Investigations Manager

Chicago Public Schools•Chicago, IL

10h•Onsite

About The Position

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is a district on the rise, serving over 325,000 students in 500+ schools and employing over 45,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life. Aligned with our transformed philosophy, we are steadfastly focused on ensuring that the District provides resources equitably to support every student, every school, and every community. Six core values guide the work we do every day for our students – student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning. Each role in the district supports our vision that every student deserves a rigorous, joyful, and equitable learning experience. The Investigations Unit is made up of one Investigations Manager, one investigator, four part-time investigators, an investigative assistant, an investigative specialist, and a contract for an outside investigations vendor. The Unit investigates allegations of misconduct by employees, contractors/vendors, and Local School Council members including, but not limited to: physical altercations or physical threats by an employee, negligent supervision of students, violations of the Student Travel Policy and Board Rule regarding non-fraternization, retaliation for making a complaint or cooperating with an investigation, failure to report serious incidents, off duty misconduct with a nexus to CPS employment, test cheating, and other matters as assigned. The Investigations Manager manages day-to-day operation and supervision of investigators, manages outside vendor investigations and their vendor contract, triages and assesses incoming cases, reviews investigative reports and recommendations, and tracks, collects, and maintains data on the Unit’s investigations. The Investigations Manager also leads investigations into high priority cases assigned to the Unit. This is a full-time, exempt position that will be paid for time worked on salary basis.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
Minimum of 7 years of experience conducting investigations, with particular consideration given for investigations conducted in an education environment
Refined judgement with the ability to manage highly sensitive and confidential information
Proven skills in the area of conflict resolution and de-escalation
Exceptional analytical and critical thinking skills demonstrated by the ability to analyze complex information
Exceptional attention to detail with the ability to maintain accuracy while balancing multiple time-sensitive priorities
Excellent organizational and time management skills; demonstrated ability to organize and prioritize work in a dynamic, complex, fast-paced environment to meet and manage competing deadlines
Clear, effective verbal and non-verbal communication skills (speaking, writing, listening)
Ability to define problems, analyze data, and outline valid conclusions and action steps
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interact positively and professionally at all times with team members, other Law Department staff, executive offices, internal clients and external partners
Strong problem-solving skills

Nice To Haves

Prior experience supervising and training other investigators strongly preferred

Responsibilities

Supervise, develop, and manage the performance of the investigations team
Triage and assess incoming incidents and cases and assign investigations to full-time in-house investigator, hourly investigators, and vendor investigators
Assist investigators throughout the course of their investigations and review investigators’ work product to ensure consistent and high quality investigatory reports
Track caseloads of each investigator to ensure investigations are conducted in an efficient and timely manner
Monitor progress of investigations to ensure that all students and staff involved in an investigation are treated in a sensitive, professional, and thoughtful manner and that all investigations are conducted in the best interests of CPS’ students and staff
Define the process, workflows, and appropriate strategies of the Unit’s investigations for better and smoother operations
Facilitate partnership among various CPS departments involved in investigations, including Safety & Security, the Office of Student Protections & Title IX, and the Office of the Inspector General
Coordinate with and support law enforcement and the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) as needed to facilitate investigatory processes
Provide training and mentorship to investigators
Other duties as assigned