Literacy Lead SY '26-27

*Role commences August 2026

LITERACY LEAD 

Location: Boston, MA 
Classification: Full-Time, Non-Exempt 
Reports To: Site Leader 

ABOUT TENACITY 

Since 1999, Tenacity has empowered more than 45,000 Massachusetts youth to graduate from high school and achieve post-secondary success through academic enrichment, racket sports, fitness, and life skills development. We provide year-round programs in Boston, Worcester, and Chelsea that build literacy, critical thinking, and healthy habits while fostering supportive relationships between students and staff. 

Tenacity students consistently exceed local graduation and college completion rates—95% graduate from high school, and 75% pursue or complete post-secondary education, compared to 79% and 38% citywide, respectively. Recognized as a leader in in-school, after-school, and summer learning, Tenacity equips young people with the academic, social, and physical foundation to thrive both on and off the court. 

JOB SUMMARY  

The ACE Academy Literacy Lead supports the successful recruitment, engagement, and retention of middle school students participating in Tenacity’s after-school and summer programs. Under the leadership of the Site Leader, this role plays a key part in delivering high-quality academic, literacy, fitness, and family engagement programming designed to foster students’ personal, social, and academic growth. 

The Literacy Lead engages students in all aspects of Tenacity programming, including leading small academic or racket-sport groups, supporting classroom push-ins, and serving as a bus chaperone. They oversee full site operations including student recruitment, enrollment, retention, and program implementation across academic, tennis, and life skills curricula. The position involves family engagement, school collaboration, and high school transition planning, as well as coordinating events, field trips, and summer programming.  

This role requires flexibility, teamwork, and a passion for youth development, as responsibilities may include occasional evening and weekend events, summer programming, and collaboration with school-day teachers and family engagement teams. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES  

School Site Leadership 

Manage all program-related activities at the school site.  

Collaborate with other leaders, staff, volunteers, and part-time instructors.  

Supervise and evaluate a diverse team.  

Build strong relationships with school principals, teachers, and families.  

Lead student recruitment, selection, registration, and retention.  

Oversee effective implementation of Tenacity’s tennis and literacy curricula.  

Support students facing behavioral, social-emotional, or academic challenges.  

Attend school meetings and collect program assessment/evaluation data.  

Support family engagement efforts and home visits.  

Partner with the College and Career Prep team to execute the high school selection process for 8th graders.  

Assist in additional areas such as tennis, literacy, and family engagement.  

Lead field trip planning and execution.  

Participate in staff recruitment and training. 

Organization Leadership 

During summer months, work in Tenacity’s Summer Tennis, Reading, and Pickleball Program or complete prep work for the upcoming year.  

Support Tenacity’s strategic growth (e.g., expanding into new schools or adding new student cohorts).  

Take on broader organizational responsibilities as needed (e.g., fundraising, administration, program visits).  

Assist with planning and executing events, which may include evenings and weekends. 

Literacy Instruction 

Demonstrate commitment to equity in classroom, instruction, and behavior management.  

Supervise the academic experience, including staff and volunteer coordination.  

Deliver and manage academic curriculum with fidelity.  

Submit weekly lesson plans and instructional plans based on assessment data.  

Facilitate small and large group academic instruction.  

Integrate academic programming with life skills and tennis/fitness curriculum. 

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS  

Deep commitment to equity and youth development. 

Excellent organizational and public speaking skills. 

Experience leading diverse teams in urban settings. 

Bilingual in Spanish or Mandarin a plus. 

Proven ability to engage and retain students and families. 

Strong relationship-building skills with school personnel and external partners. 

Classroom and behavior management experience. 

Strong communication and interpersonal skills. 

Bachelor’s degree required (education, human services, or related field preferred). 

Master’s degree a plus. 

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite. 

Tennis experience is a plus. 

Valid driver’s license and consistent access to a vehicle are desired. 

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS 

Salary Range: $50,000 annually (based on experience) 
Tenacity offers a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, 401(k) plan, paid time off, and professional development opportunities. 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT 

Tenacity is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We strongly encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply. 

*Please Note: The location for this role will be at one of our partnering schools in Boston.