Community School Coordinator

POSITION SUMMARY STATEMENT 

Community Schools are an essential component of Neighborhood Zones, contributing to United Way of Central Maryland’s community impact agenda in designated geographical areas. The Community School Coordinator is employed by and accountable to the United Way of Central Maryland, which strongly supports the school principal’s educational vision and goals. Hiring and termination decisions are made jointly. The coordinator’s roles and responsibilities may include the following:

OBJECTIVES 

• Oversee the Community School strategy from development through successful execution under the guidance of the Community Schools Program Manager. 
• Cultivate and manage external partnerships at the school and in the community to meet UWCM Community School, NZ, and community impact strategies goals.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (included but not limited to): 

Weight (%) duties and responsibilities in priority order to total 100% 

40%     Drive & Oversee Community School Strategy Development & Integration 

• Drives the community school strategy at the respective school 
• Guides the ongoing Resource Assessment and Action Plan cycles utilizing a strengths-based framework approach 
• Ensures achievement of Scope of Work (see SOW for details)  
• Leads and carries out the collective Community Schools vision, engages and excites others, and ensures that programming supports the vision/outlines the general direction of the partnership. 
• Represents United Way competencies, interests, and priorities in the partnership  
• Builds and guides the Community School Steering Committee at the school 
• Develops strong partnerships with principal and strategic community partners 
• Serves on leadership teams of school, e.g. Instructional Leadership Team, School Family Council, Attendance Team, Student Support Team, Out of School Time (OST)  

30%     Community School Strategy Management and Implementation 

• Establish and maintain the operating budget for the school’s CS Strategy, directing resources to meet budget guidelines and achieve program deliverables for each funding source. 
• Assist with fundraising for the CS Strategy at the school in collaboration with the Principal, grants team, and Neighborhood Zone staff. 
• Drives high-quality program development and management for partnership activities in the school and community; monitors implementation  
• Ensures appropriate “fit” and accountability of programming that are aligned, in-school and out-of-school; developmentally appropriate skill development; and culturally relevant and responsive to the populations served  
• Manages parent and community volunteers; coordinates staff and partners 
• Other duties as assigned & required by the Community School grant or requested by the Principal or United Way leadership and aligned with the Community School’s Scope of Work.

20%     Communication 

• Serve as liaison between the school, partners, and community members regarding the Community School strategy and engagement with the school. 
• Oversees or leads communication in their school about Community Schools 
• Cultivates “champions” of the strategy 
• Report and actively communicate with the Community Schools Program Director on strategy development, progress, accomplishments, and challenges.

10%     Processes and Procedures 

• Develop relevant procedures and policies as needed. 
• Prepare, maintain, and save reporting spreadsheets, documents, and reports 
• Participate in required Community Schools and United Way training and Professional Development (i.e., grants, Relias, CARF requirements, budgeting)

INTERACTION (Internal and External): 

Internal: Interacts with UWCM central staff on an occasional basis and UWCM neighborhood staff regularly; provides information as needed; participates in staff committee/team activities; develops cooperative and effective working relationships with Neighborhood Zone staff, including Impact Strategies team members and other UWCM colleagues.

External: Interacts with City Schools Engagement staff regularly. Interacts regularly with volunteers, staff and community partners, collaborators, and other organizations to respond to inquiries and provide technical assistance and community impact activities as assigned/identified.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS (required years of experience, skills, and abilities): 

• A bachelor’s Degree and three years’ experience in education, government, business, or the social sector in a coordination and long-term relationship-building role with various community stakeholders are preferred.  
• A High School Diploma with at least six years of experience in education, government, business, or the social sector in a coordination and long-term relationship-building role with various community stakeholders accepted. 
• Experience working in schools and communities with demonstrated ability to establish strong connections. 
• Experience in developing, managing and sustaining high quality wrap-around services to children, youth and families
• Demonstrated computer skills (proficiency in Microsoft Office with an emphasis in Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint)
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and proofreading skills. Ability to implement efficiencies to improve work processes.
• Strong relational capacity.
• Extremely versatile, dedicated to efficient productivity.
• Customer service oriented
• Ability to apply equity lens to work.
• Ability to work with multidisciplinary groups.
• Ability to plan, prioritize and be well organized.
• Willingness to work evenings and very few weekends 
• Must pass Criminal Background check

SKILLS PREFERRED 

• Experience engaging families and students
• Experience with community organizing
• Experience with budget management
• Experience with community asset and partnership building
• Proven success in project coordination.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

An employee must meet the physical demands described here to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. 

Frequent walking or standing is required. The hands are regularly used to write, type, key, handle, or feel small controls and objects. The employee must frequently talk and hear. Weights of up to 25 pounds are commonly lifted. There is extensive use of a computer. The employee is occasionally seated while performing the duties of the position.