SY 26-27 Senior Director of Community Engagement

School in the Square•New York, NY

26d•$160,000 - $180,000

About The Position

Our Central Office at School in the Square exists to support and strengthen our schools: our Early Childhood Center, our Elementary School, our Middle School, and our growing High School (9th through 11th for SY 26-27). The Central Office is responsible for delivering high quality academic, operational, talent, human resources, financial, and community engagement services and resources that enable school leaders and educators to focus on student learning and success. We are looking for dedicated, mission-aligned Central Office staff who will work closely with school-based staff to provide guidance, resources, and problem solving support that will advance instructional quality, organizational effectiveness, and student outcomes. School in the Square is seeking a Senior Director of Community Engagement to lead our organization’s student enrollment and retention, and community partnership strategy. This position reports directly to our Executive Director, and serves to set the strategy for a successful student enrollment lifecycle that builds awareness and strengthens trust in the community resulting in excellent student recruitment and re-enrollment. The Senior Director of Community Engagement will be responsible for ensuring family experiences and community partnerships are welcoming, responsive, and mission-driven by translating the School in the Square story into a shared identity that deepens relationships. Additionally, the Senior Director of Community Engagement translates School in the Square’s mission to a strategy advancing the economic and social vitality of the Washington Heights and Inwood communities. This includes strategically managing external partnerships on behalf of the organization, including community-based organizations, local businesses, and civic and local government partners. The Senior Director of Community Engagement will manage and partner with the Community Engagement team, which includes a communications lead, community engagement managers and parent canvassers. The Senior Director of Community Engagement will be vital in ensuring school-based leaders in providing excellent family experiences and communications, as well as driving student re-enrollment and retention.

Requirements

Strategic thinker who has a proven track record of resolving complex problems anchored in a high level of integrity and judgment.
Highly organized, conscientious and execution oriented, including exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
Comfortable and successful in navigating ambiguity and complexity.
Collaborative mindset where they use strong emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills to actively partner with peers and stakeholders to share ideas and listen to diverse perspectives to align on and make decisions.
Deep alignment with organizational values and mission.
At least 7 years of experience in community engagement, family engagement, external affairs, or related roles, preferably in PreK-12 education in charter schools, or non-profit organizations.
A graduate of a Bachelor’s Degree in public policy, communications, education, social work, or other related focus.
Demonstrated experience in student enrollment, attendance and family engagement strategies.
Demonstrated experience in navigating diverse communities and implementing strategies committed to equity and inclusion.
Strong data literacy and experience leading data-driven improvement cycles.
Exceptional relationship-building and communication skills.

Nice To Haves

A Master’s degree is strongly preferred.
Bilingual in English and Spanish strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Community engagement visionary who sets and implements a community engagement strategy that advances student enrollment and economic well-being within the community.
Directly manages and coaches the Community Engagement Team to execute on organizational wide priorities, including but not limited to family and community partnerships, school-based engagement strategies, internal and external communications rooted in brand messaging with cultural responsiveness.
Implements organizational-wide community engagement team professional development vision.
Monitors and improves community engagement performance to ensure both full class sections (and waitlists) are provided to all schools and that community partnerships demonstrate School in the Square’s commitment and presence to the Washington Heights and Inwood community.
Collaborate with Central Office leadership and school-based leadership to build and foster relationships with student families and community partnerships to drive community engagement initiatives.
Lead and facilitates external community engagement initiatives, including ensuring community engagement compliance with all relevant regulatory and legal requirements, and serving as the primary community engagement liaison with the NYS charter authorizers to support renewals, site visits and operational reporting are in compliance.