Parent Coordinator, Promise Academy

When students enter HCZ Promise Academy Charter Schools, we make a promise to help each and every one get to and through college. Everything we give our students—from world-class instruction and exceptional extracurricular activities to social emotional support and healthy meals—is aimed at fulfilling that promise.  Our schools have a longer school day and year, helping us keep our kids safe and engaged, ensure their success in core subject areas, and give them an immersive, well-balanced education that includes exposure to the arts, daily physical activity, and field trips to museums, performances, sporting events and, of course, college campuses.

In addition, our Promise curriculum includes grade-appropriate character education, helping students at every level build crucial non-cognitive skills such as resilience, grit, and curiosity.  We also provide on-site medical, dental, and psychological services, as well as a healthy, freshly made breakfast, lunch and snack each day. Plus, the vast majority of our students participate in our after-school programs, where they receive extensive academic support and engage in a wide range of recreation and enrichment activities.

Not only do our students receive a high-quality, standards-based education, but they and their families also have access to HCZ’s comprehensive network of supports, including counseling, benefits assistance, and other social services.

To support our staff, we provide them with bi-weekly professional development, access to top-of-the-line technology, including a personal laptop, and Smartboards and tablets in the classroom. Additionally, our staff is surrounded by colleagues and professionals—ranging from instructional coaches and education directors, to guidance counselors and social workers—all committed to ensuring the success for every child. As a staff member at Promise Academy, you will take your place in a team that seamlessly surrounds children in a safe, enriching environment, making sure the reach their full potential.

Our team has been comprehensively reviewing best practices from local, national, and international school systems and following government guidelines to ensure we are taking all possible safety measures related to the pandemic. Our safety protocols have been enhanced with the advice and assistance of experts in the areas of public health, epidemiology, air quality control, space design and layout, and building capacity. Our organization continues to prioritize the safety of all students and staff as we navigate these unprecedented times. 

We are seeking seeking a dedicated and experienced Parent Coordinator to build and maintain connections with parents and families, and involve them in the broader school community.  The Parent Coordinator works closely with the parents, administrators, school staff, teachers, and children to help make HCZ Promise Academy a model school that prepares our children for college. The core responsibility will be to create a welcoming and supportive environment for parents, and act as the first line of communication for our families.  The Parent Coordinator must be an effective communicator who can develop positive, professional relationships with all constituencies.  The ideal candidate will bring a passion for the mission of Promise Academy and HCZ, an understanding and respect for the culture of all residents of Harlem, and experience working in a school setting with a love for children.

 Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Increase parent involvement in the school by working closely with all school, parent, HCZ, and community organizations
• Create a welcoming school environment for parents
• Serve as facilitator for parent and school community concerns
• Convene regular parent meetings and events around topics of key concern for parents
• Assist in the recruitment and enrollment process
• Create periodic newsletters/calendars and coordinate communication with parents
• Organize Back-to-School, Report Card Night, and other parent events
• Coordinate parent workshops and seek opportunities for parents to further develop skills
• Coordinate field trips
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualification, Skill and Knowledge Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree preferred or related work experience
• At least 2 years of administrative experience preferably in an urban school setting
• Ability to think critically and strategically
• Excellent writing and communication skills
• Proficien