Community Engagement Coordinator, Roberts Academy and Dyslexia Center at Vanderbilt University
The Community Engagement Coordinator role is multi-faceted, supporting the Academy’s community-facing programs and initiatives. This is a key position on the admissions team, serving as the primary point of contact for prospective families and collaborating with school leadership to ensure a smooth experience for applicants. This role also supports families and students through the transition/outplacement process by overseeing the school’s transition course and providing direct support to families. Additionally, the Community Engagement Coordinator oversees testing services provided by Roberts Academy and Dyslexia Center. This is a full-time, twelve-month position.
About the Work Unit
Roberts Academy is an elementary school for students with dyslexia. In the 2026-2027 school year, the Academy will enroll students in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade. 1st and 2nd grade will be added in subsequent years.
The Roberts Academy’s instructional approach follows the principles of intensive intervention for students with dyslexia who have the most persistent academic needs. Students at Roberts Academy receive individualized, evidence-based instruction that seeks to leverage their unique strengths and interests while intentionally targeting their greatest areas of need. While specifically a school for students with dyslexia, Roberts Academy offers a comprehensive program and learning environment that provides students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to transition to a variety of school settings.
Duties and Responsibilities
Admissions:
Coordinate the admissions process, including fielding and responding to inquiries, supporting families through the application process, scheduling and coordinating or conducting assessments, and guiding families through enrollment.
Maintain accurate records of prospective and enrolled students while also protecting the confidentiality of records and abiding by FERPA and other applicable laws pertaining to educational and personal records.
Schedule and coordinate parent information sessions, campus tours, and student assessments.
Build awareness of Roberts Academy and its program within Nashville and its surrounding communities, including within local public and non-public schools by representing Roberts Academy at school fairs, conferences, and similar events.
In collaboration with other Academy leaders and University staff, drive marketing and communications efforts to increase applications of mission-fit students.
Serve as the primary point of contact for prospective families, providing information about the school’s Mission, programs, and admissions process.
Respond promptly and professionally to inquiries via email, phone, and in-person meetings.
Build strong relationships with families to ensure a positive and supportive admissions and enrollment processes.
Work closely with the Director and admissions committee to review applications and facilitate admissions decisions.
Along with the administrative team, plan and execute admissions-related events, such as open houses and orientation programs.
Analyze admissions data and prepare reports for school leadership to support strategic decision-making.
Stay abreast of latest research and best practices in the field of dyslexia education. Be familiar with and able to speak to the benefits of the curricula and programming utilized at Roberts Academy.
Abide by industry best practices regarding admissions and enrollment management, ensuring an equitable process for all prospective and enrolled families that furthers the Mission of the school.
Collaborate with school faculty, staff, and leadership to ensure the admissions process is aligned with the school’s instructional approach and its Mission.
Utilize the school’s Student Information System as a tool for facilitating the application and enrollment processes.
Transition/Outplacement:
Support families in the outplacement process as they transition from Roberts Academy by:
Provide counsel to families regarding the types and intensity of support from which the student may continue to benefit from in another school.
Advise families on the type of instructional support available to students at both public and non-public schools.
As needed, serve as a liaison between Roberts Academy and other schools or academic programs on behalf of the student and their family while the student is still enrolled at Roberts Academy.
Plan and oversee the Academy’s transition class for students. Responsibilities include developing the curriculum, supporting teachers who teach the class, and providing direct instruction to students.
Other transition roles and responsibilities may include visiting schools, building relationships with local public and non-public schools to better understand their programs of academic support, and hosting events that provide other schools an opportunity to showcase their programs to Roberts Academy families.
Assessment:
Oversee assessments given by Roberts Academy and Dyslexia Center to prospective Academy students and students from the community seeking dyslexia testing.
Collaborate with administrative support staff to schedule assessments.
Administer assessments and/or facilitate administration by other staff members.
Prepare and share assessment reports with families following testing.
Supervisory Relationships:
This position does not have supervisory responsibility. This position reports administratively and functionally to the Director of Roberts Academy.
Qualifications:
Master’s degree required; doctoral degree preferred. Experience in independent school admissions and special education as well as knowledge of the IEP and 504 Plan process is strongly preferred.
At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of “America’s Best Large Employers” as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice.
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