Chief family and community engagement officer

ABOUT OUR DISTRICT

The Syracuse City School District is undergoing a new phase of innovation and transformation with the goal of ensuring that all students graduate high school with the skills needed to be ready for college and career. For Syracuse, all means all. The School Board and Syracuse community have charged the Superintendent with improving student achievement, and she is seeking a dedicated and diverse team of educators to partner with her in moving the district toward its goals. The Syracuse City School District represents 35 schools and programs, including 6 high schools, 6 middle schools, 6 K-8 schools, 13 elementary schools, and 4 alternative education programs, serving approximately 19,000 students Pre-K–12. Of these students, 82.3% qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, 20.1% are served by the Office of Special Education, and 83% are students of color.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Chief Family and Community Engagement Officer (CFCEO) will work collaboratively with all members of the Executive Team to ensure coordinated planning and consistent implementation of the District's strategic plan, leading the work of engaging our schools, families, and community to ignite a passion for learning across the SCSD family. The CFCEO will provide leadership to communicate system priorities and ensure collaborative work processes to effectively and efficiently utilize resources. The CFCEO will oversee and monitor the implementation of systemic cross-functional strategic projects and initiatives in order to execute the engagement initiatives and priorities of the Superintendent of Schools. The CFCEO serves as an advisor to the Superintendent of Schools and is charged with substantially and effectively assisting the Superintendent in supporting student achievement through the engagement of families and communities, achieving district goals, maximizing efficiencies and efficacy in all divisions and activities, and ensuring compliance with board policies and regulations and local, state and federal laws and regulations. The CFCEO directs all facets of external partnering, including ensuring the development of relationships that will benefit the District; and ensures timely and appropriate responses to emerging issues.

WHO WE WANT

Successful SCSD employees are passionately committed to urban education and all in for Syracuse students. They:

• Believe strongly that all students can learn at high levels;
• Demonstrate commitment to serving urban students, schools or communities, and to closing the achievement gap;
• Demonstrate willingness to put the interests of students above all others;
• Actively contribute to a culture of high expectations in schools and the district;
• Adapt seamlessly to the complexities of the urban school environment;
• Follow current trends in education policy and research.

SPECIFIC DUTIES

Reporting to the Superintendent, the Chief Family and Community Engagement Officer, at a minimum:

• Develops and implements strategies and initiatives, aligned with the Strategic Plan and priorities of the Superintendent of Schools, to enhance family and community involvement in student learning and District programming.
• Leads personnel and offices related to the engagement of family and community by setting priorities and measurable goals related to the duties of those offices and the priorities of the District.
• Serves as a liaison between the District, school buildings, families, and the Syracuse community, in order to promote a culture of learning in our schools and community.
• Works collaboratively with the Superintendent and other Executive Leadership Team members in strategic planning and policy development and make recommendations concerning the implementation of goals and objectives and proposed Board policy; provide administrative oversight in preparing and completing reports and interpretations of related data for effective decision-making; evaluate effectiveness of and compliance with Board policy.
• Advises the Superintendent and District administrators on regulations, policies and procedures; serve on committees, task forces and ad hoc groups as necessary to coordinate functions related to these areas of responsibility.
• Develops and continuously enhances strategies for effective communication within and between District divisions and community partners to communicate information regarding District policies, goals, objectives and program and service innovations to District staff and the general community.
• Directs the preparation and maintenance of detailed records of department functions and activities, narrative and statistical reports, records and files related to assigned activities and personnel, as required.
• Attends or participates in required District, Board and committee meetings and other activities deemed necessary by the Superintendent in order to accomplish the objectives of the position and for professional achievement; represent and act on behalf of the Superintendent as directed.
• Performs all other duties and special projects assigned by the Superintendent of Schools.
• Provides oversight and support for Offices and Departments and as assigned by the Superintendent of Schools.

QUALIFICATIONS

Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in educational administration, supervision, or other applicable degree. Demonstrated experience in teaching and educational leadership, including but not limited to experience as a building leader and district leader in a public-school setting, with a preference for experience in a urban public school. New York State School District Leader Certificate (SDL) or School District Administrator (SDA), reciprocity given to candidates from other states. Broad knowledge of modern research-based instructional techniques and teaching methods.

SALARY

Competitive salary & benefits, commensurate with related experience ranging from 185850-205485 (2025-2026) This position is a supervisory "at-will" Superintendent's Appointment. As such, it is not a probationary appointment and may be terminated at any time. Applicants knowingly waive rights under New York Education Law or Civil Service Law to a permanent appointment or to Section 75 rights under Civil Service Law.