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Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is one of the largest school districts in the United States, serving over 320,000 students in 600+ schools and employing approximately 40,000 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.  The Options Network focuses on the Options high schools throughout the entire city of Chicago.

Job Summary: 

Reporting to the Chief of Schools, Options Network, the Network Operations Manager will coordinate and oversee the implementation of multiple initiatives designed to support parents, community stakeholders, principals and network leaders in building and maintaining efficient systems of operation that serve student learning. This position will serve as a liaison to both district-run Options Schools and those governed by Charters, Contracts, and Alternative Learning Opportunity Program (ALOP) vendor agreements with Chicago Public Schools as they coordinate and oversee the implementation of multiple initiatives designed to support parents, community stakeholders, principals, and network leaders in building and maintaining efficient systems of operation that serve student learning. 

The Network Operations Manager 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

·        Collaborate with Family Community Engagement (FACE) and Intergovernmental Affairs (IGA) on issues related to student achievement

·        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

·        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

·        Partner with Central Office departments and external agencies to resolve school operations emergencies

·        Manage day-to-day concerns related to CPS policies and procedures

·        Monitor and support school operations including, but not limited to:

o   Misconduct, Incident and Accident Reports

o   Suspension Appeals

o   Expulsion Emergency Referrals

o   Grade Changes 

o   Student Enrollment and Transfers

o   Evacuation and other school drills emergency plans

·        Other duties as assigned 

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the Network Operations Manager must possess the following qualifications: 

Education Required: 

·        Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university required

·        Master’s degree preferred

Experience Required: 

·        Minimum of five (5) years of management experience within a complex educational organization.  

·        Principal experience preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

·        Proficient at streamlining processes, and identifying and implementing operational efficiencies

·        Knowledge and understanding of Board policy

·        Ability to work independently with minimal supervision

·        Understanding of school systems and structures that support educational programming

·        Ability to develop 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.

·        Be Fully Vaccinated Against COVID-19- Unless approved for a medical or religious exemption, all employees are required to be up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccinations, including boosters, and to submit proof of vaccination to the district within 30 days of hire. “Up-to-date” on vaccination is defined as being at least two weeks past all primary vaccine doses and any applicable boosters. Unvaccinated staff with an approved exemption must submit to weekly testing.