Family Connections Coordinator

Project Background and Goal:

Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS), Bruhn-Morris Family Foundation (BMFF), and the City of Alexandria, Virginia through its constituent Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities (RPCA), have formed a collaborative partnership which will support the Family Connections Pilot (FCP). This project is informed by parent input and kindergarten readiness data, focusing on high need neighborhoods in the City where the data shows relatively low levels of school readiness.

The goal of the pilot is to determine effective ways of engaging with and meeting the needs of families with children ages 0-3 who are not yet, or minimally connected to existing programs and supports. The FCP includes two areas of work:

1. Launching an initial structure that informs a more fully developed pilot design, and

2. Developing relationships with families and providers to offer supports and programming that reflect parent needs and input.

BMFF wishes to engage a part-time consultant as the Family Connections Coordinator for the FCP. The term begins immediately and runs through June 2022. Hours and consulting fees will be mutually agreed-upon, with the expectation that the scope of work will require approximately 20-30 hours per week to execute successfully.

As with many things, the concept of this position has evolved with Covid-19. Originally envisioned as a full-time position with a primary focus on in-person community engagement strategies and programming, it is now offered as a part-time consultant position. This position will have the responsibility of being an essential thought partner in designing and launching an innovative and effective family engagement initiative in this new normal.

We recognize the increased complexity of this opportunity and welcome proposals that reflect candidates’ assessments of appropriate compensation for developing an impactful pilot focused on families with children ages 0-3, who are facing significant challenges related to the pandemic.

Scope of Work:

The Family Connections Coordinator will work closely with the Manager of Alexandria City Public Schools’ Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Center and with the Recreation Manager II of William Ramsay Recreation Center. The FCP steering committee will provide additional support and guidance.

The Family Connections Coordinator’s main responsibilities are outlined below:

1. Develop programs and conduct outreach to diverse families in the City of Alexandria designed to support the following:

· Include parent voice in program design to reflect needs and priorities and address existing barriers or gaps in desired programming

· Increase understanding of the importance of high-quality early care and education

· Build trust and communication with targeted communities

· Encourage eligible families to access needed community resources supporting young children and families

· Respond and adapt to Covid-19 related challenges and constraints creatively and flexibly, document effectiveness of each approach

2. Implement family engagement strategies and activities and share resources for families of children from birth to 5, concentrating on 0-3 years old

3. Develop relationships and partnerships with other community-based organizations in the early childhood space and identify community resources

4. In coordination with ACPS, BMFF and RPCA, assess and evaluate effectiveness of the community outreach services in meeting established goals and objectives

Consultant Profile:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in job related area and over three years of experience in related field, or Masters Degree in related field

Language: Dual language proficiency required (English and Spanish, Amharic or Arabic)

Experience:

· At least three years of professional experience working with community outreach program, schools and/or non-profits with increasing levels of responsibility

· Experience working with diverse communities and early childhood

· Professional experience in gathering and interpreting data

Certificates & Licenses: Valid driver’s license

Key Competencies:

· Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with partners

· Excellent time management and people skills

· Strong oral and written communication skills

· Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evening and weekends, to support family engagement and programming at times convenient for target families

· Strong knowledge of data management, Microsoft Office and Publisher, social media, and Zoom

· Ability to work creatively and adaptively, understanding the engagement contemplates a mix of virtual and in-person interactions. Any in-person activities will be conducted within state and local guidelines and utilize appropriate safety measures.

Job Types: Part-time, Contract

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekends

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• early childhood outreach: 3 years (Required)

Language:

• Spanish, Amharic, or Arabic (Required)

Contract Length:

• 1 year

Work Location:

• Multiple locations

COVID-19 Precaution(s):

• Remote interview process
• Virtual meetings