Family Champion Position @ Lakewood Elementary School

Family Champion Position @ Lakewood Elementary School

Student U is a community organization that uses the power of education, advocacy, and leadership to build a just and equitable Durham. Within systems that perpetuate racism, poverty, other systemic injustices, and that fail to allocate resources equitably, Student U sees brilliant students and engaged families who know that they’re capable of incredible things. In order to break the cycle of poverty and help shape a new future for our city, we empower and equip first‑generation college students in Durham Public Schools, their families, and educators to become the leaders that will transform our city for the better.

Durham County Community Schools Partnerships:

Family Champion Position, Lakewood Elementary School

What is a Family Champion?

The Family Champion will foster a supportive and inclusive family environment by gathering feedback, providing resource access, and enhancing parent/guardian engagement and communication.

This role will focus on Family communication and support deepening relationships between family and school.

Primary Responsibility

• Lead 2‑way communication with families
• Conduct regular phone calls and in‑person one‑on‑one conversations with families to understand their experiences and needs related to the community school model, including potential visits to bus stops and key attendance centers/neighborhoods for the school
• Support enrollment and usage of Lakewood’s existing 2‑way communication tool, Rooms
• Build relationships with families to encourage continued participation in knowledge development opportunities.
• Support the CSC with making contact, and documenting that contact with more than 90% of families during the 25‑26 school year
• Support the CSC with interpretation and translation where possible.
• Support turnout for key family events, including social media contact

NOTE: bilingual applicants are STRONGLY preferred for this part of this position

Secondary Responsibilities

• Provide Coverage for the Family Resource Center (FRC)
• Serve as a welcoming and knowledgeable point of contact for students and families accessing the FRC, supporting the maintenance, stocking, and data reporting for the family resource center.
• Assist visitors with navigating available resources, including financial education tools, benefit applications, and other services.
• Serve as an additional staffer for regular community events throughout the year.

Requirements

• Must be a parent or guardian of a current Lakewood Elementary student.
• Must pass all DPS‑required background checks for volunteers in DPS schools
• Available to work for 2‑4 hours weekly from November 2025 to May 2025.

An ideal Family Champion has the following characteristics:

• Ability to think strategically, and to work independently
• Ability to work collaboratively and build relationships across racial and class lines
• Knowledge of public schools is preferred
• Experience convening groups of people is preferred
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office
• Ability to communicate effectively, with a priority for an ability to communicate effectively in both English and Spanish
• Opportunity to create a more equitable and supportive family environment
• Drive continuous improvement in services and resources available to students and families.
• 2 Part time positions, paid $25/hr 2‑5 hours a week, up to a maximum of $1600 - $2000 dollars, contingent on funding. Position is paid monthly.

Interested in serving as a Family Champion for your school?

Please email your Community School Coordinator, Kaseem Kweli , to express interest, ask additional questions, and schedule a time to discuss the next steps!

Accountability and Management:

The Parent Organizer will function within a joint accountability structure, developing work plans and collaborating closely with Fayetteville Street’s Community School Coordinator, School administrators and Student U staff. This position is housed within the Student U, an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works with DPS school communities, public‑and private‑sector resources and community leaders around strategies to implement the Full Service Community School model across North Carolina.

The Parent Organizer will…