Position Summary:
The Program Operations Specialist keeps the behind-the-scenes logistics of our literacy programs running smoothly. They coordinate the purchasing, packing, and distribution of books and materials, helping ensure thousands of young children receive outstanding reading experiences. This role also leads book inventory management, maintains publisher relationships, and improves systems and workflows. It’s a great fit for someone who enjoys organizing, building smooth processes, and working with a mission-driven team.

Primary Responsibilities:

Program Books and Supplies

• Leads book and supply distribution workflows – including project timelines, staff and volunteer coordination, packing, and delivery – ensuring streamlined and consistent distribution experiences.
• Oversees volunteer groups participating in book and resource packing, sorting, and distribution.
• Evaluates and improves warehouse workflows and systems to enhance efficiency and support program goals.
• Establishes and maintains relationships with book publishers, expanding access to diverse, high-quality literature.
• Negotiates pricing, issues purchase orders and manages the design process for Ready Readers program books to ensure quality standards and budget adherence.
• Ensures that in-kind book donations are sorted in a timely manner, maintaining associated records and sending donor thank you letters.
• Supports gathering outgoing donations for special events, festivals, and collaborations according to requested timing, and arranging for delivery and pick-up.

Program Inventory

• Leads annual inventory count and special project inventory evaluations.
• Maintains consistent and accurate inventory recordkeeping for incoming and outgoing books.
• Collaborates with Program Director to evaluate and implement new inventory tools, processes, or technologies that increase accuracy and usability for team members and volunteers.
• Verifies book and supply purchase invoices and submits them to accounting for payment.

Program and Organization Support

• Assesses and improves warehouse layout and operations regularly to best meet the evolving needs of the organization, with a focus on safety, functionality, and effectiveness.
• Orders general office supplies as needed.
• Manages organizational facilities and maintenance, ensuring smooth daily operations.
• Engages with volunteers and donors both in and outside of the Ready Readers office.
• Assists with database entry and program correspondence.
• Supports external events as needed.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Commitment to the Ready Readers mission and passion for early childhood education, literacy, or educational equity required.
• Prior experience in operations/supply chain is preferred. Experience working with volunteers is a bonus.
• Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills.
• Detail-oriented and able to maintain accurate records is essential.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills needed to build and maintain volunteer and publisher relationships.
• Punctual, dependable, a self-starter, and able to work independently.
• Ability to coordinate and prioritize multiple tasks, set deadlines, and complete projects quickly is key.
• Experience and comfort using Microsoft Office Suite (especially Word and Excel) required. Proficiency working in a database (Salesforce) and using Zoom preferred.
• Must be able to lift/carry up to 30 pounds. Must be able to walk/stand for extended periods of time (up to 3 hours). Experience using pallet jacks or walking stackers are a plus.

Our ideal candidate is someone who enjoys making things run smoothly and loves the details that keep a program moving. If organizing comes naturally to you, you like creating simple systems to make work easier for everyone, and you don’t mind rolling up your sleeves to get things done, you’ll fit right in. You don’t need to know everything on day one – we’re looking for someone who’s curious, dependable, and excited to be part of a mission-driven team.

How to Apply:
Interested candidates should send a letter of interest, salary requirements, and resume to hr@readyreaders.org by August 8. The subject line should read OS (last name).

Ready Readers is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable work environment and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and others from underrepresented backgrounds.

About Ready Readers
Ready Readers is a local nonprofit organization serving over 17,000 children in the St. Louis area. Our mission is to expand literacy for young children in low-income communities through high-quality books, strong relationships, and literacy related experiences. To learn more, please visit: www.readyreaders.org.