SMART Reading

Do you want to work for an organization that makes a difference in the lives of children? 

Can you welcome and support volunteers to be part of a phenomenal statewide effort?

Then we invite you to come help make a difference at SMART Reading! We seek someone to support our Lincoln, Polk, Yamhill, and Marion counties. 

About Us

SMART Reading is Oregon’s largest volunteer-based nonprofit literacy organization focused on the state’s youngest children. At SMART Reading, we believe that reading is the gateway to learning and an opportunity for Oregon’s kids. For over 32 years, we’ve been mobilizing our statewide community to make a direct impact by connecting kids, books, and volunteers who understand that education creates a brighter future for all. Our model provides two essential ingredients for early literacy and learning success: shared reading time and access to books. Without those supports, it’s almost impossible to become an excited, confident reader, or be prepared for learning and success. By helping thousands of children build confidence, literacy skills, and a love of reading—right in our own neighborhoods—we can reduce the negative ripple effects of illiteracy and help children realize their full potential.

Our Ideal candidate will have the following skills and experience:

• Volunteer management and recruitment experience, and can help maintain our programs through various counties in the northwest.  
• Ability and means to travel to the Salem office to meet with volunteers and maintain books 
• Ability to travel around the Northwest Area SMART sites  in Lincoln, Polk, Yamhill, and Marion counties as needed
• Personal character, which guides the ethical practice of your work.
• Experience working in partnership with communities of color and marginalized communities
• Well-organized and adaptable to changing conditions; self-starter and able to prioritize and multitask across a range of activities
• Ability to recruit, supervise, develop, and evaluate volunteers and build community partnerships
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to represent the program and implement quality improvement and other program changes
• A sense of service and commitment to helping the children of Oregon learn to read
• Bilingual, Spanish-speaking preferred
• Bachelor’s Degree preferred but not required

Summary of Core Responsibilities and Duties:

• Manage SMART Reading program sites, including recruitment, training, and support of Volunteer Site Coordinators
• Lead volunteer Reader recruitment, recognition, and retention efforts
• Ensure program quality through training, regular reviews, and data collection
• Maintain strong communication with school personnel
• Manage volunteer records and reporting
• Process volunteer applications and school assignments
• Serve as primary contact for SMART Reading inquiries
• Oversee book ordering and inventory management
• Support the Book Bank program implementation
• Maintain positive community relations
• Generate local support and awareness for SMART Reading
• Handle general office duties, including phone/email communication, document management, and supplies
• Maintain records and create reports
• Assist with budget management
• Attend required meetings and participate in organizational committees

If that’s you, here’s what we can offer:

• An important mission and purpose that affects the lives of kids throughout Oregon. SMART Reading engages volunteers to strengthen literacy skills and encourage a love of reading with preschool through eighth-grade students by reading one-on-one with students and restoring gently used children's books that will be given to kids
• A team of equally committed, passionate, and dedicated individuals.
• An opportunity to put your creativity and ideas to good use (We’ve got great systems but we’re always interested in improvement)
• A supportive and caring team
• An organizational culture that values team, plays to the strengths of its members, works to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion, be an anti-racist force in the community, and is tirelessly devoted to serving “our kids” well
• A great compensation & benefits package with generous time off!

Application Process: 

1. Please submit a resume and cover letter that tells us the following:

• Specifically, state how you meet our description of an ideal candidate based on the requirements outlined above and the relevant experience you offer;
• Your experience with and commitment to equity; 
• Your ability and willingness to travel (often) to a variety of REGIONAL sites in Polk, Marion, Yamhill, and Lincoln Counties.

2) This position will remain open until filled. We will review applications on a rolling basis until the position is filled, with priority given to applications received by the end of the day on August 8, 2025.

3) Selected applicants will be invited to move forward to interviews. For our finalists, we will request three professional references, preferably from previous employers. We will want to verify employment history. 

4) Selected candidates will be required to complete a background check after notifying the applicant of our intent to make a job offer. 

NOTE: This is a full-time hybrid position, but you will be required to travel frequently and be at our Salem office as needed.  

The SMART Reading Office is located at: 4068 Hudson Ave NE, Salem

SMART’s Commitment to Equity: As an early literacy program focused on helping children succeed with reading and learning, SMART can’t ignore that deep racial, cultural, social, and economic inequities in our country and state make it harder for some children to succeed compared to others. SMART’s vision is an Oregon in which every child can read and is empowered to succeed, and we are making equity a top priority. As part of this,  we particularly seek staff members, volunteers, and board members whose personal or professional background gives them a unique perspective to further SMART’s work in serving children of color and children from other marginalized groups.

Important Note: People of color, people living with disabilities, veterans, and individuals from marginalized communities are strongly encouraged to apply. We welcome all applications from a wide range of backgrounds. Selection for roles will be based on the best qualifications for the position. 

Compensation and Benefits: 

• Base Annual Salary: $45,000 (This is an hourly position) plus:
• Cash Benefit: $100 monthly ($1,200 annually)
• Cell Phone Reimbursement: $50 monthly ($600 annually)
• 401k Retirement: Employer match of up to 3% of your salary
• Paid Time Off/Vacation: Four weeks of paid time off every year. PTO is accumulated biweekly, totaling four weeks annually
• Personal Leave Days: Employees have 5 days a year to take care of personal obligations or for sick days 
• Office Closures: Two paid weeks off - one in July and the second in December/January for employee rest and rejuvenation time (This is in addition to regular PTO) 
• Employer-paid Health Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D, and LTD premiums are 100% paid by SMART for the employee
• Paid Holidays: Nine paid holidays that can be used on scheduled holidays or as floating days used according to personal beliefs and obligations
• Paid Supplemental Medical Leave: Cumulated biweekly totaling two weeks annually, and carried over to earn up to eight weeks of medical leave
• Travel Reimbursement: Staff are paid mileage for work-related travel. 

There’s more! A complete benefit package outline will be provided if selected to an interview.  

To learn more about SMART Reading, please visit www.smartreading.org