Deputy Chief of Schools, Options Schools

Chicago Public Schools•Chicago, IL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is seeking a Deputy Chief of Schools to assist the Options School Network Chief. The Options Network comprises 38 high schools with diverse governing models (district-run, contract, charter, and Alternative Learning Opportunity Programs). This role is crucial in supporting, developing, and coaching school leaders and operators to ensure rigorous instruction and high-impact student support, ultimately improving graduation rates and postsecondary outcomes for students facing significant barriers. The Deputy Chief will collaborate with and oversee school leaders to ensure high-quality instruction and meet the unique needs of the student population. This is a full-time, exempt position.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from accredited college or university.
Illinois State Board of Education Professional Educator License (PEL) or Educator License with Stipulations, with a Principal or General Administrative endorsement.
A minimum of three (3) years of experience teaching Pre K - 12; experience in an urban setting preferred.
A minimum of four (4) complete school years of experience as a school principal or at least three (3) complete school years and at least one (1) year of experience in a district administration role; experience in an urban setting preferred.
Ability to assist the Chief of Schools in articulating a vision, setting high standards, and guiding schools and principals to commit to high expectations for all students by setting actionable, measurable goals.
Expertise in leadership development and instructional leadership. Able to coach principals to excellence, build capacity of instructional leadership teams, and develop meaningful professional development for school leaders.
Strong communicator; speaking, listening, and writing.
Project planning and strategic planning capabilities, including the ability to establish long-term vision and goals, and align and manage activities toward execution.
Strong leadership and team building skills.
Knowledgeable of instructional and leadership best practices, operations, management, and organizational design.
Builds collaborative relationships with a wide variety of constituent groups, including external partnerships.
Ability to define problems, analyze data, and outline valid conclusions and action steps.
Possess a track record of success as demonstrated by superior academic and professional achievement.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Education preferred.
A minimum of three (3) years of experience coaching and mentoring educators preferred.

Responsibilities

Partner with the Chief of Schools to support Options school leaders and operators in the Network.
Partner with and develop instructional leadership teams to develop, implement, and monitor strategic plans for student achievement.
Support principals' and operators' development and implementation of school improvement plans, including change management.
Work with school leaders and operators to monitor school improvement through a cycle of continuous improvement and sound management practices.
Provide frequent, actionable feedback to district-run school leaders and operators to improve leadership practice and results.
Assess principal leadership capacity for district-run Options Schools and develop/support execution of Individualized Leadership Development Plans (LDPs), including coaching and evaluations.
Manage and/or support the evaluation and reporting of school performance for contract, Alternative Learning Opportunity Programs, and charter schools against district expectations and contract renewals.
Manage the process for students transferring into Options Schools, ensuring adherence to transfer policies.
Co-design and deliver Network-wide strategy for Options Team, principal, and assistant principal PD planning and development focused on building instructional leadership capacity.
Serve as liaison to Support Centers, monitor schools’ operational performance and compliance, and resolve issues.
Collaborate with the Chief of Schools to develop a high-performing community of principals and Options School leaders.
Work collaboratively with CPS, city, and non-profit colleagues to support a rigorous and relevant high school learning experience for students facing barriers, implementing a strategic plan to increase graduation rates and ensure post-secondary plans.
Demonstrate a high level of moral imperative, instructional expertise, integrity, honesty, credibility, and courage.
Other duties as assigned.