Family Coordinator

DETAILS

POSITION OVERVIEW

Reality Changers prepares youth to become first-generation college graduates and agents of change in their communities. Serving more than 800 students and 4,000+ program graduates annually throughout San Diego County, the organization relies on the generosity of donors, corporate partners, foundations, volunteers, and community supporters to advance its mission and expand opportunities for students.

We believe that parents, guardians, and family members are an integral part of the Reality Changers’ community and an important factor in supporting students’ wellbeing and success. The Family Coordinator plays a vital role in advancing this mission by strengthening family engagement and supporting the success of students in grades 8–12. This position develops and coordinates family-centered programs, resources, and educational opportunities that empower parents, guardians, and caregivers to actively participate in their student’s college journey. Through collaborative, strengths-based relationships with families, staff, and community partners, the Family Coordinator helps create an inclusive and supportive environment while also assisting with program operations, organizational events, and other initiatives that further Reality Changers’ mission.

The Family Coordinator will report to the Director, High School Programs and engage with program staff to achieve and expand goals.

BENCHMARKS / GOALS / MEASURES OF SUCCESS:

• Ensure 70% or more of parent/guardians’ per household participate in core program activities during the academic year e.g. Family Meetings, Partner Workshops, and Volunteer Opportunities.
• Curate content for three (3) core knowledge areas per year for Reality Changers families: Academic/College knowledge aligned to students’ grade level, culturally responsive parenting methods, and one area of choosing.
• In partnership with the Director of High School Programs, organize and lead one (1) large -scale event per year e.g. parent appreciation, food drive, etc..

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

An incumbent may perform any combination of the essential functions shown below. This position description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, knowledge, or abilities associated with this classification, but is intended to accurately reflect the principal job elements.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Facilitate Parent Support for Key Events and Programs (50% of role):

• Coordinate and manage Reality Changers and family-provided dinners during weekly evening programs.
• Develop a meal plan/list of meals with quantities needed based on student count and vendors for easy meal planning that considers varying dietary restrictions.
• Provide on-the-ground tactical resources and support to ensure that program nights run as efficiently as possible.
• Collaborate with program staff to develop relevant and valuable content for parent meetings.
• Collaborate with program staff to distribute and collect release forms, applications, signatures, and other paperwork as needed to parents to enable student participation in programs.
• Collaborate with key staff to develop relevant and valuable content for parent meetings and online platforms e.g. Academy Team.
• Perform other duties as needed.

Manage Family Programming and Communications (35% of role):

• Assess and implement effective and consistent family communication strategies that engage all Reality Changers families with relevant information and resources. This includes multiple methods of communication e.g. newsletter, workshops, peer-to-peer support, speakers, phone/text banks, social media outreach, etc.
• Assess needs and design new resources for parents and families.
• Initiate consistent outreach to parents, guardians, and caretakers of Reality Changers’ students in order to build relationships as well as their support and involvement in the organization.
• Create and maintain accurate “phone trees” and conduct regular communication with parents, guardians, and caretakers to inform them of scheduled dinner nights, upcoming events, and volunteer opportunities.
• Promote, curate content for, and facilitate monthly family meetings e.g. distribute monthly fliers, bulk emails, and posters about scheduled parent meetings during the prior week’s student pickup.
• Develop bilingual welcome packets and material for parents that will provide comprehensive information about Reality Changers’ programs e.g. key dates for school year, attendance and participation expectations for parents, etc.
• Maintain up-to-date emergency contact information of students’ parents, guardians, and caretakers.
• Maintain up-to-date records in Salesforce of family interactions and participation in core program activities.
• Collaborate with the Director of High School Programs and social worker to develop a data bank to support trauma-informed interventions based on individual family needs.
• In coordination with the Director of School Programs, adapt existing and lead new initiatives based on family feedback and/or needs.

Develop and Enhance Parent Leadership and Engagement Opportunities (15% of role):

• Support the Director of High School Programs with recruitment and management of the Family Advisory Council, if active.
• Work with the Director of High School programs to identify key and strategic partners that support Reality Changers operations focusing on quality and intent over quantity.
• Coordinate with community organizations and partners to support families’ needs and work with appropriate departments to integrate new partnership opportunities.
• Collaborate with program staff to address any concerns or areas of support that parents may have for their student(s) or the program in a timely and professional manner.
• Additional duties as assigned.

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

• Associate’s degree in Human Services, Social Work, Education, Psychology, Child Development, Sociology, or a related field e.g. adult learning.
• Equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
• Three (3) or more years of experience working with underserved or first generation college-bound youth and their families.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish (preferred).
• Experience in a nonprofit, K–12, higher education, or community-based organization.
• Demonstrated experience working with community-based organizations and/or families from underserved populations is required.
• Prior experience planning and executing events is preferred.

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, organization skills, and computer skills.
• Proficiency in a second language is a plus.
• Ability to relate well, engage, and motivate various types of people, especially students of different backgrounds and cultures.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Exceptional organization skills and dedication to detail, with experience managing multiple deadlines with an outcomes-oriented approach.
• Excellent time management skills and ability to adapt to different circumstances in order to still meet goals.
• Must be highly adaptive, versatile, and responsible, even when confronted with ambiguity.
• Willingness to take initiative and do what is necessary to complete the job.
• Strong attention to detail and good follow through.
• Ability to effectively meet schedules and timelines.
• Ability to effectively maintain records.
• Knowledge and proficiency in Microsoft Office, G Suite, Zoom, and email systems. Experience in Salesforce is a plus.
• Exhibited commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and sensitivity to diversity in backgrounds and beliefs e.g., racial, cultural, socioeconomic, political.
• Proficiency in English is required; proficiency in a second language (e.g. Spanish, Amharic, or Arabic) is strongly preferred.

ADDITIONAL EXPECTATIONS

• Represent Reality Changers in a positive manner in all public and private settings.
• Provide positive encouragement to staff, students and instructors in all public and private settings.
• Instill a sense of empowerment in the parents and family members to uphold Reality Changers’ high expectations of students.
• Exemplify commitment to Reality Changers’ mission and values.

TRAVEL / HOURS

• Variable schedule averaging 20+ hours per week. Schedule will be determined in partnership with the supervisor based on organizational priorities, program activities, volunteer engagement, and special events.
• Frequent travel within San Diego will be expected.
• Occasional weekend availability will be expected.
• Regular evening work will be expected.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• A valid driver’s license or reliable transportation to and from site location(s), Reality Changers’ headquarters, and related events.
• A valid food handling certificate is required or ability to obtain one prior to employment.
• Clear Tuberculosis Test (TB) or ability to obtain medical clearance
• An offer of employment is contingent upon completion of all pre-employment screening requirements.

SALARY / BENEFITS

As a candidate for this position, starting salary and related elements of compensation will be contingent upon work experience, education, job-related skills, and any other factors Reality Changers considers relevant factors to the hiring decisions for this position. This position is eligible to receive three (3) floating holidays, 15 days paid time off, and 5 days sick leave per calendar year on a pro-rata basis. This position is not eligible for medical, dental, vision, or retirement benefits.

This position is eligible for appointment at $28.50 per hour.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This job requires the ability to sit, use hands and arms to perform repetitive motions. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus. It requires moderate dexterity, application of basic skills (calculator, keyboard, hand-eye coordination, etc.) and the ability to bend or stand as necessary.

D.E.I.

At Reality Changers, we believe that diversity, equity and inclusion (D.E.I.) are connected to our mission and critical to the well-being of our staff and our community. In 2021, we were recognized as an “Outstanding Organization for Diversity & Inclusion” by the Association of Fundraising Professionals San Diego Chapter.

Reality Changers serves first generation youth from low-income backgrounds and from groups who are traditionally under-represented on college campuses—such as Black, Latinx, Indigenous, LGBT+, Immigrant and/or undocumented communities. Because we believe that these communities must be centered in the work we do, we strongly encourage applications from people with these identities and/or backgrounds.

TO APPLY

To apply, please submit the following to jobs@realitychangers.org by October 6, 2026:

• A thoughtful cover letter outlining your interest in the position and how your qualifications align with the above requirements and Reality Changers’ focus and mission.
• Current resume

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible, as interviews will be scheduled on a rolling basis. Anticipated start date is October, 2026.

Applicants who identify as first-generation college students/graduates are especially encouraged to apply.