Family Engagement Manager (SY25-26)

Position Overview
Meridian Public Charter School is seeking a relationship-centered and equity-driven Family Engagement & Recruitment Manager to lead efforts that strengthen family-school partnerships and drive student recruitment and retention. This role is responsible for leading engaging, culturally inclusive family events, developing meaningful connections with current and prospective families, and ensuring families are informed, supported, and empowered as essential partners in student success. The Manager collaborates with colleagues, community-based organizations, and a family engagement leadership team to coordinate resources, gather input, and deepen relationships—including through home visiting and shared leadership opportunities.

Meridian Public Charter School is a diverse, inclusive community committed to nurturing academic excellence, cultural pride, and strong partnerships with families. In this role, you’ll lead critical work to connect, uplift, and empower families—making sure every student is surrounded by the support they need to thrive.

Key Responsibilities

Family Engagement & Relationship Building
Plan and lead inclusive family-facing events such as open houses, info sessions, school tours, and cultural celebrations that build trust and community.
Develop and facilitate a structured family partnership group (similar in spirit to a PTA) to create space for family voice, collaboration, and leadership.
Serve as a key member of the Family Engagement Leadership Team, working collaboratively to design and implement strategies—including home visits—that foster deeper, more personal relationships with families.
Organize family forums, volunteer opportunities, and input sessions to keep families informed and engaged in the life of the school.
Student Recruitment
Lead student recruitment strategy and execution, in collaboration with the External Affairs and Enrollment teams.
Lead efforts to represent Meridian at community events, early childhood centers, and local organizations to increase awareness and attract new families.
Coordinate effective follow-up with prospective families, ensuring clear communication and personalized support throughout the application and enrollment process.
Create and implement new student recruitment strategies to increase the number of new families enrolling into MPCS.
Collaborate and support teams at ES and MS campuses to maintain and increase student retention.
Community Partnerships & Family Support
Collaborate with internal teams (student support, academics, operations) and community-based organizations to connect families with relevant resources and services that support academic achievement, attendance, and overall student well-being.
Maintain a strong understanding of community assets and proactively connect families to support networks (e.g., food access, housing, healthcare, afterschool programming).
Serve as a bridge between school staff and families to ensure timely resolution of issues and celebrate family contributions.

Data, Feedback & Continuous Improvement
Gather and analyze family feedback and engagement data to evaluate the effectiveness of events, outreach, and partnerships.
Adjust strategies based on data, trends, and family input to continuously improve outreach and engagement practices.
Collaborate with Communications Manager to develop and distribute family-facing messaging that is clear, inclusive, and culturally responsive.
Create and administer annual pre and post survey to assess satisfaction and support needs of Meridian families.

Skills & Competencies
Relationship-Building & Relational Trust: Proven ability to build and maintain authentic, trust-based relationships with families, grounded in respect, empathy, and two-way communication.
Culturally Responsive & Equity-Centered Engagement: Deep understanding of and respect for the cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic diversity of families. Uses inclusive strategies to ensure all families feel seen, valued, and empowered.
Strength-Based Communication: Communicates with families in ways that affirm their role as essential partners in student learning; recognizes and builds on the assets and contributions of every family.
Listening & Responsiveness: Actively listens to family feedback and needs and works collaboratively to connect families with appropriate supports and school-based solutions.
Shared Responsibility & Partnership Orientation: Approaches family engagement as a shared responsibility between school and home, and helps families navigate school systems and contribute meaningfully to their child’s education.
Organizational Skills: Demonstrated ability to manage multiple competing priorities, coordinate events and volunteers, and maintain accurate records and systems.
Team Collaboration: Able to work across school teams and departments and coordinate efforts with community-based organizations to support student and family success.
Continuous Improvement Mindset: Reflective and open to feedback; uses data and family input to continuously improve engagement practices.
Community Resource Navigation: Familiar with or able to quickly learn about DC-based services, programs, and referral pathways for housing, food access, healthcare, and more.
Event Planning & Volunteer Management: Experienced in organizing and facilitating inclusive, engaging, and purposeful events for families and managing volunteers with professionalism.
Strong Communication: Skilled in clear, compassionate, and culturally aware communication with families and staff; multilingual communication is a strong asset (Spanish, Amharic, or other languages).

Qualifications
A bachelors degree, or 5 or more years of experience in family engagement, school-based outreach, community organizing, or similar work.
Deep commitment to equity, cultural competence, and partnering with diverse staff and families.
Experience planning community-centered events and leading engagement initiatives.
Ability to develop strong partnerships with community-based organizations and internal teams.
Excellent communication, organization,writing and public speaking skills.
Applicants who are Bilingual in English/Spanish,English/ Amharic are strongly encouraged to apply.

Work Environment
Full-time, in-person role based at Meridian Public Charter School (elementary and middle school campus) in Washington, D.C.
Evening and weekend availability is expected to support family engagement and recruitment events approximately 2-3 times per month.
Salary and Benefits
Meridian teachers and staff are compensated competitively for their time and have opportunities to earn additional income through leadership opportunities at the school level, offering extracurricular clubs and sports for students, and facilitating tutoring programs. The salary range for the Family Engagement Manager position is $75,000-80,000.

How to Apply
Do you embody a love of learning? Do you believe in the importance of educating the whole child? Do you want to help Meridian continue to grow from good to great? Apply today!

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.
Meridian Public Charter School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The School’s EEO policy prohibits discrimination in employment based on race, color, religion, national origin, disability, sex, age, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. Meridian PCS prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities and will reasonably accommodate applicants with a disability, upon request, and will also ensure reasonable accommodation for employees with a disability. Under this policy, equal employment opportunity is required in recruitment, hiring, training and development, promotion, termination, compensation, benefits, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment as required by applicable law.