Parent Engagement Specialist - Georgia Connections Academy

Parent Engagement Specialist

Georgia Connections Academy is a tuition-free, full-time virtual school for students in grades K-12 throughout Georgia. The school is authorized by the Georgia Charter Schools Commission and governed by an independent Board of Directors, with a mission to maximize academic achievement for students who are seeking other academic options. The school is operated by Georgia Connections Academy, a nonprofit corporation, through a contract with Connections Academy of Georgia, LLC, to provide its educational program and other services. Connections Academy, a division of Connections Education, is accredited by AdvancED, and GACA is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement.

Georgia Connections Academy strives to create an inclusive environment that welcomes and values the diversity of the people we serve. We foster fairness, equity, and inclusion to create a workplace environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity.

Working from our office in Duluth, Georgia, or from your home in Georgia, the Parent Engagement Specialist will strengthen the connection between families, students, and staff across the district. This position focuses on planning and executing district events, supporting PBIS initiatives, managing parent-facing communication, delivering staff training related to family engagement, supporting graduation efforts, and building systems that promote student success.

This role requires a highly organized, relationship-driven professional who can manage multiple initiatives simultaneously while keeping families informed, engaged, and empowered.

All GACA staff must be able to participate in monthly in-person activities, including but not limited to:

• School and department meetings,
• Student engagement opportunities,
• Required training/development,
• School-level events, such as state testing and graduation.

The Parent Engagement Specialist will be responsible for the successful completion of the following tasks:

• Plan, coordinate, and support districtwide and school-level engagement events, both virtual and in person
• Manage event logistics including scheduling, registration, communication, materials, and post-event follow-up
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure engagement events align with district priorities and family needs
• Track participation data and prepare post-event summaries with recommendations for continuous improvement
• Support the implementation and execution of district-wide PBIS initiatives
• Coordinate student recognition efforts, incentives, and engagement campaigns
• Assist with tracking PBIS participation data and outcomes
• Collaborate with school teams to promote positive behavior, attendance, and student participation
• Develop and support clear, consistent parent-facing communication in collaboration with district leadership
• Assist with messaging through ParentSquare, email, phone outreach, and other approved communication platforms
• Draft announcements, reminders, surveys, and engagement-related communications
• Support timely response and follow-up to family inquiries related to engagement initiatives
• Assist with the planning and delivery of staff training focused on parent and family engagement practices
• Develop tools, guides, and resources to support staff in engaging families effectively
• Partner with school leaders to align engagement strategies with instructional and student support goals
• Support the planning and execution of graduation-related events and milestone activities
• Assist with family communication, logistics, and student recognition connected to graduation
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure families are informed and supported throughout milestone events
• Support the development of student success initiatives focused on engagement, participation, and connectio
• Assist in building systems and processes that improve the overall student and family experience
• Collaborate with federal programs and school teams to align engagement efforts with student outcomes
• Build and maintain positive, collaborative relationships with families, staff, and community partners
• Support initiatives designed to increase family participation, satisfaction, and connection to the school community
• Assist with collecting and analyzing feedback from families and staff to inform ongoing improvement
• And other duties as assigned.

Essential Skills & Competencies:

• Relationship building and collaboration
• Event planning and logistics
• Written and verbal communication
• Data tracking and documentation
• Experience with data manipulation and use of excel and/or GoogleSheets Problem-solving and adaptability
• Culturally responsive and family-centered mindset

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree or higher in Education, Communications, Social Work, Public Relations, or a related field

Georgia Clearance Certificate

Georgia Service Certificate in School Counseling and/or Georgia Teaching Certificate

Requirements:

• Expectation to attend a combination of virtual work and in-person event support
• Expectation to work occasional evenings or weekend work required for district events
• Bachelor's degree in Education, Communications, Social Work, Public Relations, or a related field
• Experience working with families, students, or community engagement initiatives
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively
• Comfort working in a virtual or hybrid school environment
• Certified Counselor or Teacher through the Georgia Professional Standards Commission

Physical Requirements:

• This position requires frequent travel throughout the state of Georgia to conduct official school business. Candidates must possess a valid driver's license, maintain a clean driving record, and be comfortable with regular day trips and occasional overnight travel as needed. A reliable personal vehicle is required.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit for extended periods of time. Employee is also required to talk, hear, stand, and walk. The employee may be required to use hands to touch, handle, feel, and/or reach. Employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.