Communications and Engagement Specialist

Department: Office of Family and Community Partnerships

FLSA Status (Exempt/Non-exempt): Exempt Full-time, 12-month position

 Reports to: Director of Communications & Family Engagement

In compliance with state and federal laws, newton public schools is committed to equity, anti-racism and a nondiscrimination policy for students, employees and prospective applicants. All educational and employment determinations are based on an individual’s qualifications and achievements without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, pregnancy, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, ancestry, homelessness, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by state and/or federal statute.

Our objective in the Office of Family and Community Partnerships is to:

• Engage, educate, empower, and support all families in becoming active partners in their students’ learning
• Provide support while focusing on engaging all families as equal partners in their student's education
• Lead, create, and develop all Family Engagement Center operations, workshop opportunities, partner collaboration, in conjunction with district and school leadership teams
• Focus on district-wide family engagement initiatives that provide opportunities for partnership, education, and collaboration between home, school, and community.

SUMMARY: The Communications & Engagement Specialist will manage the building and strengthening of communications and family engagement initiatives for the district. The Specialist works interdependently with immediate team members and colleagues across the district to help NPS achieve its vision and is an enthusiastic ambassador to the district’s families and community partners.

This role will be pivotal in supporting the establishment of the Newton Welcome Center (NWC) and NPS Family Academy (NFA).

Qualifications:

Desired Skills and Competencies:

• Associate degree or higher (experience commensurate with the job responsibilities will be considered)
• At least 5 years of experience working with families, implementing family programming, and engaging in community outreach efforts.
• Familiarity with Student Information Management Systems (SIMs) or a willingness and ability to learn.
• Familiarity with Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar design software.
• Familiarity with social media platforms and email marketing tools (e.g., mass email system, messaging apps)
• Experience with Google Suite.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with culturally diverse students and families. 
• Strong ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing. 
• Strong planning and organizing capabilities. 
• Capacity to work independently with task-based assignments, as well as within a team environment. 
• Seeks clarification when uncertain of task expectations. 
• Analyzes and/or reports problems as they occur, providing solutions as appropriate. 
• Ability to follow tasks through to completion with strong attention to detail. 
• Requires a valid driver’s license.

Additional Preferred Qualifications:

Bilingual in Spanish-English, Portuguese-English (written and spoken)

Schedule: Some weekends and evenings may be required

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities (Not Limited To):

• To promote the NWC as the front-line hub for families, community organizations, and businesses to connect to when engaging with the Newton Public Schools

• Welcome families as active participants in other programs at the Newton Education Center and schools.
• Consistently communicate with stakeholders about what is happening within the NWC and district.
• Serve as an outlet for schools and community members to connect
• Help promote activities, initiatives, and events throughout the District and the City Maintain social media accounts and a web page for NWC to communicate with families
• Plan, coordinate, and implement programming, workshops, and engagement events in NWC for the NFA.
• Facilitate the creation and implementation of a marketing plan that promotes district programs, initiatives, and events
• Successfully advance the district’s framework on family engagement, which includes advancing the district communications plan, which includes public relations, social media and website management, and newsletter development
• Collect data to create a comprehensive report of NWC partnerships and activities
• Foster a culture of high-level professionalism and customer service with families that come to the central office
• Support the NWC office with administrative operations
• Manage the NWC department's databases and create forms as needed
• Attend family engagement initiatives for within the district that may include (but are not limited to): open house, parent teacher conferences, and any other opportunities that may arise.
• Build relationships with families, staff, and community providers to support student learning.
• Willingness to facilitate and lead workshops for the emerging NPS Family Academy, school-based family workshops, and other educational and empowering opportunities for families.
• Attend appropriate OFCP & NPS professional development.
• Plan, coordinate and facilitate efforts to improve family partnership programs.
• Engage community resource persons and consultants for programs at the NWC.
• Establish and maintain a contact database with families regarding workshops and activities at the NWC.
• Supports district marketing, alongside the Director of Communications & Family Engagement and NWC staff.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Director of Communications & Family Engagement.
• Will be cross-trained with peers for office coverage and continuity.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

 Work Environment:

• This position is in a typical school and office setting.  Some bending, reaching, and lifting may be required. Transportation is required. 

 Salary range: $75,000-$80,000

Date Updated: 11/25/2024

Salary : $75,000 - $80,000