Family Focus

Compensation

Full Description

Job Title: Parent Mentor Program Organizer Location: Family Focus - Lawndale Supervisor: Program Manager Family Focus’ mission is to promote the well-being of children from birth by supporting and strengthening their families as individual units and within their communities. We are committed to ensuring our centers provide exemplary services with innovative programs, and that family support principles are integrated into every aspect of the work. The Parent Mentor Program is a nationally recognized best practice in parent engagement for high-risk communities. The Parent Mentor Program is a structured avenue for building parent involvement in schools, parent-teacher relationships, and eventually leveraging community resources and support for the schools. The Parent Mentor Program Organizer is one of three key roles in the school community, the School Administration and the Advisory Committee. The Program Organizer (PMPO) is responsible for the day-to-day oversight of the program and making sure the work plan is successfully executed. In each school, the individual in this role will hire and train a Parent Mentor Coordinator, who trains and supports a cohort of Parent Mentors. The PMPO sources leadership development opportunities for Parent Mentors inside the school, identifying issues in the community where Parent Mentors could become engaged, and building lasting connections between the school community and the community-based organization. Duties include, but are not limited to: • Develop focused, creative, and interactive academic and enrichment programs. • Supervise Parent Mentor Coordinators, including recruitment, training, support, performance management, and program implementation. • Attend Parent Engagement Institute Statewide Trainings. Participate in Parent Mentor Program Statewide Meetings. • Complete and submit timely reports to for internal, funder, and school use. • Have one-on-one meetings with parents, teachers, administrators, and community leaders. • Organize workshops across schools and assist PMC to organize school led events. • Oversee the handling and safekeeping of parent mentor records by PMC. • Assist the Manager in the hiring of contracted staff and provide day-to-day supervision of site-based staff, contractors, and parent stipend workers; ensuring that program staff are delivering high-quality activities and services. • Assist the Manager in ensuring programs are meeting funders’ objectives and reflect Family Support Principles. • Assist the Program Manager in creating external partnerships with community organizations to bring in much-needed program resources (in-kind donations, funding, free or donated programming, etc.) for the sustainability of the programs. • Maintain regular contact with key school administration personnel and teachers to support program alignment with school day activities and Illinois Learning Standards when appropriate. Facilitate a strong partnership between the school and Family Focus. • Develop and deliver a communication plan appropriate for different audiences, including a newsletter, program fliers, brochures, etc. The ideal candidate will have the following education and experience: • Associate’s degree or equivalent experience • At least three years’ experience in youth programming, preferably in a school setting • Ability to communicate with different audiences, including school administration, teachers, parents, students, and community members • Must have significant experience working with parent groups in low-income communities • Ability to travel to different training sites in Chicago • Ability to think critically, creatively, and strategically to promote quality programming and growth • Computer skills – word processing, internet research, spreadsheets, create outreach materials • Must be available evenings and some Saturdays • Travel within the community will be required This is a full-time exempt position. Salary range: $45,000- 47,000/year Discover all the benefits we offer to support your well-being and professional growth here: https://www.family-focus.org/about/careers/ Family Focus is an Equal Opportunity Employer Keywords: Early Childhood Education, Mentor, PAT curriculum, Advocacy.