Director, Strategic Partnerships & Special Populations Services

The Director of Strategic Partnership & Special Population Services has the responsibility for developing, nurturing and maintaining long-term partnerships with colleges/universities, community-based, philanthropic and postsecondary organizations to improve Chicago Public Schools students postsecondary access and persistence. Particular attention is given to expanding opportunities for underrepresented students populations (e.g., undocumented, young men of color, justice involved, and students that follow non two or four year college pathways).

The position leads development of a critical strategies and planning that targets key postsecondary services and resources to underserved populations attending the CPS. Chief among the responsibilities is to provide direct service to high networks and school teams using curricular and enrichment strategies - delivered across all grade levels - through long-term preparation for postsecondary transition, and ensure the schools meet their set outcome measures.

Principal Accountabilities

• Lead the Chicago Higher Education Compact initiative, driving quarterly group collaborative meetings and regular one-on-one university meetings to facilitate stronger post-secondary opportunities and success for CPS graduates .

• Lead a CPS/higher education joint task force, and facilitate related special projects, e.g., organizing initiatives to target

• underrepresented high schools and students.

• Partner with colleges/universities and CPS Talent Office on STEM related talent/teacher pipeline initiatives.

• Support key strategic projects for OCCS, OSCPA, e.g., partner with Office of Network Support in development of HS/EL On-Track Toolkits to supports Chiefs and LEARN PLAN SUCCEED, partner with the College and Career Specialist team to develop strategic postsecondary student pipelines.

• Serve as OCCS liaison to select external lead partners prior to, during, and following their engagement with CPS and

• our schools, ensuring smooth coordination/integration with CPS practices and support of CPS priorities (e.g., school visits, matching partners to schools, cultivating funders, etc.)

• Conduct research and analysis to develop 3-5 year vision for College and Career Success' strategic partnerships to

• support OCCS priorities and vision.

• Serves in an advisory capacity for K-12 schools as it relates to underserved populations, i.e., Hispanic and immigrant students

• Serves as the expert for the Dream Training and Deferred Action Childhood Arrival (DACA) policy

• Develops a strategic plan that targets postsecondary services and resources for underserved populations with a focus on

• Latinos and immigrants

• Serves as a part of Network Level Postsecondary Leadership Teams

• Provides professional development opportunities as it relates to target student populations

• Participates on the Bilingual Advisory Committee

• Supports Parent Outreach

• Convenes a team of on Higher Ed partners with a specific focus on addressing college enrollment gaps for Latino and

• African American male students

• Collaborates with College and Career Specialists on all postsecondary activities and initiatives

• Partners with key organizations and agencies to facilitate planning and implementation of key initiatives

Supervision (where applicable):

Director of Strategic Partnership & Special Population Services is full-time and reports directly to the Office of College and Career Success with the specific responsibility of directly supporting central office, networks, school-based teams and associated postsecondary outcomes.

Qualifications for Job:

Skills and abilities:

• Possesses an unyielding commitment to continuous improvement and an unwavering belief that all students can achieve at high levels

• Possesses the knowledge, principles and practices of academic and college/career development

• Maintains the ability to establish effective working relationships with students and parents; school, network and central office staff; and representatives from universities, businesses, government and community-based organizations

• Strong communicator: speaking, listening and writing

• Has a proven track record leading large-scale programs and/or projects

• Demonstrates a sense of urgency in accomplishing goals and objectives to ensure success

• Proficient in Windows Operating System and MS Office; strong internet skills

• Planning and budgeting capabilities

• Team player

• Ability to develop and maintain partnerships

• Must have a car, valid driver's license, and availability to work occasional evenings and weekends

Experience and Education Required:

• Bachelor's Degree in a related field required, Master's degree preferred

• 4+ years of youth development and programming experience

• 2+ years of postsecondary (college and career) related work experience