Chief of Intergovernmental Affairs

Overview

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is a district on the rise, serving over 320,000 students in 500+ schools and employing over 44,000 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 Office of Intergovernmental Affairs (IGA) advocates for CPS students at every level of government to shape education policy and secure external resources, including Intergovernmental Agreements with the City of Chicago and its sister agencies, state capital funding, and federal funding. IGA advances the CPS agenda before the Chicago City Council, Illinois General Assembly, and in Washington, D.C., and partners with the City of Chicago, the Illinois state legislature, and other entities to secure financial opportunities to advance the district’s goals.

Reporting to the CEO, the Chief of Intergovernmental Relations leads the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs whose primary focus is advocating for CPS students before every level of government to shape education policy. This role leads the District’s intergovernmental relations strategy, establishing and maintaining collaborative partnerships with elected leaders while ensuring the District proactively monitors and responds to the planning, development and execution of federal and state legislation, and municipal ordinances that affect CPS.

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

• Advise the CEO, District leadership, and the Chicago Board of Education on local, state, and federal public policy.
• Lead the development and implementation of the District’s intergovernmental affairs strategy.
• Manage the operations, performance, and effectiveness of the Intergovernmental Affairs Office and team, including the successful development, monitoring, and achievement of the team’s shared goals and continuous improvement strategy, and the creation and management of the Office’s budget.
• Actively advocate for initiatives and legislation favorable to CPS and work to deter legislation that does not benefit student progress.
• Work closely with executive leaders as a strategic thought partner to support effective policy decisions that result in positive student outcomes.
• Partner with outside organizations, government agencies, and elected officials to secure additional external resources for CPS students.
• Provide appropriate supervision, mentoring, and development opportunities to Intergovernmental Affairs staff, including regular performance reviews and professional growth plans.
• Promote and model a positive culture and brand for the Intergovernmental Affairs team by ensuring accurate and transparent information is shared with all CPS stakeholders.
• Build critical support for and understanding of CPS policy and initiatives to help build strong relationships with key decision makers.
• Other duties and work streams as assigned

Education Required:

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university;
  Focus in Business Administration, Education, Policy, or Public Administration preferred

Experience

Required:

• Minimum of fifteen (15) years of related experience, including a minimum of ten (10) years of professional government relations experience required
• Minimum of seven (7) years of experience leading high-functioning teams required
• Policy experience at a strategic senior leadership level in a large, fast-paced urban school district or public institution strongly preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong understanding of current developments in state and national education policy
• Comprehensive knowledge of federal and state legislative procedures, functions, committee organizational…