Early College (STEAM - Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) Program Manager

Early College STEAM Program Manager

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is the third-largest school district in the United States, serving over 360,000 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.

Early College STEAM Model Description

Early College STEAM High Schools aim to connect K-12, post-secondary, and industry partners to support students in gaining both the technical and readiness skills to succeed in STEAM post-secondary education and careers. Through significant early college, STEAM-focused academic pathways, enrichment opportunities, work-based learning, and STEAM instruction in every classroom, students gain critical exposure to high demand careers of the future.

School Descriptions

North-Grand High School is a neighborhood high school in West Humboldt Park. Their academic programs currently include AP and Career & Technical Education, and they will be incubating as a brand new STEAM school during the school year 2020-21, with full implementation planned by 2024-25. As stated in their mission, North-Grand aims "to create a nurturing community of life-long learners who can strive successfully to achieve their highest intellectual, emotional, social, and ethical potential."

Uplift High School is a social justice-focused high school in Chicago's Uptown community. Uplift's mission is to provide a relevant student-centered curriculum focused on social justice, creating an academically nurturing environment that promotes critical and creative thinking, instills pride and respect for others and self, and equips all students to become leaders of tomorrow. They will be incubating as a STEAM school in 2020-21, with full implementation by 2024-25.

Role Description

The Early College STEAM School Program Manager role provides a unique opportunity to create a new STEAM program. The ECSS Program Manager will build and manage the execution of key program elements of the ECSS program model, including but not limited to: dual enrollment at colleges/universities, internship programs, college visits, STEAM-related enrichment opportunities, industry site visits, job shadows, and more. The ECSS Program Manager is the primary "STEAM Champion" at their school site, serving as a STEAM cultural ambassador to further the school-wide integration of STEAM programs and practices. The Program Manager will also be the face of the STEAM program in the community, interfacing with parents and community members to support enrollment in the school and program.

The ECSS Program Manager will cultivate and support crucial relationships with industry and college partners. The Program Manager works in conjunction with the school administration, industry partners, teaching staff, and CPS central office staff to provide a robust set of experiences for students that result in students graduating high school with early college credits, an increased interest in STEAM-related fields, and workplace skills for employability and success in a STEAM career. The ECSS Program Manager is a primary point of contact for many stakeholders, including industry partners, post-secondary partners, and other external organizations, and must ensure their continued high-level of collaboration and support as well as their continued integration into the life of the school.

The STEAM Program Manager is based at the school and acts as a member of the school's leadership team. This is a 52-week position, which will report to and be evaluated by the School principal and the Office of College and Career Success.

Primary Roles and Responsibilities

Academic Support

• Serve as primary point and lead for coordinating logistics of early college program with partner schools
  
  
• Coordinate recruitment and engagement efforts for students in early college programs and supports
  
  
• Facilitate the enrollment of students in strategically scheduled dual enrollment courses at CCC or dual credit courses offered by certified school faculty
  
  
• Lead or participate in the procurement and management of budgets for designated ECSS programs
  
  
• Facilitate school and external stakeholder communication and collaboration as appropriate to execute effective early college program
  
  
• Collaborate with administration and facilitate support to maximize student success in early college courses
  
  
• Work with school staff to develop academic pathways in STEAM fields that lead to college and career readiness
  
  
• Create plans for students to earn college credits and career certifications
  
  

Work-based Learning Experiences (e.g. internships, mentoring, job shadows)

• Collaborate with school leadership and industry partners to determine learning goals, projects, and select students for individual placements in work experiences
  
  
• Work with industry partners to create project-based and work-based learning and training activities for teachers that support their continued education and exposure to technical innovation and deployment in local businesses
  
  
• Serve as the primary point of contact; conducting regular check-ins with students, teachers, and managers
  
  
• Maintain a strong relationship with a corporate partner and facilitate purposeful interactions and a high level of engagement
  
  

STEAM Enrichment and Community Engagement

• Engage existing partners and seek out new partners to provide a robust set of STEAM, career, and college learning opportunities for students
  
  
• Support development and implementation of engaging STEAM-related enrichment; support student recruitment and work to increase interest and experience in STEAM fields through enrichment
  
  
• Promote STEAM awareness and engagement through targeted partnerships and activities (e.g. STEAM Exploration Family Nights) that enhance academic achievement across the curriculum, specifically in literacy and math
  
  
• Act as a school and STEAM program ambassador during school visits and recruitment events
  
  

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, an Early College STEAM Program Manager must possess the following qualifications:

Education and Experience

• BA and 3 or more years of program coordination experience; Associates degree and 3 or more years of program coordination experience
  
  
• Advanced degrees and experience in an urban school environment a plus
  
  
• Experience with/understanding of STEAM landscape a plus
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to resolve issues and conflicts within the project team and manage project dependencies and critical paths
  
  
• Ability to collaborate and communicate with school leadership, universities, partners, and other key stakeholders to facilitate successful implementation and execution of projects and initiatives
  
  
• Ability to create and use robust data sets to inform planning, execution, and drive for results
  
  
• Ability to prioritize, manage, and drive success on multiple projects simultaneously
  
  
• Demonstrated ability and/or willingness to work collaboratively with a diverse school community to promote STEAM awareness and engagement through targeted partnerships and activities
  
  
• Demonstrated technical skills: Microsoft Office (Excel) and data management/analysis tools
  
  
• Demonstrated excellence in interpersonal skills which include both oral and written communication
  
  
• Predisposition to be proactive and a self-starter; comfort with ambiguity and ability to troubleshoot and to devise targeted, ad hoc solutions
  
  
• Willingness to complete additional tasks assigned by the principal
  
  
• Evident passion for and commitment to serving students; practical understanding of the urban district setting for school improvement; comfort with high school-aged students
  
  
• Availability for occasional evening and weekend commitments
  
  

Residency Requirement:

As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), employees are required to live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of their CPS hire date and must maintain residency throughout their employment with the district.