Career and Technical Education (CTE) Dual Credit Coordinator

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is the third largest school district in the United States, serving over 360,000 students at 600+ schools. CPS employs over 34,000 people, more than half of whom are teachers, and has set ambitious goals to ensure that every childin every school and every neighborhoodhas access to a world-class learning experience, resulting in graduation from high school college- and career-ready. And CPS students are making incredible progress. Recently, CPS announced a record-high graduation rate of 77.5% and boasts some of the fastest learning growth in the nation among large cities.

Context:

The Chicago Public Schools are expanding our initiative to increase CPS students' ability to earn college credit while still in high school. What started as a program at 5 high schools in 2011-12 has now expanded to over 65 schools and over 4,000 students. This allows CPS to provide more rigorous courses for students, lower the cost of college, reduce the time needed to earn a degree/trade certificate, and help with the transition to post-secondary education. In partnership with the City Colleges of Chicago as well as public and private universities throughout Illinois, the Office of College and Career Success aims to make early college possible for all students by leveraging programs such as dual credit, dual enrollment, and curriculum articulation.

Position Summary:

The CTE Dual Credit Coordinator will be responsible for implementing a variety of strategic initiatives for the department. These projects include refining and expanding dual credit programs in high schools, facilitating dual enrollment opportunities at area colleges and universities, managing articulation agreements with City Colleges, and developing and implementing strategic programs and partnerships. The work will include performance management, operational oversight, facilitating training, and designing efficient systems and structures.

Principal Accountabilities:

1. Collaborate on development of Early College strategy in CPS.
   
   
2. Run point on CCC/CTE Dual Enrollment program
   
   
   1. Develop communication strategies to inform CPS students, parents, counselors and administrators about Dual Enrollment opportunities
      
      
   2. Manage relationships with CCC campuses to ensure smooth enrollment
      
      
   3. Develop and implement programming to engage under-represented student groups (STLS, Options, Students with IEPs, etc.) in dual enrollment
      
      
3. Support expansion of CCC/CTE Dual Credit program
   
   
   1. Develop data-informed recruitment strategy for expansion of course offerings
      
      
   2. Communicate opportunities to CPS high schools and facilitate application process
      
      
   3. Develop and implement programming to engage under-represented student groups (STLS, Options, Students with IEPs, etc.) in dual credit
      
      
4. Support collaboration between CCC and CTE:
   
   
   1. Maintain and strengthen current CTE articulation agreements
      
      
   2. In conjunction with the CTE team, develop greater alignment of CTE and CCC curriculum with multiple opportunities for college credit
      
      
   3. Develop and implement programming which allows for students to gain significant college credit and career skills
      
      
5. Collaborate with various CPS, college and external partners (including mayor's office and corporate sponsors).
   
   
6. Continue existing relationships with local 4 year colleges and universities for early college credit and cultivate new strategic opportunities for student
   
   
7. Effectively manage initiatives and projects towards their successful completion.
   
   
8. Maintain accurate records and utilize student data to communicate program success and to inform future program growth.
   
   

Qualifications for the Role:

Skills:

1. Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to craft effective communication to represent early college with both internal and external stakeholders.
   
   
2. Ability to build trusting, long-term relationships and networks with stakeholders at all levels of the work: school, central office, post-secondary partners, industry partners, communities, etc.
   
   
3. Project management and strategic planning capabilities, including the ability to establish long-term vision and goals, and the ability to align and manage activities toward execution of identified goals.
   
   
4. Self-starter with the ability to conduct multiple projects concurrently, both independently and as a member of a collaborative team.
   
   
5. Ability to define problems, collect and analyze data, and define valid conclusions and action steps.
   
   
6. Willingness to learn and adapt in the midst of new and shifting priorities.
   
   
7. Solutions oriented and analytical approach to problem solving.
   
   
8. Development oriented, reflective, self-aware, and driven to learn from setbacks.
   
   
9. Some knowledge of early college programs in CPS schools.
   
   

Type of Education Required:

Bachelor's degree in Education, Social Sciences, Business, Marketing, Public Relations, or a related field from an accredited university is required. Master's degree preferred.

Other:

1. Access to a vehicle highly preferred for periodic school visits.
   
   
2. Must be reachable for periodic evening work.
   
   

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 his or her CPS hire date and maintain residency throughout their employment with the district.