking a part-time BeAR Program Coordinator to support our Be A Reader (BeAR) literacy initiative.

BeAR pairs trained volunteer mentors with second-grade students for weekly one-on-one literacy support designed to build reading skills, confidence, and meaningful relationships. Since 1999, BeAR has served students in Title I elementary schools in Norfolk and Virginia Beach while providing books for students' home libraries, school supplies, and consistent support throughout the school year.

About the Position

The BeAR Program Coordinator manages the day-to-day coordination of the program, working closely with volunteers, schools, community partners, and UJFT staff. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is organized, enjoys building relationships, and is passionate about literacy, education, and community service.

Key responsibilities include:

• Coordinate day-to-day BeAR operations, including school and volunteer communication, scheduling, records, materials, and supplies.
• Recruit, welcome, and support volunteer mentors and volunteer leaders.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with school administrators, teachers, reading specialists, and other school partners.
• Visit participating schools, observe BeAR sessions, and occasionally fill in as a mentor when needed.
• Coordinate mentor training, kickoff gatherings, volunteer appreciation efforts, and end-of-year activities.
• Maintain program data, mentor and student information, school assignments, book orders, and other records needed for planning and reporting.
• Develop and organize literacy worksheets, educational materials, books, and other resources for students and mentors.
• Work with UJFT staff and volunteer leadership to support grants, sponsorships, donor engagement, outreach, and program visibility.
• Attend occasional evening or weekend meetings or events as needed.

Qualifications

We are looking for someone who is dependable, organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities independently while building warm, professional relationships.

Candidates should have:

• At least two years of experience in administration, education, nonprofit work, community engagement, volunteer coordination, or a related field.
• A passion for working with elementary school-age children and supporting literacy and student success.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organization, attention to detail, initiative, and follow-through.
• Ability to work effectively with volunteers, schools, families, colleagues, and community partners.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Experience with Canva or a willingness to learn.
• Reliable transportation for school visits, meetings, and other program needs.

A bachelor's degree and experience in education, literacy, nonprofit administration, volunteer management, school partnerships, grants, fundraising, or program reporting are preferred but not required.

Schedule & Compensation

• Part-time, averaging approximately 20 hours per week
• Pay: Starting at $17.00 per hour depending on experience
• Schedule offers flexibility, with much of the work taking place during regular school-day/business hours.
• Occasional evening or weekend availability may be needed for meetings and events.

The ideal candidate will embrace BeAR's mission as both a literacy and mentoring program and will be comfortable representing UJFT, JCRC, BeAR, and the Jewish community with professionalism, warmth, discretion, and good judgment.

Pay: From $17.00 per hour

Expected hours: 20.0 per week

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule

Work Location: In person