Network School Support Administrator, Options Network

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.

District-run CPS schools are organized into 18 networks, which provide administrative support, strategic direction, and leadership development to the schools within each network. This network support model is designed to support the unique needs of CPS elementary and high schools and their school leaders that focus exclusively on those needs. Options Network is a citywide network that groups alternative and options high schools located all across Chicago for students who need non-traditional pathways to graduation.

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Network Chief of Schools, the Network School Support Administrator (NSSA) will coordinate and facilitate the implementation of multiple initiatives designed to support parents, community stakeholders, principals, and network leaders. This role partners with Central Office (CO) function owners to build and maintain efficient systems of operation that serve student learning and district accountability, ensuring alignment with CPS policy and procedures. This is a full-time exempt position that will be paid for time worked on a salary basis.

The Network School Support Administrator will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:

• Ensure focused, differentiated support is provided to Principals utilizing district data to monitor and support district initiatives and identify areas requiring additional Network or CO support

• Support Network Chiefs and Deputies in the supervision, development, and performance management of Network Office staff and dotted line resources, including performance evaluations

• Support Network Chiefs and Deputies, in partnership with appropriate CO function owners, in the day-to-day management, monitoring, and support of non-instructional school operations, including but not limited to:

• School budgets, contracts, and policy alignment; Manage day-to-day concerns related to CPS policies and procedures

• Support and escalation for school auxiliary services (e.g., facilities, transportation, nutrition, information technology, etc.)

• Misconduct, incident, and accident reports

• Suspension appeals, expulsions, and emergency referrals

• Grade changes

• Student enrollment and transfers

• Support schools in coordinating evacuation and other school drills and emergency plans; Partner with CO departments and external agencies, as directed, to support the response to and resolution of school operational emergencies

• Field trip/travel approvals

• Collaborate with CO departments on issues related to student achievement and school support needs

• Build and manage cohesive partnerships and professional relationships both internally and externally to support schools in realizing the District’s vision

• Create and share clear, transparent communications regarding CPS policies and procedures

• Identify and implement solutions to improve student attendance in partnership with Network staff

• Manage Summer Bridge programs in collaboration with Network staff

• In collaboration with Network Chiefs and school principals, resolve concerns regarding schools, parents, and stakeholders

• Facilitate parent conferences in partnership with schools and Network leadership as needed

• Attend Board Meetings to support families and schools as applicable

• Other duties and workstreams as assigned

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the Network School Support Administrator must possess the following qualifications:

Education Required:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university

• Valid Professional Educator License (PEL) and an Administrative Endorsement / PK–12 Principal Endorsement required

• Master’s degree preferred

Experience Required:

• Minimum of three (3) years of Resident Principal, Assistant Principal, and/or Principal experience required; Other significant, comparable District leadership roles requiring an Administrative Endorsement and team management may be considered

Other Requirements:

• This is an on-site role that requires daily attendance at the assigned work locations

• Access to reliable transportation to travel within the City of Chicago is required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Proficient at streamlining processes and identifying and implementing operational efficiencies

• Knowledge and understanding of Board policy with the ability to clearly communicate complex policies and procedures to a diverse audience

• Strong interpersonal skills

• Strong financial acumen with the ability to develop, monitor, and manage complex budgets, including grant funds, in alignment with District policies and procedures

• Ability to understand and ensure the compliance of grant programs and funding

• Ability to understand, interpret, and communicate District data, and create compelling and accurate reporting and visualizations

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision

• Understanding of school systems and structures that support educational programming

• Ability to develop and implement regular reporting systems

• Ability to solve complex problems in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple and varied projects simultaneously

• Excellent communication skills (Written and Oral) with impeccable attention to detail

• Customer service and relationship-focused

Conditions of Employment

As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), employees are required to:

• 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.