Director of Family and Community Engagement

The Utica City School District is seeking applications from qualified individuals for the following:

Director of Family and Community Engagement

The Utica City School District’s mission is to ensure that all students succeed and are well-rounded, with knowledge, skills, and character to be productive members of society.

The District’s vision is that students can reach their goals and find academic success through a variety of pathways and with different levels of support. 

About the Utica City School District:

The Utica City School District serves a community of approximately 64,500 city residents in an urban and multi- cultural environment with a current enrollment of roughly 9,644 students in its 13 schools __ Proctor High School, Donovan Middle School, JFK Middle School and 10 elementary schools. The District’s greatest asset is its diversity, with more than 50 languages spoken and 16% of students being English language learners. 

Elementary -  The District’s elementary schools integrate a vibrant curriculum across all grade levels and subject areas, aligning with the New York State Learning Standards. The District is also investing in the realignment of math goals, instruction and curriculum to focus on research-based best practices in mathematics that are proven to increase student performance outcomes. In all subject areas, there is an understanding that developing foundational skills will support students in bridging gaps in learning. Students are provided with a well-rounded curriculum focused on fostering academic and social/emotional competencies that will carry them through their academic career.

Middle School -  The focus at the District’s middle schools is to ensure that students are provided with equitable opportunities to successfully transition from elementary to high school. Both middle schools offer opportunities for students to succeed at every learning level, with dedicated classes for English Language Learners and students with disabilities, as well as honors/advanced studies. The Family and Career Sciences and Technology programs have incorporated science, technology, engineering and math topics into each curriculum to help prepare students for the Career and Technical Education opportunities available at the high school.

High School - Proctor High School provides numerous avenues for students to achieve the District’s vision. This is accomplished through supportive and adaptive special education and English language learner programming, a robust honors and Advanced Placement curriculum, and partnerships with post-secondary institutions including Mohawk Valley Community College and Syracuse University’s Project Advance. The District most recently embarked upon a groundbreaking initiative working with community and business partners to create innovative Career and Technical Education programming for its high school students. Proctor’s Naval Junior Reserve Officers Training Corp (NJROTC), music, art and drama programs, along with numerous extracurricular activities and athletics, offer additional avenues to showcase students’ talents and interests and support them throughout their school experience.

Job Title: Director of Family and Community Engagement

Reports to: Superintendent or his Designee

Certification Requirement: School District Leader (SDL) Certification or its equivalent (School District Administrator/SDA)  

Employment Type: Full-Time  

Salary: $144,522-179,841

Essential Responsibilities:

Family and Community Engagement

• Develop and implement strategies to enhance famiy and community involvement in district initiatives.
• Expand and support Parent-Teacher Organizations (PTOs) across all schools to promote active parental engagement.
• Establish and maintain partnerships with local businesses, community organizations, and government agencies to support district programs.
• Serve as the district liaison for community outreach, ensuring alignment with the district's mission and vision. 

Student and Family Support Initiatives

• Oversee and manage district-wide food pantries and clothing closets to support students and fmaiies in need.
•  Oversee and provide professional development for Parent Liaisons, Parent Advocate, and Nationality Workers.
• Oversee the Development Administrator for the Family and Community Engagement department
• Work closely with Oneida-Herkimer-Madison  BOCES to ensure the timely production of district artifacts
• Oversee and manage district-wide food pantries and clothing closets to support students and families in need. 
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the district’s system of care to ensure all students have access to necessary support services. 
• Oversee the Utica-Reads initiative
• Oversee the Utica-Gems initiative
• Oversee the production and implementation of the quarterly Newsletter 

  Student & Family Support Initiatives

•     Coordinate efforts with state and local agencies to strengthen resources for families and students.  
•     Ensure equity and accessibility in family engagement programming for all student populations.  

Extended Learning & Program Development

•     Oversee district-wide extended learning opportunities, including after school and enrichment programs such as the HomeBound instruction, Raiders Extended Learning Day  
•     Evaluate and recommend new programs to the Assistant Superintendent, using data-driven analysis to address district needs.  
•     Ensure all community partners and programming are aligned with the district’s mission, vision, and goals.  
•     Provide program supervision in the building as needed

 Training & Capacity Building

•     Provide training and ongoing support to parent liaisons across the district.  
•     Develop and implement professional development opportunities for school-based staff on best practices in family and      community engagement.  

Resource & Financial Management

•     Manage and coordinate charitable donations and community resources, ensuring equitable distribution in accordance      with Board Policy   
•     Maintain accurate records of district and community contributions and oversee proper utilization.  
•     Work with district leadership to secure grants and funding for family and community engagement programs.  

 Qualifications & Requirements

•     Master’s degree in Education, Administration, Social Work, or a related field.  
•     Valid New York State SDL Certification (required).  
•     Minimum of five (5) years of experience in education, community engagement, or program management.  
•     Strong leadership and organizational skills to manage multiple district-wide initiatives.  
•     Demonstrated experience in building community partnerships and engaging families in education.  
•     Proficiency in data analysis to assess program effectiveness and drive decision-making.  
•     Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with diverse stakeholders.  

 Work Environment & Expectations

•     This is a district-level administrative position requiring frequent school visits and community engagement.  
•     Evening and weekend events may be required to support family engagement initiatives.  
•     The role requires collaboration with school leadership, community organizations, and families to create a welcoming        and inclusive district environment.  

*All interested candidates must apply through our online platform: https://uticaschools.tedk12.com/hire/index.aspx

The Utica City School District will only be accepting applications through this site. Please note, you must create an online account in order to apply. If you have questions relating to the application process, please contact Chief Human Resources Officer, Sara Klimek at sklimek@uticaschools.org. *

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer which fully and actively supports equal access for all regardless of Race, Color, Weight, National Origin, Ethnic Group, Religion, Religious Practice, Disability, Sexual Orientation, Gender, Age, Veteran Status or Genetic Information.

Salary : $144,522 - $179,841