Lead Sustainable Community Schools Coordinator
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 Office of Sustainable Community Schools (SCS) envisions schools as central, neighborhood locations where students receive an education and schools work with community groups to connect children and families to a range of services that foster individual and economic well-being. The Community Schools Initiative also extends the hours that schools are open so buildings may stay in use up to seven days a week and during the summer, creating a vibrant community meeting place.
Job Summary :
Reporting to the Sustainable Community Schools Manager, the Lead Sustainable Community Schools Coordinator is responsible for implementing the Sustainable Community Schools Initiative in a cohort of schools. This role will support SCS management by providing training and day-to-day support for the SCS coordinators. The SCS Initiative, which operates out of the Office of College and Career Success, is a joint partnership between CPS and the Chicago Teachers Union, for which this role will support the shared leadership model. This is a full-time, exempt position that will be paid for time worked on a salary basis.
Responsibilities :
- Serve as CPS liaison to community-based organizations, CTU Delegates, and lead partner agency staff to implement the Sustainable Community Schools model.
- Assess issues presented by lead partner agencies and / or schools and provide recommendations and mediation as needed.
- Provide onboarding support to the SCS Program Manager for new SCS schools and lead partner agencies; Provide onboarding, training, and support to the SCS team.
- Conduct regular SCS Leadership Team site visits.
- Assist with the SCS application process for new schools.
- Serve as an escalation point for various issues; Respond to all internal and external audit and monitoring requests.
- Support SCS Request for Proposal activities.
- Review, approve and oversee service delivery plans and budgets, monitor service plan compliance and data entry for all SCS activities; Ensure compliance with purchases as allowed by funding guidelines.
- Work with Data Strategist to ensure deliverables and KPI's are on track.
- Revise existing resources, and develop new resources including training materials, communication and templates, and establish an information clearinghouse of SCS planning and options for SCS team, schools and lead partner agencies.
- Hold monthly coaching meetings at schools to provide support on implementation and compliance with the Continuous Quality Improvement Process, operational support for SCS-related programs and lead partner agencies, and to optimize Community Schools Initiative operations and compliance at CPS.
- Work closely with CSI team and CPS departments to solve problems on behalf of schools, and broker relationships between schools and community partners; mediate partner issues as needed.
- Meet with Lead Partner Agency monthly to provide hands-on coaching to the school Resource Coordinators.
- Provide program support and guidance to participating schools by planning and implementing professional development activities, training, and other resources : Provide various training and technical support for multiple stakeholders on various SCS tools and systems.
- Support Principals and partners at schools in building a cultural shift in their schools towards a focus on the SCS model.
- Provide operational support for grant-related team members, including key stakeholders, including principals and school leaders, parents, students, vendors, and community-based organizations.
- Implement the SCS grants, track all activities offered, monitor funding allocations for a portfolio of participating schools. Assist with grant writing and document collection during the grant writing process.
- Monitor grant-required program metrics on an ongoing basis and work with Program Managers to ensure all outcome targets and key performance indicators are achieved.
- Analyze SCS programming offerings and identify opportunities for programmatic diversification to ensure grant requirements are met.
- Establish various data reports and tracking mechanisms to monitor and evaluate progress, accuracy, establish data-driven plans and actions, identify opportunities, and develop action plans for improvement.
- Research nationwide community school programs, best practices, community school policy, and issues, as well as potential grant / funding opportunities.
- Oversee monthly deliverables on students and adults served, program hours, and grant requirements.
- Develop presentations for various conferences and workshops related to community school programming, and participate in presentations as needed.
- Other duties as assigned
Qualifications : Education Required :
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university requiredMaster's degree preferredPossess or obtain Youth Program Quality Assessment tool certificate within time frame established by SCS ManagerExperience Required :
Minimum of five (5) years of relevant work experience coordinating programs and analyzing program data.Minimum of two (2) years of experience supporting community schools initiativesExperience in urban education or related fields is preferredKnowledge, Skills, and Abilities :
Self-starter with the ability to conduct multiple projects concurrently, both independently and as a member of a collaborative team.Strong service and support orientationStrong analytical and project coordination skillsExceptional verbal and written communication and negotiation skillsAbility to work with minimal supervisionDetail-oriented, flexible, dedicated and responsible individualFamiliarity with non-profit organizations and school-community partnershipsStrong ability to organize and prioritize information quickly and strategicallyAdvanced proficiency with Microsoft Office, specifically Excel, PowerPoint, WordAbility to develop strong working relationshipsConditions of Employment :
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.