Local School Council Relations Specialist

Chicago Public Schools•Chicago, IL

9d•Onsite

About The Position

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is one of the largest school districts in the United States, serving over 325,000 students in 500+ schools and employing approximately 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. In order to fulfill this mission, we make three commitments to our students, their families, and all Chicagoans: academic progress, financial stability, and integrity. Six core values are embedded within these commitments – student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning. The Office of Family and Community Engagement creates opportunities for parents, schools, families, and communities to work together to create meaningful partnerships that ultimately lead to student achievement. The Office of Local School Councils is a critical piece of this work. Job Summary: Local School Councils (LSCs) play a vital role in decision-making at the local school level, thereby ensuring a quality education for all of the school’s students. The primary responsibilities of LSCs include approving how school funds and resources are allocated, approving and monitoring the implementation of the annual school improvement plan, and hiring and evaluating the school's contract principal. The LSC Relations Specialist supports LSCs at the school level and is also charged with developing best practices and strategies for the office of Local School Council Relations. This is a full-time, exempt position that will be paid for time worked on a salary basis.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
Minimum of four (4) years of experience in community engagement, education policy, and/or public affairs.
Experience in building community partnerships, facilitating training, developing both high-level and parent-friendly presentations, and crisis management.
Exceptional written, verbal, interpersonal, and presentation skills
Motivated self-starter
Willing and able to perform assigned duties in a manner that is sensitive to different personalities, respectful of the role and authority of school leaders, sensitive to community dynamics and political implications
Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse group of stakeholders
Excellent organizational skills
Exceptional negotiation and conflict resolution skills
Deep commitment to CPS and our students and families
Ability to analyze, create, and present custom data reports
Service mindset with strong customer service skills
Team player who possesses group-thinking skills
Ability to work evening and weekend hours
Establish/Maintain Chicago Residency - Employees are required to live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of their CPS hire date and maintain residency throughout their employment with the district. The Chicago residency requirement does not apply to temporary/part-time positions, however, all CPS employees must be residents of Illinois.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred

Responsibilities

Attend local LSC meetings, functions, and activities, ensuring 85% attendance at high-priority schools (those lacking quorum or missing mandated meetings).
Serve as the local expert on State law, Board Rules, and Policies to advise LSC members, principals, and Chiefs of Schools on their powers and duties.
Deliver training and supports to achieve 100% training module completion, while ensuring compliance with fingerprinting, background checks, and Statements of Economic Interest.
Respond to all LSC-related inquiries and keep the Director and Assistant Director updated on issues requiring further action.
Meet with LSC members, principals, and parents to mediate conflicts and deliver best-in-class support across network leadership.
Assist in conducting biennial city-wide LSC elections to boost participation year-over-year and assist with mid-term staff polls to fill vacancies.
Attend city-wide events to identify, recruit, and engage current and prospective LSC members while developing operational best practices.
Help track minutes and document district-led initiatives requiring LSC input, such as budget approvals and principal selections or evaluations.
Collect compliance data for Title I, Organizational, Budget, and CIWP meetings, and perform additional duties as assigned.
Other duties as assigned.