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Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is one of the largest school districts in the United States, serving over 330,000 students in 600+ schools and employing nearly 36,000 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.

 Job Summary: 

The Office of Diverse Learner Supports and Services (ODLSS) provides the tools and resources to ensure that al diverse learners receive a high-quality public education that prepares students for success. ODLSS is responsible for student evaluations, creating and monitoring Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and working with schools, staff, and families to fulfill these plans towards greater student development and achievement. A critical area within the Office is to provide financial and operational support to schools, networks, and central office departments, including but not limited to the allocation of special education resources to CPS schools so that every child is provided with the services outlined by a student's IEP.

 Reporting to the Director of Business Operations ODLSS, the Senior Business Operations Specialist will provide essential support by developing and conducting in-depth analysis of departmental reports and financial data. This position will play a critical role in aiding decision-making processes related to fund allocation within ODLSS' annual operating budgets.

The Senior Business Operations Specialist will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:

• Review and monitor ODLSS’s budget, including grant funds.  This requires extensive collaboration and coordination with ODLSS leadership and CPS Offices such as Finance and Procurement.
• Assist ODLSS directors in monitoring/assessing the productivity of internal processes, refining for improvements, and establishing ways to maximize financial training and further financial understanding development to ODLSS staff
• Support the refinement and implementation of financial models, including forecasting future performance and conducting financial analyses, as necessary to strengthen departmental initiatives
• Perform financial transactions (such as purchasing, reimbursement requests, billing reconciliations, invoice audits, receipting, budget transfers, and position opening requests) in support of daily operations
• Update and maintain project planning tools, processes, and structures to support high-quality and consistent implementation standards with respect to all ODLSS programs.
• Assist with the implementation of a comprehensive budgeting model for all ODLSS business streams in collaboration with the ODLSS leadership based on baseline needs of ODLSS programs.
• Regularly analyze program effectiveness and recommend  process improvements and support fiscal integrity.
• Monitor and assess processes for efficiency improvements
• Support ODLSS departmental spending and assist in the management of all financial transactions to ensure all funds are spent in accordance with grant guidelines, when applicable.
• Partner with the Procurement Department to establish strategic source vendors for ODLSS  programs and software.
• Support efforts to drive cross-departmental collaboration.
• Represent ODLSS by maintaining accurate records of active programs and program closures. 
• Provide project management and financial analysis support to ongoing operations within the department as appropriate (e.g., board report development, creation of position control documents, monthly reports for financial stability for the department, etc.)
• Other duties as assigned

 In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the Sr Business Operation Specialist must possess the following qualifications: 

 Education Required: 

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university 

 Experience Required: 

• Minimum of five (5) years of professional experience in business operations, procurement, or related  field is required
• Experience in a large organization supporting complex projects to completion is required
• Experience managing/administering budgets and conducting audits, and experience with inventory management is preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with high attention to detail and a demonstrated ability to work with large data sets
• Mathematical aptitude with knowledge of key financial concepts including financial modeling and forecasting
• Strong business acumen with knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and their relationship to financial statements and business processes
• Proficiency in data analysis and statistical forecasting with an ability to combine quantitative and qualitative analysis to assess historical trends and make future projections 
• Strong knowledge of Oracle and other CPS databases, or ability to learn these quickly
• Strategic thinker with an ability to drive cross-functional teams toward continuous process improvements
• Ability to acclimate to changing needs and drive value-added results for large programs/ processes over a short period of time
• Self-starter with ability to conduct multiple projects concurrently, both independently and as a member of a collaborative team
• Ability and willingness to learn and quickly adapt amidst new and shifting priorities
• Exceptional written, verbal, organizational, and budgetary skills
• A track record of success as demonstrated by superior academic and professional achievement.

 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.