What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Superintendent of Community Engagement, Family Empowerment and Partnerships position at Springfield Public Schools MA?
Assistant Superintendent of Community Engagement, Family Empowerment and Partnerships
DEPARTMENT: Superintendent
REPORTS TO: Superintendent of Springfield Public Schools
BRIEF JOB DESCRIPTION: The Assistant Superintendent of Community Engagement, Family Empowerment and Partnerships will lead the district’s efforts to build strong collaborative relationships between families, schools, and the community. This role is grounded in Karen Mapp’s Dual Capacity-Building Framework which emphasizes the development of both staff and family capacities to foster effective partnerships that support student achievement and school empowerment.
The Assistant Superintendent of Community Engagement, Family Empowerment and Partnerships will lead the district’s efforts to reduce chronic absenteeism and improve overall student achievement. The role is formed by key research on the critical impact of attendance on student achievement. The Assistant Superintendent of Community Engagement, Family Empowerment and Partnerships will develop and implement strategies to address the underlying cause of absenteeism and foster a culture of consistent school attendance.
The Assistant Superintendent of Community Engagement, Family Empowerment and Partnerships will work to develop and manage relationships with external organizations, such as businesses, non-profits, and community groups; creating opportunities for students and staff through collaborations that can enhance educational programs and resources.
PRIMARY FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB:
Key Responsibilities:
1. Strategic Leadership:
a. Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for family and community engagement that aligns with the
district's goals and priorities.
b. Ensure that engagement initiatives are inclusive, culturally reponsive, and tailored to the unique needs of the unique needs of the community.
c. Develop and implement a district-wide attendance improvement plan that aligns with the district's educational goals.
d. Collaborate with school leaders, teachers, and staff to promote a culture of attendance and address barriers to regular attendance.
e. Promote the vision and mission of Springfield Public Schools.
2. Capacity Building:
a. Design and deliver professional development for school staff to enhance their skills in engaging families and the community.
b. Create opportunities for families to build their capacity to support their children's education, including workshops, resources, family and community engagement and leadership training.
3. Partnership Development:
a. Establish and maintain partnerships with community organizations, businesses, and other stakeholders to support student learning and well-being.
b. Collaborate with school leaders to integrate community resources into the educational experience.
4. Program Management:
a. Supervise, oversee, and support the implementation of family and community engagement programs, and departments, including but not limited to Student Assignment Services, ensuring they are effective and sustainable.
b. Monitor and evaluate the impact of engagement initiatives, using data to inform continuous improvement.
5. Communication and Advocacy:
a. Serve as a liaison between the district and the community, ensuring transparent and effective communication, eliminating barriers of engagement.
b. Advocate for policies and practices that promote family and community engagement at the district, state, and national levels.
c. Advocate for all families to have access to the resources and support they need.
6. Data Analysis and Monitoring:
a. Utilize data to identify trends and patterns in student attendance, including chronic absenteeism.
b. Implement early warning systems to identify students at risk of chronic absenteeism and intervene promptly.
7. Intervention and Support:
a. Design and oversee targeted interventions to support students and families struggling with attendance issues.
b. Coordinate with community organizations to provide resources and support services that address the root causes of absenteeism, such as health challenges, transportation issues, and family support needs.
8. Professional Development:
a. Provide training and support for school staff on effective strategies to improve attendance and engage families.
b. Share best practices and research-based approaches to attendance improvement with district personnel.
9. Family and Community Engagement:
a. Foster strong partnerships with families and community organizations to support student attendance.
b. Develop communication strategies to raise awareness about the importance of regular school attendance and the impact of chronic absenteeism.
c. Attend community events during the week and weekends.
10. Policy and Advocacy:
a. Advocate for policies and practices at the district, state, and national levels that support attendance improvement.
b. Ensure compliance with state and federal attendance regulations and reporting requirements.
11. Evaluation and Reporting:
a. Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of attendance improvement initiatives.
b. Prepare and present reports on attendance data and program outcomes to the Superintendent and school board.
Perform other tasks and assume additional responsibilities as may be assigned by the Superintendent of Schools
EDUCATIONAL & JOB EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
- Master’s degree in education, Educational Leadership, or a related field; CAGS in education or Doctor of Education degree preferred.
- Valid Massachusetts Assistant Superintendent/Superintendent License.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in family and community engagement or a related area.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in educational leadership, attendance improvement, or a related area.
- Minimum of 3 years of experience as a school-based administrator, principal experience preferred
- Minimum of 2-5 years of Central Office experience
- Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Demonstrated understanding of Karen Mapp's Dual Capacity-Building Framework and its application in educational settings.
- Demonstrated understanding of research on attendance and its impact on student achievement.
- Demonstrated use of effective data driven decision making.
- Proven track record of successful partnership development and community engagement.
- Proven track record of successful attendance improvement initiatives.
- Must reside in the city of Springfield.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience working in urban school districts.
- Bilingual or multilingual abilities.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Full-time, 12 months a year
"If you BELIEVE, we have a place for YOU on our team! Come work for us!"
About our District
Springfield Public Schools is a cultural gem in Western Massachusetts that is committed to providing a learning environment that opens the doors of infinite possibilities to our amazing students and staff. We strive to equip each of our approximately 24,000 students with learning experiences that enhance their knowledge and critical thinking skills. We are the 3rd largest district in Massachusetts. Our district has over 44 languages spoken and over 60 countries represented by both students and staff. We foster a positive and professional environment in our schools and worksites where people feel valued, respected, supported, seen and heard. Our students and staff share their ideas and perspectives, learning from and appreciating each other. We are a district that is committed to equity and excellence.
Join a team that Empowers Educators
In addition to offering competitive salaries and benefits, we provide numerous cutting-edge professional development opportunities for all staff. We let our data shape the professional development of the district, therefore, it is relevant and actionable. We support our teaching staff with mentors such as instructional leadership specialists and effective educator coaches to work with them throughout the year in lesson planning, data analysis and management. Our district offers career advancement opportunities and is invested in “Grow our Own” and educational pipeline programs. These programs help our staff achieve a college degree or lead to certification pathways.
If there is something that you would like to know specifically about the position that you are applying for or assistance with matching your skills to a position, Carmen Molina-Figueroa will be happy to assist you at molinafigueroac@springfieldpublicschools.com.
The Springfield Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy or pregnancy related conditions, ancestry, age, disability, or military service, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation. The Springfield Public Schools is committed to maintaining a learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability or homelessness.
NONDISCRIMINATION EMPLOYMENT STATEMENT
The Springfield Public Schools does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy or pregnancy related conditions, ancestry, age, disability, veteran status, or marital status.
NOTICE OF SEX NONDISCRIMINATION
Springfield Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, in any education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and its regulations, including in admission and employment.
Inquiries about Title IX may be referred to the Springfield Public Schools’ Title IX Coordinator, titleix@springfieldpublicschools.com, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights at https://ocrcas.ed.gov/contact-ocr, or both.
The Springfield Public Schools Title IX Coordinator is Katie O’Sullivan, Senior Administrator of Human Resources, 1550 Main Street, Springfield, MA 01103, 413-787-7100 ext. 55428, titleix@springfieldpublicschools.com.
Springfield Public School’s sex nondiscrimination policy and grievance procedures can be located on the Springfield Public Schools website, www.springfieldpublicschools.com/non-discrimination
To report information about conduct that may constitute sex discrimination or make a complaint of sex discrimination under Title IX, please refer to titleix@springfieldpublicschools.com
Salary : $170,000 - $190,000
