Manager, OSD Academic Access

Chicago Public Schools•Chicago, IL

152d

About The Position

The Manager of Academic Access plays a critical leadership role in Chicago Public Schools' efforts to ensure equitable, high-quality instruction for all students with disabilities. Reporting to the Director of Academic Access within the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD), the Manager provides strategic oversight, guidance, and leadership to a team of Special Education Coordinators. This position is responsible for driving the implementation of inclusive, compliant, and impactful special education practices across networks and schools, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and instructional excellence.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, or related field required
Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with Special Education endorsement (LBS1, LBS II, and/or ECSE) required
Minimum of seven (7) years of experience in special education, including at least three (3) years in a leadership, supervisory, or district-level support role
Demonstrated experience managing teams and leading cross-functional initiatives
Proven track record of improving special education practices and outcomes at the school or district level
Deep understanding of effective instructional practices for students with disabilities across a variety of educational settings
Strong knowledge of federal and state special education laws and policies, including IDEA and ADA
Exceptional leadership, team-building, and performance management skills
Strategic thinking with an ability to operationalize complex ideas into measurable action
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence and inspire diverse stakeholders
Cultural competency and a demonstrated commitment to equity, access, and high expectations for all learners
Ability to articulate a vision, set high standards, and effectively guide schools and principals in the realization of expectations set
Expertise in leadership development and instructional leadership. Ability to coach directors and managers toward excellence, build the capacity of content area teams, and develop meaningful and high-impact professional communities for teachers and school leaders
Strong verbal and written communication skills, including presentations, listening, and writing
High levels of instructional expertise, integrity, honesty, credibility, and the courage to make difficult yet necessary decisions
Effective strategic planning capabilities, including the ability to establish long-term vision and goals, and align/manage activities toward goal fulfillment
Strong leadership and team building skills, e.g. ability to develop high-performing teams united around a clear vision for serving schools and achieving student success
Knowledge of operations, budget/finance, management, and organizational development
Ability to build collaborative relationships with a variety of constituent groups, including external partners, to ensure the entire system operates in the most effective manner possible to support schools and principals
Ability to define problems, analyze data, and outline valid conclusions and action steps

Nice To Haves

General Administrative Endorsement (Type 75) preferred

Responsibilities

Directly supervises Special Education Coordinators across assigned networks, ensuring consistency, quality, and equity in service delivery across CPS networks.
Providing clear goals, regular coaching, ongoing professional development, provides high-impact coaching, performance feedback, and professional growth opportunities
Champions high-quality, research-based special education instruction through modeling, coaching, and knowledge dissemination
Ensures that Special Education Coordinators effectively support schools in implementing Universal Design for Learning (UDL), differentiated instruction, and culturally responsive pedagogy
Promotes and ensures fidelity in the implementation of individualized education programs (IEPs) and instructional interventions
Leads regular team meetings and individual check-ins to monitor progress toward strategic goals and ensure alignment with district priorities
Develops and oversees the execution of strategic plans that advance inclusive education and instructional equity for students with disabilities districtwide
Aligns Special Education Coordinator efforts with broader district instructional and behavioral initiatives, ensuring cohesion and cross-departmental collaboration
Utilizes data and research to inform decision-making, identify trends, and proactively address challenges in special education practices
Monitors special education compliance data and ensures Special Education Coordinators support schools in meeting legal and policy requirements under IDEA, ADA, and CPS policy
Leads data-driven accountability cycles to improve IEP development, service delivery, and student outcomes
Supports audits, investigations, and improvement plans in response to compliance issues or concerns
Builds systems to promote authentic, culturally responsive engagement of families and communities in the special education process
Partners with advocacy organizations and community stakeholders to foster inclusive, collaborative practices across CPS
Collaborates with other CPS departments to support systemic alignment and innovation
Leads or participates in districtwide initiatives, pilot programs, and special projects that enhance support for students with disabilities
Other duties as assigned