The Director of Parent Engagement is responsible for managing a contemporary parent engagement program that meets the needs of a diverse community. The program is designed to foster an inclusive and positive environment for all parents in the life of The Agnes Irwin School. Parent-centered programming should align with the priorities of the school’s strategic plan. The role will create a vision and associated goals that will harness information and understanding about the full composition of the current parent constituency and its individual interests and attitudes in order to optimize engagement (time, treasure, and experience) and affirm each family’s sense of value as a community member of the School.

As the development department lead for the parent community, the Director assists with parent engagement for the department’s overall fundraising, events, and initiatives. The Director will identify, engage, and manage parent volunteers and facilitate an effective communications plan to keep all parents informed and positively connected to the School. The Director will act as the primary volunteer relationship manager for parents in each division and will work closely with Division Directors, the Admissions team, and the Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging to stay informed of relevant aspects of the parent experience. 

As the primary liaison for the Parents’ Association, duties include being the primary contact for the Parents’ Association Executive Committee (PAEC) and supporting the programming, planning, and execution of parent events.

Responsibilities:

Supporting the parent experience

• Build a positive relationship between the school and the parents by being a known, consistent communicator and being present at school events to help strengthen parent engagement with the school.
• Meet with families one-on-one to understand an individual family’s needs and talents.
• Work with the Marketing & Communications department to maintain, update and oversee parent communication vehicles such as website pages, Parents’ Association website pages, social media, AIS App and other relevant resources.
• Utilize expertise to guide the Development Department in relevant programming that would resonate with the parent community. Stay informed and up to date on school-wide, local and national trends related to Parent Engagement roles and responsibilities.
• Support the admissions team and the new parent liaison program. Coordinate, assist, and/or attend all relevant new parent events.
• Develop and maintain relevant parent engagement reports, documentation and databases.

Manage parent programs

• In consultation with Division Directors, proactively design and support school-sponsored parent gatherings, back-to-school meetings, and divisional meetings among others.
• Create a strategy to sustain and increase parent volunteering throughout the school in ways that meet the needs of the parents and the school.
• Develop and support Parent Special Interest Groups to cultivate meaningful community relationships among parents.
• Develop programs focusing on grandparents and parents of alumnae constituencies to maintain critical relationships with the school.

Support fundraising within the Development Department

• Identify mid and major gift prospects within the parent and grandparent community and disseminate information to the Development Department.
• Identify prospective parents and parents of alumnae who have interest in volunteering to support the school’s fundraising efforts.
• Identify and recruit parent Annual Fund volunteers.

Support all activities associated with the Parents’ Association

• Serve as the primary staff liaison for the Parents’ Association and Parents’ Association Executive Committee (PAEC) and develop programs that align with the school’s strategic plan.
• Oversee and support the Class Parents Program, including but not limited to training, activities, and communications.

Education and Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree with a minimum 5 years experience working with parent or volunteer programs.
• A strong desire to form relationships with AIS constituencies using multiple channels.
• High energy level and the ability to motivate others. 
• Demonstrated strength in positive interpersonal and customer service skills while working with parents, administrators, faculty & staff as well as outside parties.
• Strong leadership skills and the ability to work effectively across multiple channels.
• Work well independently as well as in a group environment.
• Excellent writing and communication skills.
• Strong computer skills with a working knowledge of Raiser’s Edge and/or similar relationship management systems and familiarity with data entry.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends.

About The Agnes Irwin School

The Agnes Irwin School is a Pre-K through 12, all-girls' school located in Rosemont, PA

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