Operations Specialist - Family & Community Engagement
Heartwood Community School
- Ridgeland, SC
- $80,000 per year
- Permanent
- Full-time
- Serve as Heartwood Community School's primary representative at community events, neighborhood meetings, and local gatherings to increase visibility and student recruitment.
- Build, strengthen, and sustain partnerships with local organizations—including daycare centers, housing authorities, family resource centers, and faith-based institutions—to expand referral networks and community awareness.
- Design and implement targeted outreach strategies to engage diverse families and historically underrepresented communities, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility.
- Act as an external ambassador for the school, cultivating meaningful relationships that connect Heartwood to the broader community.
- Develop and execute strategic enrollment initiatives to drive interest, applications, and retention, ensuring full enrollment capacity and an active waitlist.
- Implement lead-generation and follow-up systems—including phone, email, text, and in-person engagement—to support families through the admissions journey.
- Provide personalized guidance to families throughout the application and enrollment process, addressing barriers and ensuring a seamless, supportive experience.
- Monitor and analyze enrollment data and trends to inform and optimize recruitment strategies.
- Lead the planning and execution of school and family engagement events—including Open Houses, Orientation Nights, Parent Workshops, and Community Gatherings—that strengthen school-family partnerships.
- Serve as a trusted point of contact for families, fostering a welcoming environment where all families feel valued, informed, and included.
- Develop and coordinate family engagement initiatives such as volunteer opportunities, parent advisory groups, and student-support networks.
- Lead the development and execution of Heartwood's social media strategy, producing compelling content that communicates the school's mission, celebrates student success, and promotes upcoming events.
- Oversee the school's digital presence—including website management, email campaigns, and outreach materials—to ensure consistent, high-quality branding and messaging.
- Develop and implement external communication strategies to enhance Heartwood's visibility, reputation, and community impact.
- Draft and distribute press releases, newsletters, and stakeholder communications to highlight achievements and maintain transparency with the community.
- Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to connect with families from diverse backgrounds.
- Strong public speaking and presentation abilities to represent the school effectively in community settings.
- Event planning experience, with a talent for creating meaningful, engaging experiences for families and stakeholders.
- Strategic marketing and social media expertise, with a keen eye for storytelling and audience engagement.
- Strong problem-solving skills, able to navigate challenges in admissions, outreach, and engagement with grace and efficiency.
- Highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple projects at once.
- Ability to collect, analyze, and leverage data to inform enrollment and engagement strategies.
- Bilingual (English-Spanish) strongly preferred.
- Bachelor's degree preferred, but relevant experience in outreach, marketing, admissions, or community engagement will be strongly considered.
- Valid driver's license and reliable transportation required to attend off-site events and meetings.
- Ability to lift 40 lbs., kneel, sit, or stand for extended periods.
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance and Disability
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
- Retirement Plans
Heartwood Community School is deeply committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, or disability.