Family Engagement Manager

OFFICIAL TITLE:          Family Engagement Manager
SUPERVISOR:             Sr. Director of Family Services & Enrollment
SALARY RANGE:        In accordance with Sheltering Arms Salary Schedules
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:           Full time, full year
FUNDING SOURCE:   Head Start / Early Head Start

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION:
The Family Engagement Manager provides agency-wide leadership in family engagement, governance, parent leadership development, and implementation of the Head Start Parent, Family, and Community Engagement (PFCE) Framework. This position oversees Policy Council operations, Parent Leadership Organization (PLO) efforts, and the coordination of high-quality programming for parents and families. The Manager ensures that Family Needs Assessments (BRIDGE Assessments), family goals, referrals, and follow-up services are delivered in accordance with Head Start Performance Standards. The role also strengthens community engagement and recruitment by fostering partnerships with local organizations and representing Sheltering Arms at outreach events.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:
Family Engagement Leadership & PFCE Implementation

• Lead implementation of the Head Start PFCE Framework across all centers.
• Provide coaching to FSCs and center leaders on high-quality family engagement practices.
• Ensure fidelity in Family Partnership Process, including strengths-based goal setting and referrals.
• Monitor BRIDGE Assessment data and ensure alignment with program planning.
• Ensure accurate documentation of all family services in alignment with HS/EHS expectations.

Policy Council Oversight & Governance Support

• Plan, facilitate, and ensure compliance for all Policy Council meetings and elections.
• Prepare agendas, minutes, training content, and monthly governance documents.
• Train Policy Council members in governance responsibilities and decision-making authority.
• Coordinate with agency leadership to provide timely and accurate program updates to Policy Council.
• Ensure meaningful parent participation in program planning, evaluation, and governance.

Parent Leadership Organization (PLO) Development & Implementation

• Oversee development and implementation of PLOs at each center.
• Guide centers in planning and delivering monthly PLO meetings.
• Lead PLO Boot Camp workshops to strengthen parent leadership.
• Encourage and support parent-led initiatives and leadership opportunities.
• Maintain accurate documentation of PLO activities for compliance reviews.

Family Programming & Community Partnerships

• Plan and coordinate high-quality family programming, workshops, and events.
• Establish and maintain partnerships with community organizations and service providers.
• Ensure programming is culturally responsive, accessible, and aligned with family needs.
• Collaborate with internal departments to offer integrated family experiences.
• Coordinate agency-wide resource fairs, family events, and training sessions.

Recruitment & Community Engagement

• Represent Sheltering Arms at recruitment events and community outreach activities.
• Help identify high-need communities aligned with recruitment priorities.
• Support creation of family-friendly recruitment materials and messaging.
• Promote program visibility through partnerships, tabling events, and presentations.
• Collaborate with ERSEA teams to ensure alignment between community engagement and recruitment goals.

Monitoring, Compliance & Continuous Improvement

• Monitor Family Partnership documentation for accuracy and compliance with HS/EHS standards.
• Track referrals, follow-up services, and progress toward family goals.
• Support corrective action and training for FSCs on documentation requirements.
• Analyze family engagement data and report findings to the Sr. Director.
• Assist in federal monitoring preparation and internal self-assessments.

Training & Support for Center-Based Family Support Teams

• Provide ongoing coaching and training to FSCs on best practices in family engagement.
• Support onboarding for new FSCs and center leadership regarding family services.
• Facilitate collaboration among centers to share strengths and lessons learned.
• Offer technical assistance during documentation corrections or program challenges.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS:

• Strong understanding of Head Start PFCE Standards and family engagement strategies.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care, cultural responsiveness, and family-centered practice.
• Ability to train, coach, and support FSCs in delivering high-quality services.
• Effective communication and facilitation skills for groups and public events.
• Organizational skills with ability to manage multiple projects and timelines.
• Ability to analyze engagement data and translate findings into program improvements.
• Proficiency with ChildPlus or similar data systems preferred.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE:
Bachelor’s degree required in Social Work, Early Childhood Education, Child and Family Development, Public Administration, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred. Minimum three years of family engagement, social services, or community partnership experience required. Head Start/Early Head Start experience strongly preferred.

EVALUATION:
Performance of this job will be evaluated consistent with Sheltering Arms evaluation policy. This description is not intended to be all-inclusive; other duties may be assigned. Sheltering Arms reserves the right to modify this job description at any time.