Manager, OSD Academic Access

Job Summary

Reporting to the Director, Academic Access, the Manager, Academic Access provides strategic oversight, guidance, and leadership to a team of Special Education Coordinators. This full‑time exempt position is responsible for driving the implementation of inclusive, compliant, and impactful special education practices across CPS networks; fostering a culture of continuous improvement and instructional excellence.

• Directly supervise Special Education Coordinators across assigned networks, ensuring consistency, quality, and equity in service delivery.
• Provide clear goals, regular coaching, ongoing professional development, performance feedback, and growth opportunities; champion high‑quality, IEPs and research‑based instruction.
• Ensure support for schools in implementing Universal Design for Learning (UDL), differentiated instruction, and culturally responsive pedagogy.
• Promote fidelity in the implementation of individualized education programs (IEPs) and instructional interventions.
• Lead regular team meetings and individual check‑ins to monitor progress toward strategic goals and align with district priorities, instructional, and behavioral initiatives.
• Monitor special education compliance data and support schools in meeting legal and policy requirements under IDEA, ADA, and CPS policy.
• Use data and research to inform decision‑making, identify trends, and proactively address challenges in special education practice.
• Lead data‑driven accountability cycles to improve IEP development, service delivery, and student outcomes.
• Collaborate with stakeholders, advocates, and CPS departments to support systemic alignment and innovation.
• Support audits, investigations, and improvement plans in response to compliance issues or concerns.
• Build systems to promote authentic, culturally responsive engagement of families and communities in the special education process.
• Complete additional duties as assigned.

• Master’s degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field.
• Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with Special Education endorsement (LBS1, LBS II, or ECSE).

• Minimum of seven (7) years in special education, including at least three (3) years in a leadership, supervisory, or district‑level support role.
• Demonstrated experience managing teams and leading cross‑functional initiatives.
• Proven track record of improving special education practices and outcomes at the school or district level.

• Deep understanding of effective instructional practices for students with disabilities across a variety of educational settings.
• Strong knowledge of federal and state special education laws and policies, including IDEA and ADA.
• Exceptional leadership, team‑building, and performance‑management skills.
• Strategic thinking with the ability to operationalize complex ideas into measurable actions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to influence and inspire diverse stakeholders.
• Cultural competency and a demonstrated commitment to equity, access, and high expectations for all learners.
• Expertise in leadership and instructional development; ability to coach managers and build high‑impact professional communities.
• Strong strategic‑planning abilities, including establishing long‑term vision and aligning activities toward goal fulfillment.
• Knowledge of operations, budget/finance, and organizational development.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships with constituent groups and external partners to ensure system effectiveness.
• Analytical skills to define problems, analyze data, and outline valid conclusions and action steps.

• Medical Plan Options
• Pharmacy
• Vision
• Behavioral Health & EAP
• Employee Wellness Program

• Basic Life Insurance
• Life and Disability Insurance
• Pension Plans
• Supplemental Retirement Plans (403(b) and 457(b))
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Spot Pet Insurance

• Competitive paid time off policies.
• Employees must establish and maintain Chicago residency within six months of hire and remain residents of Illinois during employment.