Family and Student Engagement Specialist

Location

Hybrid/Remote – Louisville, KY

About the Role

The Family and Student Engagement Specialist leads APH’s national strategy to support families and students who are blind or low vision. This role serves as a strategic advisor to Outreach leadership on national positioning, partnership prioritization, and emerging cross-sector opportunities.

The Specialist serves as APH’s internal and external resource on family engagement, IDEA-informed navigation, and student-focused programming. This position oversees national student initiatives such as the APH Abacus Bee and National Coding Symposium, manages the Parent Advisory Committee, and coordinates with national parent and disability organizations to ensure families have access to high-quality information and support.

This role supports ConnectCenter and Hive content strategy for families and students but does not manage website operations or digital publishing infrastructure. This role also supports Monarch family and student adoption by reinforcing training through family-centered application support, connecting Monarch use to IEP/504 and transition planning considerations, and gathering structured feedback from students and families to inform continuous improvement.

This role reports to the Senior Director of Outreach Services.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and implement a national family engagement and partnership strategy aligned with APH priorities, research-based practices, and IDEA requirements, including measurable outcomes.
• Build and maintain relationships with national and regional partners while identifying opportunities to expand family outreach and engagement.
• Develop and deliver accessible, high-quality materials and resources that support families in navigating services, advocacy, and special education processes (IFSPs, IEPs, transition planning).
• Manage and facilitate family engagement initiatives, including the Parent Advisory Committee and ongoing forums, ensuring meaningful family and student voice.
• Support effective use and sustained adoption of dynamic tactile displays (e.g., Monarch) through practical guidance, follow-up, and family-friendly resources in collaboration with technical teams.
• Collaborate across APH teams to align messaging, incorporate family perspectives into programs, and use feedback, research, and data to drive continuous improvement and impact measurement.

Required Qualification

• Bachelor’s degree in special education, social work, vocational rehabilitation, or related field required.
• Minimum 3 years of experience working with blind, low vision, or deafblind individuals and with children and/or families in disability-related settings.
• Strong knowledge of IDEA, IEP/IFSP processes, and family systems within special education.
• Experience coordinating events, initiatives, or advisory groups and supporting assistive technology adoption in home and school settings.
• Familiarity with braille, assistive technology ecosystems, and digital accessibility considerations.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills; ability to work independently in remote/hybrid environments with proficiency in Microsoft Office tools.

Note: A combination of education, training, and experience may be considered when competency in the role is demonstrated.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree or specialization in blindness/low vision or orientation & mobility.
• Demonstrated proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing in English and additional languages as applicable.
• Experience designing high-quality educational materials, developing, and implementing programs.
• Strong ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, both independently and collaboratively.
• Proficiency using technology in educational settings including Google Suite, Microsoft Office, and Zoom.
• Skilled in collaborative planning, coordination, and execution of initiatives.

About APH
At the American Printing House for the Blind (APH), we believe access to the right tools and information at the right time can change lives.  Every day, we work to break down barriers and empower students, families, adults, and educators—creating a future that belongs to everyone.

From braille and large-type books to cutting-edge digital tools, our products and services reach people who are blind or low vision across the U.S. and beyond.  If you're passionate about quality, innovation, and impact—you belong here.

Compensation & Benefits

$70,000 - $90,000 (based on experience and qualifications)

Benefits Highlight

• Employer subsidized insurance (with family planning benefits).
• HSA and FSA options with company contribution.
• 4 weeks PTO 11 paid holidays.
• 401(k) plan with company match and immediate vesting.
• Competitive dental and vision plans.
• Company-provided short-term disability and basic life insurance.
• Voluntary life and accidental death & disability insurance.
• Health and well-being initiatives.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness employer.
• Voluntary pet insurance.

Accessibility & Inclusion
We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities. APH is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified candidates.

Apply for a Career that Takes You to New Heights

Please submit your application through APH’s careers portal found at aph.org/careers. Application instructions and required materials (e.g., resume, cover letter) will be provided in the job posting.

APH employees may apply for open positions after completing six (6) months of active service in their current position in a satisfactory manner and notifying your immediate supervisor.  Login to Paycom and click on “Job Opportunities.”

Salary : $70,000 - $90,000