Family Engagement Specialist

About the Employer

Rex and Margaret Fortune School of Education is a comprehensive education system that includes non-profit preschools, a network of tuition-free public charter schools (TK-12), and a School of Education offering master's and educator preparation programs accredited by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.

We prepare students for college beginning in preschool and are deeply committed to closing the African American achievement gap in Sacramento and San Bernardino Counties.

Our Mission

To graduate high-achieving students of good character prepared for college and citizenship in a democratic society.

Our Vision

To prepare educators and staff for service in public schools with competence, compassion, and cultural responsiveness to help students reach their fullest potential.

Our Approach

At Fortune School, our educational philosophy is grounded in The Five Pillars:

1. High Expectations
2. Choice and Commitment
3. More Time
4. Focus on Results
5. Citizenship

We live these values in every interaction-with students, families, and the broader community.

Job Summary

The Family Engagement Specialist is a key member of the Enrollment Team, helping to ensure that every Fortune program is fully enrolled and every scholar is supported to thrive.

This position focuses on building lasting relationships with families-both current and prospective-by fostering trust, engagement, and connection to Fortune's mission and community.

Reporting to the Family Engagement Lead , the Family Engagement Specialist drives outreach, recruitment, and retention efforts across assigned schools and communities, ensuring Fortune families feel seen, heard, and supported from their first interaction through graduation.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Relationship Building & Family Support

• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned families, cultivating positive relationships that support student success and retention.
• Provide personalized outreach to families to address barriers to attendance, engagement, and persistence.
• Conduct home visits, phone calls, and school-based meetings as needed to maintain strong connections.

Enrollment & Retention

• Guide new and returning families through all steps of the enrollment process, ensuring a smooth, welcoming experience.
• Support implementation of strategies that reduce scholar attrition and promote long-term persistence.
• Collaborate with the Enrollment and School Site teams to ensure accurate, up-to-date student and family data.

Community Engagement

• Represent Fortune School at community events, fairs, and family engagement activities to promote awareness and increase enrollment.
• Partner with local organizations, faith-based groups, and community leaders to build meaningful relationships that reflect Fortune's values and mission.

Collaboration & Data Reporting

• Partner with school staff and leadership to enhance family involvement and scholar outcomes.
• Maintain a caseload of families and track interactions, interventions, and outcomes in designated data systems.
• Generate reports on engagement and retention metrics to guide program improvements.

Qualifications

Required:

• Deep belief in and commitment to Fortune's mission and the communities we serve.
• Proven experience working with diverse families and community groups.
• Strong relationship-building and customer service skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Must have experience with Customer Relationship Management Platforms (CRM).
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.
• Valid California driver's license and reliable transportation for travel between school sites and community events.

Preferred:

• Experience in education, social work, community organizing, or related fields.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) a strong plus.
• Knowledge of enrollment systems, student information databases, or case management tools.

Working Conditions / Physical Demands

• Indoor and outdoor environments with frequent travel between sites.
• Frequent standing, walking, and interacting with families and staff.
• Occasional lifting (up to 25 pounds) for event setup or materials.
• Evening and weekend availability for special events and outreach activities.

Compensation and Benefits

• Paid Time Off: 12 sick days, 12 vacation days, and 2 floater days
• Retirement: 403(b) with up to 4% employer match after one year
• Health Coverage: 100% paid medical, dental, and vision for employee and eligible dependents
• Professional Development: Ongoing training and growth opportunities within Fortune's expanding network

At Fortune School of Education, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range is $55,000-$64,000 annually.

Why Join Fortune School

As a Family Engagement Specialist , you are more than a recruiter-you are a bridge builder. You'll help families see what's possible for their children and become an integral part of the Fortune community. Every day, you'll connect purpose with people, helping ensure that every scholar has a pathway to success.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Fortune School of Education provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by law.

This position description intends to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position. It is not intended to include all duties and responsibilities. The order in which duties and responsibilities are listed is not significant.