"Associate Director, Family Engagement"

Job Details

American University is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world. Learn more about American University.

Department: New Students & Family Programs

Time Type: Full time

Job Type: Regular

FLSA Status: Exempt

Work Modality: Hybrid 01 (On Campus 3-4 Days/Week)

Union: Excluded

Job Description:

Summary:

As a part of the New Student and Family Programs team, the Associate Director for Family Engagement plays a critical role in fulfilling the department’s work by focusing on the needs of families throughout their experience with AU. The Associate Director develops and provides resources, services, and programs for family members of undergraduate students that promote successful student transitions, retention, and success. As a department in the Division of Student Affairs, we work to intentionally guide, challenge and support students as they grow and thrive as members of the AU Community on campus and beyond. The Associate Director, Family Engagement engages ‘families as partners’ in this work. This requires effective collaboration, program management, case management and strategic communication efforts.

This position contributes to the training, supervision and professional development of student and para-professional staff members on the New Student and Family Programs team. Family Engagement work is supported by the team’s resources which includes a dedicated budget for events and programming. This position supports more than 2,000 students and 15,000+ families each year with an annual budget of more than $500,000.

Note: we use “families” in a broad sense to also include anyone that a student considers a supporter or champion regardless of relationship.

Essential Functions:

1. Family Program Development and Administration
   • Coordinate day-to-day operations for family-focused orientation and transition activities and programs. In collaboration with the New Student and Family Programs team, develop orientation resources and programming for families including, but not limited to summer, fall, and spring sessions for first-year and transfer students and families, New Student Orientation/All American/Winter Welcome Week activities, Family Weekend, and Commencement.
   • Produce a planned series of webinars/virtual events (10-14) throughout the year to help families to recognize and support the developmental and seasonal needs of students. Collaborate with campus partners to foster a university-wide culture that anticipates and addresses family needs and welcomes family engagement in appropriate ways that best support students and the institution.
   • Analyze data from program evaluations and make recommendations to the Director for program improvement.
2. Case Management
   • Serve as the central point of contact for family inquiries and case management needs. Provide timely and accurate responses, referrals and follow-up in ways that cultivate partnerships with families in supporting students. Coordinate efforts with the Office of Dean of Students, Housing and Residence Life, Center for Student Belonging, Center for Student Involvement, and other offices to evaluate student needs and implement corrective interventions, submitting CARE reports on behalf of families as appropriate.
   • Maintain a case management software system to log and track cases and ensure high-quality customer service. Provide regular and timely reports on trends and offer informed recommendations for action.
3. Communications
   • Execute a communications plan to serve the families of undergraduate students that includes both web and hard copy publications, including producing a family calendar each year. Develop and curate “just in time” content that anticipates and meets the needs of families supporting their students such as: preparing for transitions, managing key dates and deadlines, identifying support services, and celebrating milestones. Leverage appropriate tools to share time-sensitive or critical updates. Generate and promote engaging content for social media to share updates, foster pride in the institution, and promote positive on-line community engagement. Collaborate with New Student and Family Programs staff and campus colleagues to align messages for family audiences.
   • Develop a family volunteer program to support positive peer-to-peer engagement, assist with family events, and equip family members to serve as ambassadors for the university. Create appropriate roles, select, train, and acknowledge volunteers. Collaborate with colleagues in Parent and Family Philanthropy to engage the Parent Leadership Council. This position may supervise student staff, including graduate assistants and interns.
   • Coordinate with other Student Affairs and University departments, and external organizations to conceive, develop, and execute initiatives and programs for families. Establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with offices on campus to promote student engagement, success, and retention. Support major division and university-wide programs, including but not limited to, Commencement, Family Weekend, Summer Send-Offs, Move-In, New Student Orientation, Family and Supporters Orientation, Student Achievement Awards, and Eagles at Night. As a member of the Division of Student Affairs, this position may advise recognized student organizations as needed. Serve as a member of the Division of Student Affairs Response Team assisting with campus activism management.
   • This position may serve on selected Student Affairs and university-wide committees and workgroups at the direction of the Director, New Student and Family Programs.

Supervisory Responsibility: This position shares in the supervision of student workers, including graduate assistants.

Competencies: Serving Customers. Prioritizing and Organizing. Acquiring and Analyzing Information. Supporting Coworkers. Championing Customer Needs. Developing Plans.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work: Full Time. 35 hours per week. Staff will work on an adjusted work schedule as needed, including late nights and weekends.

Salary Range: $70,450 - $72,500 annually.

Required Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree or equivalent. 4 - 6 years of relevant experience.

Preferred Education and Experience: Master's degree.

Travel Required: Some travel may be required for off-campus programs such as Summer Send-Offs.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications:

• Inclusive Excellence: An ability to welcome, value, and affirm individuals of all identities and experiences...
• Discretion, Tact and Diplomacy: ...
• Advanced Communication: ...
• Thoroughness in Reviewing Work: ...
• Student Services Skills: ...
• Diagnostic Information Gathering: ...
• Standard Office Software: ...
• Experience working with college students...
• Proven experience in planning and leading interactive online events...
• Comprehensive understanding of college student development theory...

Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Benefits: AU offers a competitive benefits package including a 200% matching retirement plan, tuition benefits for full-time staff and their families, several leadership development certificates, and has been recognized by the American Heart Association as a fit-friendly worksite. Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options.