Local School Council Relations Specialist

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.

The Office of Family and Community Engagement creates opportunities for parents, schools, families, and communities to work together to create meaningful partnerships that ultimately lead to student achievement. The Office of Local School Councils is a critical piece of this work.
 

Job Summary: 

Local School Councils (LSCs) play a vital role in decision-making at the local school level, thereby ensuring a quality education for all of the school’s students.  The primary responsibilities of LSCs include approving how school funds and resources are allocated, approving and monitoring the implementation of the annual school improvement plan, and hiring and evaluating the school's contract principal. The LSC Relations Specialist supports LSCs at the school level and is also charged with developing best practices and strategies for the office of Local School Council Relations. This is a full-time, exempt position that will be paid for time worked on a salary basis.

The LSC Relations Specialist  will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the LSC Relations Specialist must possess the following qualifications: 
 

Education Required: 

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university 

• Master’s degree preferred

Experience Required: 

• Minimum of four (4) years of experience in community engagement, education policy, and/or public affairs. Experience in building community partnerships, facilitating training, developing both high-level and parent-friendly presentations, and crisis management.
   

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Exceptional written, verbal, interpersonal, and presentation skills

• Motivated self-starter    

• Willing and able to perform assigned duties in a manner that is sensitive to different personalities, respectful of the role and authority of school leaders, sensitive to community dynamics and political implications    

•  Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse group of stakeholders

•  Excellent organizational skills

•  Exceptional negotiation and conflict resolution skills

•  Deep commitment to CPS and our students and families

•  Ability to analyze, create, and present custom data reports

•  Service mindset with strong customer service skills  

•  Team player who possesses group-thinking skills

•  Ability to work evening and weekend hours 
   

Benefits:

Health & Wellness: Your Care, Your Choice

CPS is committed to providing comprehensive health coverage to our employees and their eligible dependents. You'll have access to a variety of choices to best fit your needs:

Medical Plan Options

Pharmacy

Dental

Vision

Behavioral Health & EAP

Employee Wellness Program

Financial Security: Planning for Today and Tomorrow

We understand the importance of financial stability, which is why CPS offers strong retirement and savings options:

Basic Life Insurance

Life and Disability Insurance

Pension Plans

Supplemental Retirement Plans (403(b) and 457(b))

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Spot Pet Insurance
 

Work-Life Balance: Supporting Your Personal and Professional Life

CPS values the well-being of its employees and offers competitive paid time off policies:

Paid Leave

Sick Leave

Vacation Days

Parental Leaves

Short-Term Disability

Religious Holidays

Leaves

Reference the Chicago Public Schools: A Comprehensive Benefits Overview or the benefits handbook for comprehensive details.

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.