Employment Opportunities

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Craven Smart Start, Inc. has the following opportunities listed below:

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Raising a Reader Coordinator

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The Raising A Reader (RAR) Coordinator is responsible for the implementation and oversight of the RAR program for Craven County. RAR is an evidence-based program that assists parents in learning strategies to enhance shared reading routines, social-emotional learning, healthy relationships, and school success and beyond. Implementation consists of children receiving a Red Book Bag each week filled with high-quality books to take home. Through this program, the RAR Coordinator and classroom teachers will encourage parents to increase their child’s literacy skills by modeling through shared reading within the classroom environment.

 

Work Schedule: Full-time

 

Supervisor:

Reports to the Executive Director. The Executive Director will provide monthly supervision meetings, a Performance Evaluation after the first three months of probationary employment and an annual Performance Evaluation.

 

Responsibilities:

• Attend the RAR National Coordinator Training prior to initial implementation.

• Assist in the annual application process to recruit and select child care programs that may be eligible to participate in the program.

• Plans, coordinates, and facilitates trainings for RAR site implementers.

• The RAR Coordinator and the site implementers will record the book bags children receive and document the return of book bags weekly.

• Plans, coordinates, and facilitates parenting trainings and workshops on the importance of literacy and learning book sharing strategies, to include a library event.

• Prepares and maintains quarterly reports in accordance with Smart Start requirements.

• Collects, enters, and updates database information collected related to the RAR National program.

• Any other duties as directed by the Executive Director that support the mission of the agency.        

 

Minimum Qualifications:

 

• Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or related field.

• 3 years’ experience in programs serving young children and families with prior experience in program evaluation, data analysis, and training.

• Working knowledge of statistical and data-based programs

• Ability to present information effectively (writing and orally), and to communicate and collaborate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.

 

SALARY

Salary range based on experience.

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To apply: Please send resume and cover letter to Cassandra Bennett, Executive Director at cbennett@cravensmartstart.org or Craven Smart Start, 2111 F Neuse Blvd. New Bern, NC. 28560. Interviewing ASAP.

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Literacy Coordinator

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PRIMARY FUNCTIONS DOLLY PARTON, STORY CUBS, AND RAISING A READER

 

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library (DPIL)

• Register children and maintain data base for children in Craven County ages birth to five.

• Visit Craven County post offices to retrieve books returned (family address change).

• Confer with Dolly Parton Foundation Regional Coordinator regularly and maintain contract between Craven Smart Start and the DPIL Foundation.

• Track data for NCPC CAD requirements.

 

Raising A Reader Literacy (RAR)

• Meet the requirements of RAR to execute the program to model fidelity.

• Coordinate close communication with the RAR coordinator, finance manager and Executive Director.

• Create relationships with Craven County Librarians, New Bern, Havelock, Vanceboro and Cove City.

• Assist with the Bosch Literacy Grant presentation and collaborate with the literacy team to continue the grant provided by county/city of New Bern Nonprofit grant.

• Attend community events to raise awareness of Craven Smart Start programs and the importance of reading to children.

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Story Cubs

• Meet twice weekly with the Story Cub groups (Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00AM – 11:30AM  Ages two to three years of age Tuesday (ages two to three years old) and Thursdays (ages four year Pre-K). 

• Literacy Coordinator is responsible for lesson plans (incorporate STEAM activities themed with story book) to be used during Story Cubs.

• Summer session: Meet one time weekly for 6 weeks one and include Summer Story Cubs Enrichment Field Trips.

• Prepare reports for monitoring and data collection.

 

Outreach

• Attend all Craven Smart Start events and fundraisers to include, Building Brighter Futures Conference, Holiday Hustle, Golf Tournament, etc. and other duties as assigned.

• Attend training related to literacy to include RAR qualifications and connecting to parents and family.

 

Job Requirements

• High School Diploma and or AA in Early Childhood Certificate preferred.

• Experience with Data Management and computer programs (Microsoft: Word, Excel, etc.)

• The position will report to the Executive Director.

 

SALARY

Salary range based on experience.

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To apply: Please send resume and cover letter to Cassandra Bennett, Executive Director at cbennett@cravensmartstart.org or Craven Smart Start, 2111 F Neuse Blvd. New Bern, NC. 28560. 
Interviewing ASAP. Hire date August 1, 2025 or sooner.