Application Guide

How to Apply for Reach Out and Read Western Iowa Program Manager

at Positively Partners

🏢 About Positively Partners

Reach Out and Read is a national nonprofit that integrates books and shared reading into pediatric well-child visits, reaching 4.6 million children annually. The organization is mission-driven with a goal to double its impact by 2030, offering the chance to work remotely while making a tangible difference in early literacy and family engagement.

About This Role

As the Western Iowa Program Manager, you'll build relationships with medical providers, coach clinics on model fidelity, and support new clinic onboarding. This role is impactful because you'll directly contribute to children's developmental foundations by ensuring high-quality implementation in underserved communities.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with a virtual check-in with a clinic team to review recent well-child visit data and discuss barriers to book distribution. Then, you might travel to a new clinic for an onboarding session, followed by time updating your CRM and preparing a presentation for a local early childhood coalition meeting.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Positively Partners Is Looking For

  • Has 2-5 years of experience in early childhood, public health, or family support, with hands-on knowledge of continuous quality improvement.
  • Excels at building trust with medical providers and clinic staff, using strong interpersonal and coaching skills.
  • Is comfortable with data tracking and using tools like Excel and databases to monitor program fidelity and outcomes.
  • Demonstrates cultural competence and experience working with diverse families, especially in rural or western Iowa contexts.

📝 Tips for Applying to Positively Partners

1

Highlight any experience with Reach Out and Read or similar evidence-based early literacy programs in your resume.

2

In your cover letter, mention specific strategies you've used to engage parents or healthcare providers in program adoption.

3

Tailor your resume to emphasize quality improvement projects, even if informal, and quantify outcomes where possible.

4

Research Iowa's early childhood landscape and mention relevant local partnerships or initiatives you admire.

5

Use a clean, professional format; since it's a remote role, demonstrate your ability to work independently by being concise and organized.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your passion for early literacy and health equity, with a clear connection to Reach Out and Read's mission.", 'Specific examples of building relationships with medical or educational professionals to implement programs.', 'Your experience with data-driven improvement, such as using feedback to refine program delivery.', 'Understanding of the unique challenges and strengths of Western Iowa communities, including rural access issues.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review the Reach Out and Read model and its core components on their website.
  • → Learn about literacy rates and pediatric health access in Western Iowa, including relevant demographics.
  • → Familiarize yourself with the organization's 2030 strategic plan and its emphasis on equity and scale.
  • → Look into past or current initiatives in Iowa that integrate early childhood health and literacy.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach a clinic that is struggling with model fidelity? Walk me through your coaching process.
2 Describe a time you built a partnership with a healthcare provider. What was the outcome?
3 How do you prioritize tasks when managing multiple clinics with varying needs?
4 What metrics would you use to measure success in this role?
5 How would you engage families from diverse cultural backgrounds in the program?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Avoid a generic cover letter; failing to mention Iowa or specific program knowledge suggests lack of genuine interest.
  • Don't overemphasize administrative skills without demonstrating relationship-building and coaching abilities.
  • Avoid negative comments about past employers or clinics; the role requires diplomacy and collaboration.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Positively Partners!

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