About It Takes A Village Family of Schools (ITAV):
ITAV is a beacon for how to educate and love Black children. We provide a comprehensive, culturally responsive social justice education and life-empowering social services. At ITAV learning is fun and transformative, teaching is innovative, and knowledge is not bound by the walls of the classroom. Students, staff, and families are empowered to be civically engaged and make positive change by addressing local, national, and global issues.
Role:
The Director of Family and Community Engagement (FACE) is responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive strategies for family and community engagement across ITAVs family of schools. This role encompasses direct family outreach programming, support for school-based outreach, partnership coordination, and parent leadership and advocacy. As the primary liaison for engagement efforts within the organization, the FACE Director works closely with center directors, principals, and the Director of the Village Wellness Program, serving as an ambassador for ITAV externally.
The FACE Director leads and manages the FACE team and collaborates with key organizational leaders, such as Early Childhood Education (ECE) Program Manager, Director of ECE Teaching, Learning & Quality Practice, ITAV LA School Principals, and the External Affairs Manager. This role is also responsible for strategic partnership facilitation, participation in community-based collaboratives, and oversight of all administrative duties detailed below.
Supervision: The Director of Family and Community Engagement reports to the Vice President of the ECE Program
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Strategy Development: Design, guide, and oversee the implementation of family and community engagement and recruitment strategies aligned with ITAVs goals.
- Partnership Management: Lead the FACE team in managing partnerships, tracking progress toward team and individual objectives.
- Collaborative Work: Partner with internal colleagues, including the Director of the Village Wellness Center, to execute cross-functional strategies and initiatives.
- Liaison Role: Act as the primary point of contact for center directors and principals, ensuring alignment with the needs of children and families.
- Team Leadership: Supervise and support the FACE team, including Family Support and ERSEA Staff, in executing direct programming for families.
- Policy Oversight: Oversee the development, revision, and compliance of policies and procedures related to ERSEA, FCE, and Health & Nutrition using Head Start Standards, CELS, DFSS and DCFS standards.
- Community Engagement: Engage with ITAVs Parent Policy Council, develop Parent Activity Budgets (PAB), and ensure the effective implementation of the Baby Talk curriculum.
- Program Support: Guide level-specific FACE Managers in their work with site-based outreach strategies to improve family and child outcomes, as well ensuring full enrollment at all ECE sites
- Mental Health Coordination: Oversee the coordination of mental health services and referrals for children and families.
- Data Monitoring: Analyze parent participation data to enhance the effectiveness of family outreach activities.
- Conflict Resolution: Collaborate with school administrators and site directors to address parent and community concerns.
- Advocacy & Leadership: Support the Manager of Advocacy and Parent/Student Leadership in developing and implementing advocacy initiatives and leadership programs.
- Partnership Development: Develop strategies for leveraging partnerships with community-based organizations, programmatic partners, and governmental agencies to enhance ITAVs impact.
- Community Representation: Actively participate in neighborhood and community collaboratives on behalf of ITAV, cultivating relationships with community leaders and political entities.
Why Join Us?
- Impact: Play a pivotal role in the educational journey of hundreds of students and their families.
- Growth: Join a forward-thinking organization committed to innovation and expansion, offering abundant opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
- Community: You'll become an integral part of our vibrant community, collaborating with dedicated individuals who share your passion for education.
- Innovation: Contribute to a cutting-edge model of education that integrates social justice, community engagement, and academic excellence.
Locations: ITAV Headquarters (Chicago, IL); travel between school locations as needed.
Position Type: Full-Time
Required Education & Training:
- Masters degree in Social Work, Education, or closely related field is required
- LSW or LCSW preferred
- Family Childcare Level 5 Credential preferred
- 3-5 years of successful management experience in education, nonprofit, or government sectors
- 5 years of experience adhering to ERSEA standard
- Strong leadership and team management abilities with a focus on fostering a positive work environment
- Commitment to improving education and outcomes for low-income families
- Extensive knowledge of Head Start, Early Head Start, DCFS and DFSS CELS rules, policies and procedures
- Deep understanding of community contexts in ITAV's operating areas
- Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication, problem-solving organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize and delegate tasks effectively
- Expert proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace; ability to learn new technologies
- Ability to work evenings and weekends
- Access to a vehicle with a valid Illinois drivers license and insurance is required
Who Are You:
- You are a compassionate individual who prioritizes the well-being and needs of young children.
- You have excellent leadership and communication skills that translate to all audiences including staff members, students, parents, and vendors.
- You are an adept manager with a talent for multitasking, flexibility, and working collaboratively within teams to achieve common goals.
- You are a resourceful and innovative problem-solver, skilled at navigating complex community dynamics and effectively addressing multifaceted challenges to drive positive change.
Ready to Make a Difference?
If you're inspired to make a lasting impact in the lives of young children and their families, we invite you to apply to become an integral part of ITAVs transformative journey. To apply, please upload your resume and cover letter, detailing how your background, skills, and passions align with our mission and this role.
Salary Range:
Compensation and Benefits Package:
- Competitive, transparent payscale aligned with local public schools
- 80% employer contribution of medical benefits
- Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
- 3% 401(k) company match
- Up to $10,000 in annual tuition assistance
- Targeted, ongoing professional development
- Opportunities for leadership, growth, and meaningful impact
