Director of Family & Community Engagement

Description

Director of Family & Community Engagement

Position Function: The Director of Family & Community Engagement (FACE) will provide strategic leadership and support in developing, implementing, and evaluating family engagement and community involvement across the district. This leader will engage and support the work being done by building personnel to build strong partnerships between schools and families. Additionally, the Director of FACE will strive to create and maintain strategic relationships with community partners aimed at helping students thrive. This leader will serve as a key liaison for the district to connect the work being done by parents, educators, administrators, and community organizations, assuring that the needs and perspective of parents are considered at all times. This role also involves monitoring compliance, facilitating training, and implementing best practices for family and community engagement.

Essential Performance Responsibilities

Leadership and Strategy

• Develop and implement a district-wide vision and program design for family and community engagement.
• Create and oversee customized action plans for family engagement and community involvement, working closely with building principals and school staff.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with Title I family engagement requirements, including policies, school-parent compacts, and parent meetings to meet federal, state, and local regulations.
• Ensure that all Title I schools meet the parental involvement requirements under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), including notification and consultation obligations.
• Provide leadership and oversight of the Parent and Community Support Network.
  
  

Collaboration & Communication

• Promote partnerships between families, the community, and schools, assuring effective communication and alignment of efforts.
• Work with site councils to continue planning and supporting their work in district buildings.
• Work with internal departments and partners whose work involves family engagement to share ideas, evaluate programming, and assure a united effort to engage WPS families.
• Develop and analyze measures to assess and ensure continuous improvement of Family and Community Engagement practices.
  
  

Training & Resources

• Facilitate and provide training and resources for parents, community leaders, and district staff regarding effective family and community engagement practices.
• Organize and present professional development workshops for staff on recurring issues and best practices.
• Work with local colleges and universities to support the preparation of future teachers in engaging families and the community.
  
  

Operational Support

• Manage and monitor the department’s budget, supervise support staff if there is any, and assure effective use of district resources. This includes understanding both Title I and non-Title I operational support and how those resources can be deployed to support FACE.
• Ensure that all required documentation and reporting related to Title I family engagement is completed accurately and submitted on time.
• Utilize district translation services to support non-English-speaking families and assure inclusive engagement practices.
  
  

Additional Duties

• Assist with additional duties as assigned by the Deputy Superintendent, including responding rapidly to emergency situations when necessary.
  
  

Equipment

• Ability to use technology and basic office equipment, including Canva, to produce basic graphic materials independently of other internal suppliers.
  
  

Travel

• Frequent travel between schools, community events, and central offices may be required.
  
  

Physical and Mental Demands

• Work in a standard office environment with the ability to work outdoors during student/family activities when needed.
• Occasional remote work and the ability to flex schedule based on hours/demands is acceptable.
• Must maintain a high level of professionalism and confidentiality, responding rapidly in emergency situations as requested.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Strong leadership and strategic planning skills, with the ability to work as a contributing member of a team.
• Knowledge of district and community resources, as well as crisis intervention and management.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with strong presentation skills for a variety of audiences.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Canva, and other relevant technology platforms.
• Demonstrated ability to promote and maintain constructive working relationships with a diverse population.
• Ability to handle all situations with tact and diplomacy, maintaining a positive attitude with all customers and colleagues.
• Knowledge of special education laws, school policies, and procedures.
  
  

Qualifications

Interrelations

• Expected to interact with all internal and external customers in a friendly, professional manner and provide quick, responsive customer service.
• Must be able to promote, establish, and maintain constructive working relationships with principals, students, district staff, and community groups.
• Must remain mindful of cultural and language differences and work to remove barriers to better communication and participation.
  
  

Employee Punctuality and Appearance

• Employees are expected to perform all assigned duties and work all scheduled hours during each designated workday unless approved leave is granted.
• Deviation from assigned hours requires prior approval from a supervisor.
• All employees must report to work dressed in a manner that reflects a positive image of WPS and is appropriate for the position.
  
  

Qualification Profile

• Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree preferred.
• At least 5 years of experience working in education, social services, or community development. Experience within Wichita Public Schools is preferred and highly desirable.
  
  

FLSA Status: Exempt