Executive Director at Read

READ 718 is a Brooklyn-based nonprofit organization dedicated to closing the childhood literacy gap. Through one-on-one, low or no cost tutoring, we help children build strong reading skills and boost their confidence.

READ 718 is rooted in the belief that all children in Brooklyn deserve equitable access to high-quality reading instruction. We provide personalized, evidence-based literacy support, pairing each child ("READer") with a trained volunteer tutor for one-on-one reading instruction. Our programs include after-school tutoring at our two community-centered learning centers, remote tutoring, Saturday READing Room programming, and phonics-based instruction for students with decoding challenges through our READ Up model.

Our centers are joyful, relationship-driven community spaces. Families feel welcomed, children feel celebrated, and volunteers feel part of a mission-driven community committed to educational equity.

• Mission:
  To close the literacy gap in Brooklyn and ensure that all children — regardless of background — gain confidence and proficiency in reading.
• Equity & Inclusion:
  We serve primarily low-income families, many of whom face systemic barriers in accessing quality literacy education.
• Community & Relationships:
  We believe in building strong relationships — between READers and tutors, and with the broader Brooklyn community.
• Evidence-Based Instruction:
  Our instruction is guided by literacy educators and aligned with systematic, sequential approaches for students who need decoding support.

You can learn more about READ 718 at their website.

The Executive Director (ED) will lead READ 718 into its next phase of growth and impact – one grounded in deep community connection, operational excellence, thoughtful growth, and continued impact on the children and families we serve. The Executive Director role blends strategic leadership with hands‑on operational management. The ED will serve as the organization's external ambassador, lead fundraising and partnerships, inspire volunteers and donors, cultivate an inclusive culture, and ensure program excellence that preserves the "magic" of READ 718's learning spaces.

The ideal candidate brings a joy for working with children, empathy for families, cultural humility, strong storytelling abilities, and comfort toggling between vision and execution.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Provide visionary leadership to the READ 718 team, ensuring alignment with the organization's mission and core values
• Ensure responsible stewardship of the organization's finances, operations, and human resources
• Build, mentor, and inspire a high‑performing and diverse team, including developing leadership among staff
• Serve as a trusted liaison between staff and Board, ensuring transparency, healthy communication, and aligned decision‑making
• Foster an inclusive, collaborative organizational culture rooted in equity and that embodies READ 718's values
• Maintain a visible presence across program sites, modeling a hands‑on approach to leadership

• Serve as READ 718's primary ambassador and spokesperson, enhancing the organization's visibility, brand recognition, and credibility
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with key strategic partners, such as funders, peer organizations, and community partners
• Drive fundraising efforts, with a focus on increasing revenue to support growth in reach and impact
• Work closely with the Board to strengthen fundraising and expand the organization's network
• Communicate impact through compelling storytelling that honors both "magic and metrics"—the qualitative and quantitative evidence of READ 718's success

• Partner with the Board and staff to refine and implement READ 718's strategic plan
• Lead data‑driven approaches to evaluate student progress, program effectiveness, and organizational health
• Approach future growth with care: building trust and credibility first, assessing needs deeply, and preserving the unique strengths of READ 718's in‑person…