Description

Position Description
The University of Iowa College of Education, in partnership with the Iowa Department of Education, invites applications for the position of Director of the Iowa Reading Research Center (IRRC). 

This is an open-rank faculty position on either the clinical or tenure track, with a 12-month appointment. The Director will be a full-time member of the College of Education faculty in the Department of Teaching and Learning. The successful candidate will serve as Director of the IRRC and will have opportunities to engage in teaching, advising, and research. Start date to be negotiated.

In accordance with Iowa Administrative Code, the Director of the Iowa Department of Education, or the Director's designee, in consultation with the University of Iowa and the IRRC Advisory Council, is responsible for selecting the Director, determining the compensation of, and conducting the annual evaluation of the Center Director.

The Director provides strategic leadership and oversight for all aspects of the IRRC's operations, programs, and initiatives. Working collaboratively with the College of Education, the Iowa Department of Education, the University of Iowa, the IRRC Advisory Council, educators, families and community representatives. The Director advances the Center's mission to improve literacy outcomes and inform literacy policy and practice across Iowa.

The Center is dedicated to advancing literacy achievement for all learners by applying current research to develop, implement, and share evidence-based practices and resources. The Center supports literacy proficiency from preschool through grade 12 through the creation of effective instructional strategies, targeted interventions for students at risk of reading difficulties, and high-quality assessment tools. In partnership with schools, families, and communities, the Center promotes evidence-based approaches to literacy development, provides professional learning opportunities that strengthen educator effectiveness, analyzes and reports literacy outcomes to stakeholders and provides strategic leadership for the implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of statewide literacy initiatives. 

Position Responsibilities
1. Implement all provisions of Iowa Administrative Code 281.61; Iowa Code 279.72; 279.23; 256.32a, and any other State of Iowa governance requirements.
2. Direct all day-to-day operations of the Iowa Reading Research Center. 
3. Serve as a statewide expert and advocate for evidence-based literacy instructional strategies which may include participation and/or appearances at conferences, meetings, or other events across the state. 
4. Teaching may be an option for qualified individuals.
5. May serve as chair and member of dissertation and comprehensive exam committees for graduate students.
6. Work collaboratively with leaders from Iowa’s educational systems (higher education and preschool through grade 12), local education agencies, and community groups to help coordinate all components of Iowa’s comprehensive literacy initiative.
7. Contribute service in the University of Iowa College of Education, such as the Administrative Council, and in the Department of Teaching and Learning. 
8. Engage in at least 4 hours a semester of collaboration with teachers in contributing to instruction in K12 classrooms (required of all teacher education faculty).

Location
This position is located in Iowa City, Iowa, and the Director is expected to work on-site in person.

Salary
Competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience. Excellent benefits and professional development support.

Appointment
Negotiable start date.

Application Materials
Please submit the following:
Cover letter addressing all qualifications noted above 
Curriculum vitae
Contact information for three professional references

Finalists will be requested to supply additional information to determine an appropriate faculty appointment

To apply for this position, visit https://jobs.uiowa.edu/, click on the Faculty tab, and search for requisition number 75996.

Screening
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Inquiries
Direct general questions about the position or nominations to Tina Wahlert (tina.wahlert@iowa.gov) and John Speer (john-speer@uiowa.edu), and questions about the application procedure to Rachel Wallace (rachel-wallace@uiowa.edu), Faculty Affairs Manager.

Additional Information
Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any misconduct history or pending research misconduct investigation, including but not limited to sexual misconduct in prior employment, and provide a related release. Final candidates will be subject to a criminal background and credential check.

If your H-1B petition is subject to the September 19, 2025, Presidential Proclamation, please note that the department will NOT cover the $100,000 payment associated with H-1B sponsorship, either at the time of hire or for international travel purposes. We encourage you to explore alternative pathways for work authorization. Our team is available to help identify options that may be suitable for your situation.

Persons with disabilities who need assistance or accommodations with the application or interview process may contact University Human Resources/Faculty and Staff Disability Services at (319) 335-2660 or fsds@uiowa.edu.

The University of Iowa is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), disability, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, service in the U.S. military, sexual orientation, or associational preferences.

Why Join Us?
At the University of Iowa, you’ll thrive in a collaborative, welcoming, and intellectually rich environment. As a Big Ten, R1 institution, we offer the resources of a major university with the personal connections of a close-knit academic community. Our faculty are supported at every stage of their careers through mentorship, professional development, and leadership opportunities. Located in Iowa City, one of the most livable cities in America, you’ll enjoy a vibrant cultural scene, top-rated schools, and a welcoming community that values creativity, innovation, and work-life integration. Learn more about this community and resources at Build a Career | Build a Life.

About the Center
The IRRC’s mission is to engage in translational research partnering with educators and caregivers through high-quality literacy research, technical assistance, and dissemination of evidence-based practices in order to achieve its vision for all pre-kindergarten through grade 12 students to develop the literacy knowledge and skills necessary for success. The IRRC is comprised of a dynamic team of staff collaborating to engage in research, deliver professional development and technical assistance to support the implementation of the science of reading, and developing evidence-based publications and resources to assist educators and caregivers.  For information regarding the Center’s specific work, visit us at https://irrc.education.uiowa.edu/. 

About the College
Recognized as the State of Iowa’s top College of Education, the University of Iowa College of Education offers more than 80 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including licensure, endorsement, and certificate programs, many of which are regularly ranked among the best in the nation.  Students study with our world-renowned faculty who are the leaders in their fields.  Our college is comprised of four departments: Educational Policy and Leadership Studies, Psychological and Quantitative Foundations, Counselor Education, and Teaching and Learning.  The College also houses several Centers that support work in critical areas of education, including UI REACH, Iowa Reading Research Center, Scanlan Center for School Mental Health, and the Belin-Blank Center for Gifted Education and Talent Development. The College is guided by a Strategic Plan which defines our mission and the vision and values that bolster it. 

About the Department of Teaching and Learning
The Department of Teaching and Learning (T & L) at the University of Iowa includes 43 faculty members and over 900 students. The Department houses nine teacher elementary and secondary licensure programs, multiple MA/MS/MAT programs, and 25+ endorsements in Teacher Education. The department also has four PhD programs (Special Education; Language, Literacy, and Social Studies Education; Mathematics Education; Science Education).

Requirements

Education Requirement
PhD, EdD, or other earned doctorate in education or a related field with expertise in literacy, reading, language arts, or a closely related area.

Because this position may be filled by either a clinical-track or tenure-track faculty member, candidates may demonstrate qualifications through research, teaching, administrative leadership, professional practice, or other relevant experience.

Required Qualifications 

1.      Demonstrated expertise in literacy development, reading instruction, and evidence-based literacy practices across prekindergarten through grade 12.

2.      Demonstrated knowledge of the science of reading, including explicit, systematic, and diagnostic approaches to literacy development. 

3.      Experience leading, implementing, evaluating, or disseminating literacy initiatives, programs, research, or professional learning.

4.      Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with a variety of stakeholders, including educators, families, community organizations, local education agencies, policymakers, state education officials, and university colleagues.

5.      Experience supporting literacy outcomes for a variety of learners, including students with disabilities, multilingual learners, gifted learners, and students at risk for reading difficulties.

6.      Experience securing, managing, administering, or overseeing externally funded projects, grants, contracts, or programs.

7.      Demonstrated commitment to improving literacy outcomes for all learners through access to high-quality, evidence-based instruction.

8.      Experience contributing to a welcoming and respectful educational or professional environment.

Desired Qualifications 

1.      Experience translating literacy research into large-scale implementation efforts, policy development, or statewide literacy initiatives.

2.      Record of scholarship, translational research, or applied work related to literacy education, reading development, reading disabilities, and/or dyslexia.

3.      Experience providing leadership and supervision for professional staff and interdisciplinary teams.

4.      Experience managing substantial budgets, grants, contracts, or organizational resources.

5.      Experience designing or delivering professional learning for educators.

6.      Experience developing partnerships among schools, families, and communities to improve literacy outcomes.

7.      Experience collaborating with state or national organizations, agencies, or experts to advance literacy goals.

8.      Experience teaching, advising, and mentoring undergraduate and/or graduate students in higher education.

9.      Familiarity with Iowa literacy initiatives, literacy policy, or statewide education systems.

10.  Experience evaluating, selecting, or implementing evidence-based literacy intervention programs, including summer literacy programming.