What are the responsibilities and job description for the Policy Advisor, Board Development and Policy position at Chicago Public Schools?
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is one of the largest school districts in the United States, serving over 320,000 students in 600 schools and employing approximately 40,000 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 Chicago Board of Education ("Board") is responsible for the governance, organizational and financial oversight of Chicago Public Schools ("CPS" or "District"), the fourth largest school district in the United States of America. The Board is responsible for the governance, organizational and financial oversight of the district. The Board establishes policies, standards, goals and initiatives to ensure accountability and appropriate resource support for achieving the district's mission. The Board Office staff support the Board in advancing their goals and objectives by (a) facilitating communication with internal and external stakeholders to improve Board member engagement; (b) maintaining Board Rules & Policies; (c) executing contracts, agreements and legal instruments approved by the Board for the district; (d) receiving and distributing subpoenas / liens / summons and other legal documents for the Board; (e) holding monthly Board Meetings; (f) providing support and services to all stakeholders; and (g) managing the Board Archives.
Job Summary :
Reporting to the Deputy Chief of Staff of Board Development and Policy, the Policy Advisor, Board Development and Policy will perform a variety of highly critical tasks to build the governance capacity of Board Members, and ensure that Board Members have the information necessary for decision-making.
The Policy Advisor, Board Development and Policy will be held accountable for the following responsibilities :
- Meet with policy owners to review policies and provide substantive feedback during the development, revision, and rescission of District policies.
- Read and analyze all relevant reports and memos.
- Assess and communicate the potential impacts, trade-offs, risks, and benefits of key issues and decisions coming before the Board.
- Remain current with legislation regarding school board governance that may impact existing Board rules, policies, and practices.
- Support Board Committees by briefing Board Members, attending Committee meetings, creating Committee Reports, and tracking any meeting follow-ups.
- Support Board Members in their roles on other related Boards (e.g. PBC, CTPF, etc.).
- Support the Deputy Chief of Staff, Board Development and Policy with the implementation of professional development for Board Members.
- Work collaboratively with Board Office staff to support other projects, workstreams, or duties as required to achieve overall Board Office success
- Build high-quality working relationships with relevant internal and external individuals and groups.
- Other duties as assigned.
In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the Policy Advisor, Board Development and Policy must possess the following qualifications :
Education Required :
Experience Required :
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :
Conditions of Employment
As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), employees are required to :
