Lead Sustainable Community Schools Coordinator

Lead Sustainable Community Schools Coordinator

Reporting to the Sustainable Community Schools Manager, the Lead Sustainable Community Schools Coordinator is responsible for implementing the Sustainable Community Schools Initiative in a cohort of schools. This role will support SCS management by providing training and day-to-day support for the SCS coordinators. The SCS Initiative, which operates out of the Office of College and Career Success, is a joint partnership between CPS and the Chicago Teachers Union, for which this role will support the shared leadership model. This is a full-time, exempt position that will be paid for time worked on a salary basis.

The Lead Sustainable Community Schools (SCS) Coordinator will be held accountable for the following responsibilities :

• Serve as CPS liaison to community-based organizations, CTU Delegates, and lead partner agency staff to implement the Sustainable Community Schools model.
• Assess issues presented by lead partner agencies and / or schools and provide recommendations and mediation as needed.
• Provide onboarding support to the SCS Program Manager for new SCS schools and lead partner agencies; Provide onboarding, training, and support to the SCS team.
• Conduct regular SCS Leadership Team site visits.
• Assist with the SCS application process for new schools.
• Serve as an escalation point for various issues; Respond to all internal and external audit and monitoring requests.
• Support SCS Request for Proposal activities.
• Review, approve and oversee service delivery plans and budgets, monitor service plan compliance and data entry for all SCS activities; Ensure compliance with purchases as allowed by funding guidelines.
• Work with Data Strategist to ensure deliverables and KPI's are on track.
• Revise existing resources, and develop new resources including training materials, communication and templates, and establish an information clearinghouse of SCS planning and options for SCS team, schools and lead partner agencies.
• Hold monthly coaching meetings at schools to provide support on implementation and compliance with the Continuous Quality Improvement Process, operational support for SCS-related programs and lead partner agencies, and to optimize Community Schools Initiative operations and compliance at CPS.
• Work closely with CSI team and CPS departments to solve problems on behalf of schools, and broker relationships between schools and community partners; mediate partner issues as needed.
• Meet with Lead Partner Agency monthly to provide hands-on coaching to the school Resource Coordinators.
• Provide program support and guidance to participating schools by planning and implementing professional development activities, training, and other resources : Provide various training and technical support for multiple stakeholders on various SCS tools and systems.
• Support Principals and partners at schools in building a cultural shift in their schools towards a focus on the SCS model.
• Provide operational support for grant-related team members, including key stakeholders, including principals and school leaders, parents, students, vendors, and community-based organizations.
• Implement the SCS grants, track all activities offered, monitor funding allocations for a portfolio of participating schools. Assist with grant writing and document collection during the grant writing process.
• Monitor grant-required program metrics on an ongoing basis and work with Program Managers to ensure all outcome targets and key performance indicators are achieved.
• Analyze SCS programming offerings and identify opportunities for programmatic diversification to ensure grant requirements are met.
• Establish various data reports and tracking mechanisms to monitor and evaluate progress, accuracy, establish data-driven plans and actions, identify opportunities, and develop action plans for improvement.
• Research nationwide community school programs, best practices, community school policy, and issues, as well as potential grant / funding opportunities.
• Oversee monthly deliverables on students and adults served, program hours, and grant requirements.
• Develop presentations for various conferences and workshops related to community school programming, and participate in presentations as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the Sustainable Community Schools Coordinator must possess the following qualifications :

Education Required : Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university required. Master's degree preferred. Possess or obtain Youth Program Quality Assessment tool certificate within time frame established by SCS Manager.

Experience Required : Minimum of five (5) years of relevant work experience coordinating programs and analyzing program data. Minimum of two (2) years of experience supporting community schools initiatives. Experience in urban education or related fields is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities : Self-starter with the ability to conduct multiple projects concurrently, both independently and as a member of a collaborative team. Strong service and support orientation. Strong analytical and project coordination skills. Exceptional verbal and written communication and negotiation skills. Ability to work with minimal supervision. Detail-oriented, flexible, dedicated and responsible individual. Familiarity with non-profit organizations and school-community partnerships. Strong ability to organize and prioritize information quickly and strategically. Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office, specifically Excel, PowerPoint, Word. Ability to develop strong working relationships.

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.