Business Operations Specialist; OMME

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is a district on the rise, serving over 325,000 students in 500+ schools and employing over 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. Aligned with our transformed philosophy, we are steadfastly focused on ensuring that the District provides resources equitably to support every student, every school, and every community.

Six core values guide the work we do every day for our students – student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning. Each role in the district supports our vision that every student deserves a rigorous, joyful, and equitable learning experience.

The Office of Multilingual-Multicultural Education (OMME) exists to guide CPS in providing a high-quality education for all language learners that is attentive to a culturally and linguistically diverse community of students, families, and educators. OMME aims to achieve its mission through strategic planning, collaborative partnerships, professional development, and the production of tools and resources to improve instruction.

Reporting to the Executive Director of EL Programs and Innovation, the Business Operations Specialist will serve as part of the OMME Business Operations and Data team. This role will serve as the subject matter expert for business operations policies and processes. This role will support the efficient operations of department workflows and processes, ensuring alignment with Office standards and expectations, by assisting a portfolio of OMME teams with budgetary, procurement, project, and payroll support.

This is a full-time, exempt position that will be paid for time worked on a salary basis.

• As the primary point of contact for a designated portfolio of OMME units, provide subject-matter expertise and guidance related to business operations needs, resolve issues, and ensure timely responses are received
• Support department leaders with the planning, implementation, and monitoring of administrative procedures to improve efficiency, maintain operational compliance, and ensure consistency across work streams
• Stay abreast of changes in district policies and processes, and implement necessary adjustments to ensure continuous adherence
• Provide budgeting and procurement support for designated OMME units, assist with the preparation, management, and monitoring of annual unit budgets, assist with the development of service agreements, contracts, and the execution of vendor sponsorship requests, and forecast spend to help establish board authority and contractual spending limits
• Collaborate and maintain relationships with vendors
• Collaborate with the Office of Budget and Grants Management for department budgetary needs such as creating and managing position numbers and funding, monitoring department spending, and assisting in the management of financial transactions to ensure all funds are spent following OMME expectations and/or grant guidelines, where applicable
• Provide departmental support on assigned projects, including but not limited to establishing tasks and timelines, and facilitating follow-up.
• Provide logistical and procurement support for department events, including but not limited to developing project plans, securing event space/venues, sourcing and preparing materials, and coordinating food and beverage orders.
• Other duties as assigned

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university is required. Degree focus in Business Administration, Finance, or related field preferred
• Master’s degree preferred

• Minimum of three (3) years of professional experience primarily supporting business operations functions such as budgeting, accounts…