Manager of Learning & Engagement

Manager Of Learning And Engagement

Reporting to Director of Learning and Engagement of the To&Through Project, the Manager of Learning and Engagement plays a critical role in designing, facilitating, and sustaining high-quality professional learning experiences that lead participants to meaningfully engage with data (qualitative and/or quantitative), deepen inquiry, and take action to improve postsecondary access, persistence, and success for CPS students. Our professional learning communities and events are all about bringing quantitative and qualitative data, research, and equity-rooted promising practices to a broad range of stakeholders including school-based educators and counselors, college access and success nonprofit partners, higher education faculty and staff, and community-based organizations and community members.

This role is dedicated to professional learning design and facilitation, with additional focus on partnership cultivation, public-facing engagement, and selected community-based and post-secondary access and success initiatives. The Manager of Learning and Engagement works closely with CPS educators, central office leaders, higher education partners, community-based organizations and internal To&Through teams to advance equitable postsecondary access, persistence, and completion. This is a grant funded position.

The primary grant expiration date is 6/30/2029. If the grant is not renewed or a replacement funding source is not identified, the position may end upon grant expiration. There is a high likelihood of grant renewal.

Responsibilities include designing, co-designing, and facilitating human-centered, engaging, equity-centered professional learning experiences for adult learners that center educators' and practitioners' expertise, including high school counselors and advising teams; college access and success nonprofit staff; higher education admissions, advising, and student support professionals; community-based organizations and community members. Lead and support professional learning that is rooted in data and research and sparks genuine inquiry, reflection, collaboration, and action for audiences including educators, counselors, college access and success nonprofits, higher education staff, and other education stakeholders.

Develop session agendas, learning materials, tools, and facilitation strategies grounded in adult learning principles and sector best practices with a focus on data, reflection, and practice. Design learning experiences that encourage joy, connection, and community-building alongside rigor and research. Collaborate with internal data, research, and storytelling teams to integrate To &Through Project data, research, and insights into learning experiences. Continuously refine professional learning offerings based on participant feedback, reflection, and outcomes.

Build and sustain strong working relationships with CPS central office teams (e.g., Office of School Counseling and Postsecondary Advising); higher education partners, including admissions, advising, student success, and retention offices; college access and success nonprofit organizations; community-based organizations. Serve as a connector across K–12, higher education, and community stakeholders to align learning experiences and shared goals. Translate complex data and systems-level information into formats that are accessible, relevant, and empowering for community audiences.

Support community-based initiatives that expand access to information and data for families and community members. Represent the To & Through Project in meetings, convenings, and cross-sector collaborations. Support planning, facilitation, and logistics for To&Through public-facing events, including:
To&Through convenings, workshops, learning sessions, and presentations for external partners and stakeholders. Serve as a facilitator or presenter for events focused on postsecondary pathways, educational attainment, data use, and educational equity. Collaborate with internal teams to contribute content for newsletters, presentations, social media, and other engagement materials that elevate To &Through work. Leverage research and data produced by To &Through teams and the Kersten Institute to inform learning and partnership efforts.

Stay current on the latest trends, research, and best practices in college access, higher education, and adult learning. Contribute to refining conceptual frameworks, tools, and resources for To &Through networks and partners. Coordinates program initiatives, ensuring unity of focus and purpose. Under the direction of senior leadership, develops programs and relationships to advance program initiatives. Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field. Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline. Preferred qualifications include a Bachelor's degree in…