Consultant – Partner Landscape Analysis, Central Appalachia

Location: United States; Central Appalachia experience strongly preferred

Consultancy period: September–December 2026 (16 weeks)

About Room to Read

Room to Read is creating a world free from illiteracy and gender inequality. We work with governments and partner organizations to help children develop literacy skills and a habit of reading and to support children as they build the skills they need to succeed in school and make key life decisions. Room to Read has benefited more than 45 million children and has worked in 24 countries, with additional support delivered through remote solutions.

About the Consultancy

Room to Read is seeking an experienced consultant to conduct a Partner Landscape Analysis of the literacy ecosystem across Central Appalachia, with a particular focus on:

• East Tennessee
• Southwest Virginia
• Eastern Kentucky
• Southern West Virginia
• Western North Carolina

The consultant will help us develop a comprehensive understanding of the organizations, networks, initiatives, and systems supporting early literacy across the region, with a focus on children from pre-K through third grade. The analysis will identify key stakeholders, potential implementation partners, regional strengths, service gaps, and opportunities for collaboration. Findings will help inform Room to Read's strategy for future engagement and literacy programming in Central Appalachia.

Responsibilities

• Conduct a landscape scan of the Central Appalachian literacy and education ecosystem using publicly available research, datasets, policy documents, organizational materials, and other relevant sources.
• Map organizations and initiatives supporting early childhood literacy, family literacy, book access, reading promotion, and out-of-school literacy programming.
• Research and assess nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, libraries, government agencies, funders, community-based organizations, and other potential partners.
• Examine relevant state and regional education systems, literacy initiatives, professional learning networks, and school district efforts.
• Conduct interviews and meetings with selected literacy organizations, educational leaders, libraries, funders, and community partners, as needed.
• Map existing partnerships, collaborative networks, regional initiatives, geographic coverage, and areas of focus.
• Identify regional strengths, service gaps, unmet needs, funding opportunities, and promising literacy models.
• Assess and prioritize potential partners based on alignment with Room to Read's mission and program objectives.
• Develop recommendations for potential pilot communities and short-, medium-, and long-term engagement.
• Provide warm introductions to key stakeholders where appropriate.
• Present findings and strategic recommendations to Room to Read's project team.

Key Deliverables

• Comprehensive Central Appalachia Literacy Partner Landscape Analysis
• Regional partner database
• Partner ecosystem/landscape map
• Strategic Partner Engagement Plan
• Prioritized list of organizations recommended for future engagement
• Executive summary of findings and recommendations
• Presentation of findings to the Room to Read project team

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in education, public policy, nonprofit management, community development, library and information science, or a related field.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the literacy landscape, education systems, cultural context, and community-based organizations within Central Appalachia or the broader Appalachian region.
• Residence in or demonstrated professional experience working within Central Appalachia or the broader Appalachian region strongly preferred.
• Proven experience conducting landscape analyses, environmental scans, and independent qualitative research through document review, online research, and stakeholder interviews.
• Strong understanding of early literacy, family literacy, school readiness, K–3 education, or related educational initiatives.
• Experience identifying, assessing, and engaging nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, libraries, government agencies, and other community partners.
• Ability to synthesize qualitative and quantitative information into clear, actionable reports and strategic recommendations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing professional reports, briefing materials, and presentations.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to analyze complex information objectively.

Contract Terms

This is a fixed-fee consultancy running from September through December 2026. The final fee will be determined by mutual agreement, and the selected consultant must be able to complete the full scope of work within the agreed resources and timeframe.