Pennwood Cyber Charter School - Engagement Specialist

Position Summary and Responsibilities

Pennwood Cyber Charter School seeks skilled professionals to serve as Engagement Specialists. This role promotes the academic mission of the school by designing, implementing, and evaluating strategies that strengthen student engagement through home, school, and community partnerships.

Engagement Specialists exercise professional judgment in analyzing student engagement data, identifying barriers, and developing solutions that support student success. By consulting with students, families, teachers, and community partners, Engagement Specialists influence both daily student outcomes and long-term educational trajectories.

This position reports directly to the Manager of Engagement.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Partnerships & Leadership

• Develop and sustain strong relationships with students, families, and staff to promote attendance, participation, and achievement.
• Serve as a thought partner to school leadership in shaping engagement initiatives and policies.
• Lead Caretaker/Learning Coach Engagement Committees to build capacity within the school community.

Attendance, Participation, and Compliance

• Analyze attendance and performance data to identify trends and recommend interventions.
• Design and facilitate Student Attendance Improvement Conferences and recommend individualized strategies.
• Ensure adherence to Pennsylvania truancy and attendance requirements by exercising judgment in applying appropriate supports and escalation.

Student & Community Engagement

• Develop and coordinate initiatives that build a positive school culture and reduce chronic absenteeism.

• Represent the school at community events, presentations, and field trips; travel required to support students as needed (may include occasional overnight travel).

• Partner with staff to expand opportunities for student clubs, enrichment, and leadership development.

New Family Onboarding

• Lead onboarding efforts by designing resources, orientations, and supports that help families transition smoothly into Pennwood.

Barrier Identification & Support

• Apply professional expertise in education, psychology, or social work to identify academic and non-academic barriers.

• Collaborate with colleagues to recommend and implement targeted interventions that address root causes and foster success.

• Provide guidance and coaching to families navigating complex challenges.

Communication & Outreach

• Maintain consistent, professional communication with students, families, and staff through multiple modalities.
• Share data-informed insights and actionable recommendations with leadership to enhance engagement strategies.

Professional Growth & Contribution

• Remain current in best practices for student engagement, truancy prevention, and virtual education.
• Design and facilitate professional development to build staff capacity in engagement practices.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of engagement policies and systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Education, Psychology, Social Work, or related field (required); advanced degree preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to apply professional knowledge to solve complex problems.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to influence and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
• Proficiency in data analysis and use of technology for monitoring and decision-making.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and contribute strategically in a remote environment.
• Must reside in Pennsylvania or within a one-day drive of the state.
• Travel required to support students through events, community engagement, and state testing; may include occasional overnight travel.

Why Join Us?

As an Engagement Specialist at Pennwood Cyber Charter School, you will use your professional expertise to shape the student experience and ensure equitable access to education. You'll influence outcomes through data-informed strategies, strong partnerships, and proactive interventions.

Your work will directly impact student success and contribute to a thriving, innovative learning community.