Local School Council Relations Specialist

Local School Council Relations SpecialistChicago 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:LSC Meeting Attendance & Support: Attend local LSC meetings, functions, and activities, ensuring 85% attendance at high-priority schools (those lacking quorum or missing mandated meetings).Policy Guidance & Expert Advising: Serve as the local expert on State law, Board Rules, and Policies to advise LSC members, principals, and Chiefs of Schools on their powers and duties.Training & Compliance Management: Deliver training and supports to achieve 100% training module completion, while ensuring compliance with fingerprinting, background checks, and Statements of Economic Interest.Inquiry Handling & Leadership Reporting: Respond to all LSC-related inquiries and keep the Director and Assistant Director updated on issues requiring further action.Conflict Resolution & Stakeholder Relations: Meet with LSC members, principals, and parents to mediate conflicts and deliver best-in-class support across network leadership.Elections & Vacancy Recruitment: Assist in conducting biennial city-wide LSC elections to boost participation year-over-year and assist with mid-term staff polls to fill vacancies.Outreach & Recruitment: Attend city-wide events to identify, recruit, and engage current and prospective LSC members while developing operational best practices.Initiative Tracking & Minute Monitoring: Help track minutes and document district-led initiatives requiring LSC input, such as budget approvals and principal selections or evaluations.Data Collection & Ad Hoc Support: Collect compliance data for Title I, Organizational, Budget, and CIWP meetings, and perform additional duties as assigned.Other duties as assigned (Do not edit this row) 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 universityMaster's degree preferredExperience 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 skillsMotivated self-starterWilling 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 implicationsAbility to work collaboratively with a diverse group of stakeholdersExcellent organizational skillsExceptional negotiation and conflict resolution skillsDeep commitment to CPS and our students and familiesAbility to analyze, create, and present custom data reportsService mindset with strong customer service skillsTeam player who possesses group-thinking skillsAbility to work evening and weekend hoursBenefits: 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.