Executive Director of Family & Community Engagement and Extended School Year (SY25-26)

REPORTS TO: Chief of Specialized Services

POSITION OVERVIEW:
The Office of Specialized Services (OSS) is seeking an Executive Director of Community Outreach to be an
integral part of the Offices strategy to enhance the districts outreach and empower parents of children
with disabilities attending the Boston Public Schools. This position coordinates with key members of the
OSS leadership team and other district collaborators to identify create and communicate resource needs
that enable families of students with disabilities to be informed partners in their childs education within
their addition to working directly with parents this position will develop relationships with key
community groups and partners to facilitate conversations and resources to improve BPS support in
schools and at home for our students with special needs.

This position is responsible for overseeing the districts Extended Learning and Extended School Year
(ESY) services for students with disabilities. A key component of the role involves directly supervising the
Director of Extended Learning and ESY. Family and community engagement are vital aspects of this role as
it involves connecting families and students to resources. This includes informing families about available
community resources to support students needs educating them on Special Education laws and
regulations particularly the referral and eligibility processes and ensuring families understand their
fundamental rights. This role is rooted in a strong commitment to excellence and equity promoting high
expectations for all students with disabilities and leveraging their strengths to foster a sense of belonging
and accelerate progress in closing achievement and opportunity gaps.

The Director will develop a strategic plan aligned with district goals based on key performance indicators
to build partnerships with schools and community stakeholders enhancing communication cadence and
operational systems within OSS. This will also include facilitating various parent groups to ensure
information is streamlined and relevant to the needs of our students and families. This will include
working strategically to collaborate cross-functionally with the Office of Communications Welcome
Services Office of the Achievement Gap and other stakeholders to ensure a well-coordinated effort to
represent the needs of the BPS community at all levels.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Develop ongoing professional development training to engage our families and provide resources ensuring that district initiatives and policies are shared in a timely manner.
Facilitate and lead professional development offerings and support to key OSS team members on strategies and resources to ensure relevant professional development to administrators teachers parent center staff and other stakeholders; to maximize family engagement.
Identify and develop training for central office and school-based staff on customer service
protocols as they relate to families students and schools regarding special education policies
questions and/or concerns.

Develop and provide technical assistance resources and support systems to empower parents/guardians caretakers of students with disabilities (SWDs) students with disabilities themselves and other stakeholders regarding academic and learning outcomes. Ensure effective
and responsive communication channels to address requests questions and concerns.
Set vision and provide direct oversight for the coordination of Extended Learning and Extended School Year (ESY) Services ensuring accountability for eligibility determination for students with disabilities.
Oversee the coordination of meetings and communications with various community collaborators and actively engage and reach out to families of students with disabilities across the district to ensure they all have an active voice.
Provide support and community engagement with Special Education Parent Advisory Council and partner with OMME to collaborate with EL PAC.
Liaise with the BPS Office of OFCA which oversees the districts policies around parent engagement and partner with the needs opportunities and resources available for families of SWDs.
Assist in the development execution evaluation and logistical planning for upcoming
community and family initiatives that welcome and support and empower families of SWD and
students with disabilities.
Collaborate with Equity Family and Community Advancement and Welcome Services on cultural training to district staff and school teams to implement effective parent engagement plans.
Ensures that parent education and involvement activities are aligned with District goals including increasing graduation rates and college access in accordance with the districts strategic plan.
Develop and implement a comprehensive plan to expand parents of SWD in school advisory roles at each BPS school.
Lead efforts in connecting BPS to community organizations that aid BPS students with disabilities and families around issues impacting individuals with disabilities.
Perform other tasks as requested by the Chief of Specialized Services Deputy Superintendent of Academics or Superintendent.

QUALIFICATIONS - REQUIRED:
Masters Degree in Special Education or related field
Five years working as an administrator and/or educational leader in an urban public school district leading a school or a central office team
Knowledge of the special education eligibility process and background of the diverse needs of students with disabilities and 504 Plans
Experience in planning and implementing extended year programming
Experience teaching leading and or working in the field of Special Education or Public Relations and Communications
Excellent communication interpersonal and organizational skills including the ability to work with diverse groups of people

Proven ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams and departments (e.g. Welcome Services customer service systems like Freshdesk Assistant Directors) to ensure exemplary customer service for families and caregivers
Experience with community advocacy groups ideally regarding special education students
Experience working with parents/families/caregivers of students with disabilities
Outstanding customer service techniques with a strong ability to problem solve
Commitment to professional growth and ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues.
Knowledge of various computer programs including word processing database management PowerPoint Excel Desktop Publishing and Google Applications
Strong analytical skills with the ability to gather analyze and interpret data to create clear reports presentations and data visualizations
Proven ability to work independently exercise judgment and manage multiple tasks and priorities to meet timelines
Excellent verbal and written communication and editing skills
Ability to exercise sound judgment and make timely decisions while working in a fast-paced team environment. Demonstrated positive attitude and adaptability.

QUALIFICATIONS - PREFERRED:
Second Language Proficiency in Spanish Haitian Creole Chinese (Mandarin or Cantonese) Vietnamese Cape Verdean Creole Portuguese or Somali
5 years of experience in a similar role focused on family and community engagement for individuals with disabilities

Terms: Managerial D71.

The Boston Public Schools in accordance with its nondiscrimination policies does not discriminate on the basis of race color age criminal record physical or mental disability pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions homelessness sex/gender gender identity religion national origin ancestry sexual orientation genetics natural or protective hairstyle military status immigration status English language proficiency or any other factor prohibited by law in its programs and activities. BPS does not tolerate any form of retaliation or bias-based intimidation threat or harassment that demeans individuals dignity or interferes with their ability to work or learn. If you require an accommodation pursuant to the ADA for the application process please contact the Accommodations Unit at

Required Experience:

Director