Student Engagement Specialist - East/O'Keeffe - 1.0 FTE - 26-27 SY

Madison Metropolitan School District•Madison, WI

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is seeking a highly motivated and energetic Student Engagement Specialist (SES) to mentor and support students in comprehensive middle and high schools. This role is crucial for advancing family engagement, supporting post-secondary preparation, cultivating a sense of belonging, and promoting social-emotional well-being and community readiness. The SES will manage an assigned caseload of students, facilitate student groups, and support student transitions between grade levels (5th-6th and 8th-9th). The position also involves supporting student attendance, facilitating community connections, and generally enhancing student engagement. This role aligns with the MMSD: Excellence Together strategic framework, focusing on Academic Achievement, Belonging, and College Credit/Credentials. The SES will be assigned to a high school and one or two feeder middle schools, working under the direct supervision of the Director of Family, Youth and Community Engagement (FYCE). This position is not part of the behavior response team. The SES is expected to demonstrate high integrity, sustain a culture of continuous improvement, and be committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive work environment with a growth mindset.

Requirements

Associate’s Degree OR Trade License(s) or Certification(s) (e.g. Cosmetology, Barber, Coaching, or trade academy completion) OR equivalent work experience
Minimum of three (3) years of experience working in an academic setting.
Demonstrated ability to establish relationships at all levels of the organization
Lead with equity by committing to supporting a school culture that honors the identities, strengths, and needs of every student and family.
Ability to work with and positively influence disengaged students
Knowledge and experience working with emotionally sensitive students and content
Ability to work independently and collaboratively with a team
Ability to maintain confidentiality
Knowledge and experience living and working with populations of historically marginalized racial, gender, economic, and linguistic backgrounds
Ability and desire to learn District technology tools for reporting and monitoring student progress

Nice To Haves

Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) background preferred.

Responsibilities

Maintain an assigned Tier 3 caseload/cohort of 16 students divided between middle school transition grades (focusing on 6th and 8th grade) and 9th-grade students in high school, engaging in group capacity and delivering targeted 1-on-1 mentorship and weekly check-ins.
Lead and facilitate Tier 2 student mentorship groups and cohorts (e.g., 6th-grade transition, 7th/8th-grade identity, Social and Emotional Learning, and leadership circles) meetings on a semester schedule.
Lead student grade-level transition preparation and outreach, participating in spring transition planning, elementary site visits, and high school orientation events.
Support and co-advise high school student organizations and affinity groups under the leadership and guidance of the Multicultural Service Coordinator (MSC).
Ground students in deeper identity work, self-advocacy, restorative values, exposure to non-traditional career options, and community-readiness metrics.
Coordinate student field trips and activities that support student belonging, attendance, and transitions.
Connect students to supportive programming to support improved student academic outcomes by utilizing MMSD resources such as Rubin for Kids and MSCR services.
Serve as an engagement bridge between schools and families through home visits, phone calls, and direct outreach to build positive, supportive relationships with families of students.
Complete mandatory Family Intake Forms with parents/guardians during initial student onboarding and conduct Family Exit Surveys prior to the end of the school year.
Help plan, host, and facilitate family engagement events, parent listening sessions, Meet & Greet opportunities, and Parent University in alignment with FYCE event planning procedures and debrief timelines.
Gather parent/guardian feedback regarding school resources (e.g., Infinite Campus navigation) and share insights with the FYCE Coordinator to coordinate targeted family support.
Participate in community events.
Establish and maintain a weekly working schedule split between assigned middle school(s) and high school, maintaining high visibility and availability for students, families, and staff.
Maintain regular monthly (minimum) alignment meetings with building principals, assistant principals, and Multicultural Service Coordinators (MSCs) to review student progress and delegate engagement resources.
Attend building-level committee meetings regularly (Attendance Teams, Student Support and Intervention Teams [SSIT], School-Based Leadership Teams [SBLT]) and FYCE department staff meetings.
Log weekly direct/indirect student contact, group progress, family communications, and event entries into the district MIS Data Hub.
Administer required progress monitoring tools, including Student Intakes, Group Intakes, Mid-Year/Exit Surveys, and Post-Event Debrief forms.
Perform other duties as assigned by executive leadership or their representatives or designees.
Attend district and school functions that support MMSD’s strategic framework, initiatives, and core values.
Complete any and all district required training.
Build collaborative relationships with community partners.