Advisor, District & Community Engagement

Description

WHO WE ARE

In 2020, 11.6 million children in the U.S.—16% of all children nationwide—lived in poverty, and those children were disproportionately children of color. Students living in poverty often have physical and mental health, social-emotional, cognitive, and identity development needs that schools are not equipped to support. Rooted in community for more than 45 years, Communities In Schools (CIS) strives to bring community resources inside public schools, where they are accessible, coordinated, and accountable. CIS Co-Founder Bill Milliken said, “It’s relationships, not programs, that transform children. A great program simply creates the environment for healthy relationships to form between adults and children.” 

Bill Milliken’s vision is alive through a strong network of trained CIS staff embedded in schools nationwide building support and relationships inside schools. Today, CIS serves approximately 3,700 schools, the overwhelming majority are Title I-eligible schools across two channels: (1) independent affiliates and (2) licensed partnerships. Grounded in the power of transformative relationships to unlock a young person’s potential, CIS has a national, research-based history of delivering local results that support improved student relationships with adults, better-quality relationships with peers, and increased engagement and sense of belonging. These outcomes lead to improved attendance, improved academic success, and improved on-time high school graduation rates. In 2021, the overall CIS enterprise had revenue of $330 million, including roughly $300 million within its 110 independent affiliates. This nationwide network is supported by the CIS National Office.  

MISSION AND VALUES

Communities In Schools (CIS) is “all-in” for kids. It is our passion—it is our mission. At the National Office, CIS collaborates with local affiliate organizations to provide resources and create communities of caring adults who work hand-in-hand with educators to make sure young people have the tools they need to stay in school and achieve in life. We are the nation’s largest dropout prevention organization, and we achieve our mission by hiring bright, creative, and innovative team members who demonstrate a passion for what they do. 

‘Within the national office, we foster a culture inspired by our mission, our values of integrity, accountability, equity, collaboration, and excellence, and a commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Our culture is centered on three core tenants:  

• We acknowledge contributions and perspectives. 
• We collaborate across roles and departments. 
• We honor a whole-person approach and encourage balance. 

We aim to create a psychologically safe environment where relationships matter, and mutual respect is paramount.  

YOU SHOULD KNOW

We are a remote-first employer, embracing a philosophy that allows our team to collaborate and thrive regardless of physical location. We believe in flexibility, trust, and fostering an environment that promotes healthy work/life harmony; intentional communication; accountability; and respect.  

This role is a great opportunity for someone who loves to travel; is highly proficient in working remotely; and interested and excited to visit and support communities across the country. 

This role is a three-year, term-limited role funded through September 30, 2028. The individual (s) selected must consistently meet or exceed performance expectations to maintain employment throughout the duration of the grant period. Applicants must reside in one of the following states to be considered: (AR), (CA), (CO), (DC), (FL), (GA), (IA), (IL), (IN), (LA), (MD), (MI), (NC), (NV), (NY), (OH), (OK), (PA), (SC), (TN), (TX), and (VA). 

• Advisor, DCE supporting the Mountain West/Central Standard Time Zones. 
• Advisor, DCE supporting the Central Standard/Eastern Standard Time Zones.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Advisor, District & Community Engagement (DCE) plays a critical role in supporting licensed partners implementing the CIS Model of integrated student supports. This role reports to the Sr. Director, DCE.

PRIMARY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Licensed Partnership Management: Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned Licensed Partners (local education agencies, non-profit organizations, etc.) ensuring the successful completion of all contracted scopes of work and deliverables. Maintain a strong customer service focus, proactively addressing partner needs and concerns.  
• Project Leadership: Providing project leadership and coordination to CIS support teams, including trainers and data specialists. 
• Stakeholder Engagement & Alignment: Engage with school administrators and other Licensed Partner stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of the CIS Model. Facilitate the integration of the CIS Model with existing school and partner strategies, goals, and programs. 
• Training Delivery: Collaborate with Licensed Partner program managers and DCE Specialists/Trainers to develop and implement comprehensive training plans. Conduct core CIS Model trainings (in-person and virtual) for school principals, program managers, and site coordinators, including training on the CIS Data Management (CISDM) system. Deliver virtual site coordinator-focused trainings as needed, ensuring consistent and effective delivery. 
• Capacity Building and Implementation Fidelity: Increase the ability of the licensed partners to independently and effectively implement the CIS model through training, resource development, and ongoing support. 
• Technical Assistance & Coaching: Provide technical assistance and coaching (in-person and virtual) to Licensed Partners, empowering them to independently train, support, and oversee CIS Model implementation. Maintain expert knowledge of CISDM data to effectively coach Licensed Partners on data access and application. 
• Strategic Consultation & Partnership Development: Under the direction of the Senior Director of DCE, consult with, advise, and present to Licensed Partner leaders on strategic planning, sustainability, and partnership development. 
• Certification Support: Guiding licensed partners towards successful achievement of CIS certification. 
• Develop Sustainability Strategies: Collaborate with licensed partners to create and implement plans that ensure the long-term financial and programmatic viability of the CIS Model, which are aligned with national and local priorities. 
• Resource Development & Improvement: Develop new training tools and practitioner resources to enhance Licensed Partner support. Collaborate with the Learning & Practice team on special internal projects to update DCE offerings.  
• Departmental Collaboration: Collaborate with and actively contribute to the Student Supports Department to achieve departmental goals and objectives. 

DISCLAIMER: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position.?They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

Requirements

SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE THE FOLLOWING SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable differently-abled individuals to perform the essential functions.

Required skills & qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Education, Public Affairs, Counseling, Community Organization, Organizational Development, or a related field. 
• Minimum 8 years of experience in an education setting or non-profit organization, with a focus on community partnerships, organizational development, community planning, and/or partnership development in collaboration with schools. 
• Direct experience coordinating or implementing a multi-tiered system of support within a school district setting is highly preferred. Experience coordinating or implementing a multi-tiered system of support through the Communities In Schools network is also beneficial.
• Demonstrated experience working directly with school principals or district-level leadership to implement community school models, integrated student supports or similar partnerships. 
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint). 
• Strong time management and prioritization skills, especially within a fast-paced educational environment. 
• Proven ability to communicate effectively with school administrators and district personnel, both in writing and verbally. 
• Demonstrated success in collaborating with school staff and community partners to achieve shared goals.
• Proven track record in project management, with the ability to lead and coordinate initiatives within a school system. 
• A willingness to learn and adapt to changing priorities within the education/non-profit sectors. 
• Ability to build positive and collaborative relationships with colleagues, school staff, and community members. 
• Commitment to working with individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, fostering inclusive environments. 

TRAVEL

Travel up to 30% (max 78 days per year) required, including travel in the domestic US with overnight stays.

ABOUT US

CIS staff continue to work in a virtual environment; however, the national office is open and available for staff to use as appropriate. 

To ensure the health and safety of staff and job applicants, all interviews will be conducted by phone and/or video conference.

BENEFITS & PERKS

Work that makes a difference—the opportunity to contribute to an important mission!

Competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package, including:

• Five weeks of Paid Time Off
• Generous 403b Retirement Savings Plan contribution
• 10 Paid Holidays
• 90% of employee health care premiums paid by the organization
• Summer Work Schedule and Winter Break
• Employer-paid short-term and long-term income replacement programs, and much, much more!

Communities In Schools is committed to a workforce that is representative of the varied communities we are privileged to serve. We provide a work environment that does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, mental or physical disability, genetic information or any other basis protected by applicable law. CIS prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable differently-abled individuals to perform the essential functions.

For more information on Communities In Schools please visit our website.