Director of Parent and Family Engagement

The University of Texas at Arlington Portal•Arlington, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Parent and Family Engagement provides strategic leadership and vision for the university’s engagement with the parents and families of its over 40,000 students, with focus on the families of undergraduate students. This role serves as the primary advocate for Maverick families, fostering meaningful collaborative partnerships that advance student success, retention, and a sense of belonging within the UTA community. The Director guides the Maverick Parent & Family Association (MPFA), executes fund-raising opportunities among families, and oversees family programming to integrate families into the Maverick journey.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Human and Organizational Development, Communication, Public Relations, or related fields.
Five (5) years of professional experience in higher education, student affairs, or family programming.
Demonstrated experience in large-scale event management (audiences of 1,000+).
Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and experience with student information systems (e.g., PeopleSoft).

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration, Student Affairs, Educational Leadership, Communication, Public Relations, or related fields.
Prior experience in parent programming or orientation within a large, public research university.
Familiarity with fundraising efforts related to student and family engagement.
Active involvement in professional organizations such as AHEPPP (Association of Higher Education Parent/Family Program Professionals).

Responsibilities

Develops and implements a comprehensive vision for parent and family engagement that supports the Division of Student Affairs’ mission and promotes student success and engagement across their UTA experience.
Directs the planning and execution of university-wide family events, including Friends & Family Weekend, parent and family tracks for New Maverick Orientation, and our Fallen Maverick ceremony (recognition event for deceased students, faculty, and staff members).
Collaborate with University Advancement on family-focused events to build community and identify potential donors.
Leads the Maverick Parent & Family Association (MPFA), managing membership engagement and overseeing the scholarship process.
Partners with the University Advancement to encourage philanthropic support for the Parent & Family Fund within Annual Fund giving, Emergency Assistance Fund, and other significant fund-raising opportunities.
Recruit, train, and support parent volunteers from within the MPFA to serve as members of the Family Advisory Council, assist with fundraising outreach, and support family events such as Orientation for new family members.
Lead parent-specific fundraising campaigns as assigned.
Manages all communication efforts for families, including the Maverick Family e-Newsletter (current relationship with Campus ESP), social media platforms, and the Parent & Family Programs website.
Serves as a key liaison for families during student crises, providing guidance and resources in collaboration with the Dean of Students, Counseling and Psychological Services, Health Services, and other appropriate departments.
Provides oversight for the departmental budget, ensuring the fiscal health and sustainability of family-led initiatives and revenue-generating memberships.
Work with CRM and data analysis to track family engagement, giving, and other relevant parent and family information.
Perform and complete other responsibilities as deemed necessary.