Job Description

At Hopkins Public Schools, we believe that our strength lies in the diversity of our students, staff, and community. We are a proudly inclusive E-12 district serving approximately 7,200 students across the City of Hopkins and surrounding communities. Our district represents a rich mosaic of cultures, backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences; we value and celebrate that diversity in everything we do. As an academically rigorous and human-centered district, we are committed to fostering a welcoming environment where every student and staff member feels seen, heard, and valued. There is no "typical" Hopkins student, and we embrace this truth as a catalyst for innovation, growth, and equity in learning.

We seek educators and staff who are equity-minded, culturally responsive, and deeply committed to creating inclusive spaces where all learners can thrive.

We welcome candidates who are passionate about dismantling systemic barriers, advancing justice, and preparing students to become bold, collaborative, and compassionate global citizens. When you join Hopkins Public Schools, you are not just joining a district, you are becoming part of a community that honors difference, nurtures potential, and inspires remarkable achievement in every learner, from birth through graduation.

You are welcome at Hopkins. You belong at Hopkins.

Director of Community Education & Engagement

The Director of Community Education & Engagement serves as a member of the Superintendent's Cabinet and provides visionary leadership for the district's comprehensive Community Education system. The Director positions Community Education as the primary bridge between Hopkins Public Schools and the broader community, fostering lifelong learning, meaningful engagement, and partnerships that strengthen the district's mission and Vision 2031.

Working collaboratively with experienced Community Education leaders, the Director establishes a shared vision, aligns programs with district priorities, cultivates strategic partnerships, amplifies community voice, and expands opportunities for learners of all ages. Serving as a key liaison between Community Education department leaders, the Superintendent's Cabinet, the School Board, and the broader community, the Director ensures community needs, program priorities, and district strategic initiatives are aligned through clear communication, collaboration, and shared purpose. The Director champions Community Education as an accessible entry point to Hopkins Public Schools, creating opportunities for community members to connect with the district before, during, and beyond the K-12 experience.

Evidence of Success

Success in this role is demonstrated through measurable impact, including:

• Community Education is recognized as a trusted and valued connection between Hopkins Public Schools and the broader community.
• Community participation and engagement increase across programs and initiatives, including among historically underserved populations.
• Strategic partnerships generate expanded learning opportunities, shared resources, external funding, or collaborative initiatives that advance district priorities.
• Community voice is intentionally gathered and demonstrably influences Community Education and district planning.
• Community Education serves as an effective bridge between district leadership, department leaders, and the community, resulting in stronger collaboration, informed decision-making, and alignment with district priorities.
• Department leaders are empowered to lead high-quality programs through shared leadership, collaboration, and organizational support.
• Community Education programs remain financially sustainable while adapting to evolving community needs.
• District facilities are activated as welcoming community spaces that strengthen relationships with residents and organizations.
• Community Education contributes positively to public trust, awareness, and engagement with Hopkins Public Schools.

Essential Functions

Strategic Leadership

• Provides visionary leadership for Community Education, aligning services and initiatives with district strategic priorities and Vision 2031.
• Advises the Superintendent and School Board on community trends, emerging needs, and opportunities that strengthen district engagement.
• Develops long-range strategic plans informed by community needs, demographic trends, and organizational priorities.
• Serves as the primary liaison between Community Education department leaders and district leadership, ensuring organizational priorities, operational needs, and community perspectives are effectively communicated and aligned.
• Fosters innovation and continuous improvement across Community Education.

Community Engagement & Partnerships

• Positions Community Education as the district's primary connection to the broader community.
• Develops authentic relationships with municipalities, businesses, nonprofit organizations, higher education institutions, and community partners, as well as families in community education programming. May work in partnership with District leaders for K-12 family engagement.
• Creates systems for meaningful two-way community engagement that inform district priorities and program development.
• Connects community perspectives with district decision-making by facilitating communication between residents, Community Education leaders, district administration, and the School Board.
• Identifies and cultivates partnerships that expand opportunities, leverage resources, and enhance services for learners of all ages.
• Represents Hopkins Public Schools throughout the community and strengthens public understanding and trust in the district.

Organizational Leadership

• Provides leadership, support, and strategic direction to Community Education department leaders while empowering them to oversee high-quality programming and operations.
• Builds leadership capacity through coaching, mentorship, and collaborative decision-making.
• Fosters a culture of innovation, accountability, equity, customer service, and continuous improvement.
• Aligns Community Education teams around shared goals while encouraging initiative and program-level leadership.

Community Learning Systems

• Provides strategic oversight for Community Education services including Early Childhood, ECFE, School Age Care, Youth Enrichment, Adult Enrichment, Adult Education, facility use, and related community programs.
• Ensures programs collectively meet evolving community needs while supporting district priorities.
• Promotes collaboration across Community Education programs to improve learner experiences and organizational effectiveness.

Operations & Stewardship

• Provides executive oversight of budgets, financial planning, grants, state reporting, facility utilization, registration systems, marketing, compliance, and operational effectiveness.
• Ensures responsible stewardship of Community Education resources and long-term program sustainability.
• Uses data to evaluate outcomes, inform strategic decisions, and communicate impact.

Cabinet Leadership

• Serves as an active member of the Superintendent's Cabinet.
• Acts as the primary liaison between Community Education department leaders and Cabinet leadership, ensuring strategic priorities, operational needs, and community perspectives are communicated and aligned across the district.
• Collaborates across departments to align Community Education with district initiatives and strategic priorities.
• Advises district leadership on community engagement strategies, emerging community needs, and opportunities to strengthen district-community relationships.
• Presents to the School Board and represents Hopkins Public Schools in professional and community organizations.

Qualifications

Master's degree in Education or related field required. Minnesota Director of Community Education license required. Minimum five years of progressively responsible leadership experience in Community Education, educational leadership, or a related field. Valid driver's license required.

Knowledge, Skills & Dispositions

• Visionary leadership and systems thinking
• Community engagement and relationship building
• Strategic partnership development
• Organizational leadership and talent development
• Financial stewardship and resource development
• Change leadership and innovation
• Data-informed decision making
• Political acumen and collaborative leadership
• Excellent communication and public presentation skills
• Commitment to equity, belonging, and lifelong learning

Schedule: 1.0 FTE, 52 Weeks, 40 hours per week
Bargaining Group/Contract: Directors/Group50

Salary Range: $150,616 - $173,566
Position specific Benefits information is available HERE
Union Contracts, Position Handbook/Agreements are located HERE