Be A Reader (BeAR) Program Coordinator

Part-time position supporting the Be A Reader (BeAR) literacy initiative of the Jewish Community Relations Council of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater

Position Title: BeAR Program Coordinator
Classification: Part-time, non-exempt, 20 hours per week
Reports To: Jewish Community Relations Council Director
Department: Programs / Jewish Community Relations Council
Salary: Starting at $17/hour

Position Summary

The BeAR Program Coordinator manages the day-to-day coordination, volunteer support, school partnerships, materials, records, and communications for the Be A Reader Literacy Project. BeAR pairs trained volunteer mentors with second-grade students for weekly one-on-one literacy support that builds reading skills, confidence, and meaningful relationships.

The coordinator represents BeAR, UJFT, JCRC, and the Jewish community through dependable follow-through, warm relationship-building, and careful attention to the details that keep the program strong.

About BeAR

Created in 1999, BeAR supports students in Title I elementary schools in Norfolk and Virginia Beach. The program provides weekly mentoring, books for students’ home libraries, school supplies, and a consistent caring relationship throughout the school year.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Coordinate daily BeAR operations, including school and volunteer communication, scheduling, records, materials, supplies, and administrative follow-through.
Recruit, welcome, support, and retain volunteer mentors, school captains, assistant captains, and other volunteer leaders in partnership with the BeAR Chair and lay leadership.
Build and maintain strong relationships with school administrators, reading specialists, teachers, parent liaisons, educational leaders, and other school-based partners.
Conduct school visits and attend education partner meetings as needed, including observing BeAR sessions and occasionally filling in as a mentor when necessary.
Coordinate mentor training, kickoff gatherings, appreciation efforts, end-of-year events, and other touchpoints that support volunteers and program continuity.
Maintain program data, mentor lists, school assignments, student participation information, book orders, supply needs, and other records needed for planning, evaluation, grants, and stewardship.
Develop, adapt, and organize age-appropriate literacy worksheets, educational materials, books, school supplies, and other resources that support student learning and mentor engagement.
Partner with UJFT staff, the BeAR Chair, Development, Marketing, and lay leaders to support grants, sponsorships, donor engagement, storytelling, outreach, and program visibility.
Collaborate with colleagues, volunteers, schools, and community partners on related projects that strengthen BeAR’s impact.
Attend occasional evening or weekend meetings or events, as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned to support the mission of BeAR, JCRC, and UJFT.

Required Qualifications

Minimum of two years of administrative, nonprofit, education, civic engagement, community relations, volunteer coordination, or related experience.
Passion for working with elementary school-age children and supporting literacy, confidence-building, and student success.
Excellent interpersonal, written, verbal, and proofreading skills, with the ability to communicate warmly and professionally with volunteers, schools, colleagues, lay leaders, donors, and community partners.
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, follow-through, initiative, and ability to manage multiple priorities independently.
Ability to work collaboratively and respectfully with diverse volunteers, families, schools, faith communities, and community partners.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Outlook, Word, and Excel.
Experience with Canva or a willingness to learn Canva for the creation of literacy worksheets, educational materials, volunteer resources, and program communications.
Ability to represent UJFT, JCRC, and BeAR with professionalism, warmth, discretion, and good judgment.
Reliable transportation for school visits, meetings with educational leaders, program observations, supply needs, and occasional mentor coverage.
Background check required.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree or related experience in education, nonprofit administration, community engagement, literacy, child development, volunteer management, or a related field.
Experience supporting volunteers, school partnerships, educational programs, grants, sponsorships, donor stewardship, program reporting, or outcome tracking.

Ideal Candidate

Is dependable, organized, and able to take ownership of details from beginning to end.
Builds authentic relationships and helps volunteers, school partners, students, and lay leaders feel valued and supported.
Embraces BeAR's mission as both a literacy and mentoring program that reflects the Jewish community's commitment to education, service, and meaningful community partnership.
Balances warmth and professionalism while keeping the program responsive, organized, and mission-focused.

To apply, please send your resume and cover letter to: resumes@ujft.org