Chief Program Officer

About the Company

The Academy for Urban School Leadership (AUSL) is a non-profit organization that provides equity-focused programming to improve educational outcomes for students in underinvested communities. Through our nationally recognized teacher residency, we develop high-quality, passionate educators in hard-to-fill subject areas. Founded in Chicago, IL, AUSL became the first urban teacher residency in 2001, and the nation’s first in-district innovation zone in 2006. In addition, AUSL also offers value-add consulting services to school districts across the country, combining our knowledge of instructional design, leadership, and family engagement practices to galvanize school communities for optimal learning outcomes. Looking ahead, AUSL is entering into a period of rapid expansion as we work to address the nation’s critical teacher shortage. To learn more about AUSL please visit our website at: www.auslchicago.org

About the Role

The Chief Program Officer (CPO) will lead program strategy across AUSL, maximizing the impact of AUSL’s programs while fostering a culture aligned with the organization's values of being student-centered, community-focused, and engaging in tenacious service. Reporting to the Executive Director, the CPO will oversee AUSL’s residency and Advisory programs, collaborate on strategic planning, and guide data-driven initiatives that support instructional best practices and student/teacher success. The right candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment, enjoy working at both the strategic and tactical levels, and be highly skilled at driving continuous improvement and innovation. The right candidate will be a strong operator, a talent leader, and a builder of systems and processes. This role is ideal for a seasoned educational leader committed to equity, who is ready to drive transformational outcomes for teachers and students and set a strategic vision for excellence across the program areas of AUSL.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead the vision and strategy across the Program Team
• Set high standards for achievement, ensuring alignment with client contracts and current best practices for teaching & learning
• Support directors and leaders in executing the delivery of program visions and strategy
• Track record of recruiting, developing, and retaining high-quality leaders
• Ability to cultivate a culture of professional growth and accountability, with systems for coaching, mentoring, and evaluating current programs, teams, and leadership
• Skills in creating a positive, inclusive, and results-oriented culture across programs that support staff engagement and success
• Proficiency in using data to inform strategic decisions, track performance, and close program gaps
• Ability to establish data systems that provide actionable insight for leaders and staff
• Commitment to continuous improvement, using data as a foundation for assessing program effectiveness and adjusting strategies
• Partnership with the Leadership Team to align program initiatives with organizational key performance indicators, vision, and goals
• Ensure efficient operational support for programs through strategic resource allocation and coordination, breaking any barriers to the work
• Drive sustainable growth while maintaining high standards for all programs and operational excellence
• Strong understanding of organization operations, budgeting, and resource allocation to support sustainable growth and high-quality programs
• Skills in managing a multi-site, multi-regional structure, ensuring operational efficiencies and consistency across the network
• Knowledge of compliance with federal, state, and local regulations related to AUSL programs
• Deep commitment to equity principles and addressing systemic barriers that impact students from underserved communities
• Experience implementing inclusive policies that increase access to programs
• Cultural competence and self-reflection, with the ability to lead meaningful conversations around diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice

Qualifications

A minimum of 5 years of experience in management or leadership roles, with a track record of leading growth and improving program outcomes. A minimum of 7 years of experience successfully supervising and managing staff and teams. Preference for candidates located in Chicago and/or the Midwest. Willingness to travel, up to 25% of the time. A systems-level thinker with experience developing and operationalizing organization-wide goals. Deeply committed to AUSL’s mission. Experienced in data-driven approaches to drive continuous improvement. A culturally competent and self-reflective leader who understands and champions the value of diversity and inclusivity. An effective communicator and relationship builder, capable of engaging with diverse stakeholders, including teams, and partner.

Benefits and compensation package

• Salary range $130,000 to $175,000
• Medical Insurance
• Health Savings Account
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Accidental Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Short-Term Disability
• Long-Term Disability
• Dependent Care FSA
• 403(b) Retirement Savings
• Employee Assistance Program
• Parental Leave
• Perks at Work Discounts
• Paid Time Off (21 days per year)
• Holiday Time Off (15 days)

Application Notes

In place of a cover letter please submit your answers to these questions:

• Give examples* of two achievements that gave you true satisfaction in your career where you could say “Yes, I landed that goal!” Why AUSL and why now?
• Give examples* of two achievements that gave you true satisfaction in your career where you could say “Yes, I landed that goal.”

1. First example: Use a team achievement, giving us a sense of your leadership style
2. Second example: Use a problem-solving effort, name the challenge, what you did to offset the challenge and would you do the same thing today?

*Note: each example should use no more than 200 words.

Equal Opportunity Statement

AUSL is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.