Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Family Program Coordinator

🎯 Role Definition

Are you passionate about strengthening families and building vibrant communities? We're searching for a dynamic and dedicated Family Program Coordinator to be the heart of our family-facing initiatives. In this pivotal role, you will be responsible for the entire lifecycle of our family programs—from initial conception and strategic planning to hands-on implementation and detailed evaluation. You will act as a key liaison, building trust and rapport with children, parents, and caregivers, while also fostering strong partnerships with local schools, community organizations, and service providers. This position is ideal for a creative and organized professional who thrives on making a tangible difference and is skilled at creating welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environments for diverse family populations.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Program Assistant or Associate
Early Childhood Educator or Teacher
Social Work Case Aide or Intern
Community Outreach Specialist

Advancement To:

Family Program Manager
Director of Family Services or Community Programs
Community Engagement Manager

Lateral Moves:

Volunteer Coordinator
Grants Coordinator or Development Associate
Case Manager

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Conceptualize, develop, and implement a comprehensive and diverse calendar of high-quality, age-appropriate programs, workshops, and events for children and their families.
Manage all logistical aspects of program execution, including scheduling, securing locations, coordinating with vendors, and procuring necessary supplies and materials.
Conduct consistent and targeted community outreach to effectively promote programs, increase participation, and recruit new families, particularly from underserved populations.
Cultivate and maintain strong, positive, and trust-based relationships with participating families, acting as a primary, accessible point of contact.
Develop and sustain strategic partnerships with local schools, libraries, healthcare providers, and other non-profit organizations to enhance program offerings and create a robust referral network.
Manage program budgets, meticulously track all expenditures, and ensure adherence to financial guidelines and grant-specific spending requirements.
Assist in the grant-writing process and compile detailed reports for funders, detailing program activities, participant demographics, and measured outcomes.
Recruit, train, onboard, and provide ongoing supervision and appreciation for a team of volunteers and part-time program staff.
Create and distribute compelling marketing and communication materials, including flyers, monthly newsletters, email blasts, and engaging social media content.
Assess the ongoing needs of families and connect them with appropriate internal and external resources, such as counseling, housing assistance, and food security programs.
Maintain meticulous and confidential program records, including registration data, daily attendance logs, participant feedback, and key performance indicators.
Design and implement program evaluation tools, such as surveys and focus groups, to measure program effectiveness, satisfaction, and impact.
Ensure all program activities and spaces are safe, inclusive, and compliant with organizational policies, state licensing standards, and child safety protocols.
Facilitate parent education workshops, support groups, and family engagement committees to empower caregivers and foster a sense of community.
Collaborate closely with other internal departments (e.g., development, clinical services, administration) to ensure seamless integration of family programming with broader organizational goals.
Adapt program curricula and delivery methods to meet the evolving needs and interests of the community, based on feedback and best practices in family engagement.
Prepare and present regular, comprehensive reports on program progress, challenges, and successes to leadership and the Board of Directors.
Provide direct, compassionate support to families experiencing crises, offering immediate assistance and making effective referrals to specialized services.
Stay current on emerging trends, research, and best practices in child development, family support, and community-based programming.
Oversee the maintenance, organization, and inventory of all program spaces, equipment, and educational materials.

Secondary Functions

Represent the organization at community meetings, resource fairs, and networking events to increase visibility and foster goodwill.
Assist the development team with planning and staffing for organization-wide fundraising events and donor engagement activities.
Contribute to the organization's strategic planning process, providing valuable front-line insights on family and community needs.
Participate in cross-functional committees and working groups focused on improving organizational culture, processes, and service delivery.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Program Development & Management: Proven ability to design, implement, and evaluate community-based programs from the ground up.
Budget Management: Experience creating and managing program budgets, tracking expenses, and performing basic financial reporting.
Bilingual Fluency: Proficiency in a second language (e.g., Spanish, Haitian Creole, Mandarin) is highly preferred to serve diverse communities.
Technology Proficiency: Strong command of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Publisher) and Google Workspace; experience with social media platforms for outreach.
Database Management: Familiarity with CRM or client management databases (e.g., Salesforce, Apricot, CharityTracker) for data entry and reporting.
Curriculum Design: Ability to develop or adapt age-appropriate and culturally relevant educational content and activities.
CPR & First Aid Certification: Current certification or willingness to become certified upon hiring.

Soft Skills

Interpersonal & Communication Skills: Exceptional ability to communicate clearly, compassionately, and effectively with diverse audiences, including children, adults, and professionals, both verbally and in writing.
Empathy & Cultural Competency: A genuine capacity for understanding and relating to the experiences of others, with a deep respect for diverse family structures, cultures, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Organizational & Planning Skills: Superb time management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects, competing priorities, and deadlines simultaneously.
Problem-Solving & Adaptability: Resourceful and flexible, with the ability to think critically, troubleshoot challenges in real-time, and adapt to changing circumstances with a positive attitude.
Collaborative Spirit: A strong team player who enjoys working collaboratively with colleagues, volunteers, and community partners to achieve shared goals.
Public Speaking & Facilitation: Confidence and skill in leading groups, facilitating workshops, and presenting information in an engaging manner.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution.

Preferred Education:

Master's Degree in a related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Social Work (BSW, MSW)
Human Services
Education or Early Childhood Education
Psychology or Sociology
Public Administration or Non-Profit Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

2-4 years of professional experience in program coordination, social services, education, or a related field, with direct experience working with children and families.

Preferred:

Demonstrated experience working with low-income or at-risk populations.
Experience managing programs funded by government or private foundation grants.
Prior experience supervising volunteers or part-time staff is a significant plus.