Chief Investigator

Overview

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is a district on the rise, serving over 325,000 students in 500+ schools and employing more than 45,000 people, most of them teachers. The Office of Inspector General’s Sexual Allegations Unit (SAU) investigates allegations of sexual misconduct by CPS‑affiliated adults involving CPS students and/or minors.

• Direct, develop, and manage the performance of a team of investigators conducting investigations and interviewing victims and witnesses regarding allegations of sexual abuse or sexual harassment of CPS students.
• Participate in the development of strategies to direct the investigation process.
• Determine work priorities and prepare work schedules and staff assignments in conjunction with the Inspector General and Deputy Inspector General.
• Monitor case assignments to ensure investigations are conducted in a timely manner.
• Advise investigative staff on interviewing problem witnesses, effective investigative methods, and testifying as a witness.
• Assess complaints to identify sexual misconduct allegations and determine whether matters should be assigned for investigation.
• Coordinate closely with CPS Law, Safety and Security, Office of Student Protections, Title IX Offices, and other departments and external agencies to ensure student safety and facilitate delivery of trauma and/or social‑emotional services to students, families, and staff.
• Oversee internal data collection and reporting relating to the unit’s caseload.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education Required: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

Experience

Required:

• Minimum of seven (7) years conducting sexual misconduct investigations, particularly child sexual abuse or sexual harassment, and performing field work such as interviews of children and/or victims.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience leading large, complex or high‑stakes investigations.
• Minimum of three (3) years in a supervisory position responsible for hiring, evaluating, counseling, and leading a team of direct reports.

Other Requirements:

• Flexible hours of availability, including non‑traditional business hours, as necessary to meet departmental needs and active investigations.
• Reliable transportation; valid driver’s license preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of sexual assault or sexual harassment issues and their impact on victims.
• Knowledge of Title IX compliance.
• Excellent judgment and the ability to manage highly sensitive and confidential information.
• Skill in conflict resolution, problem‑solving, interviewing, and thorough investigations.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, including ability to analyze information and facilitate resolution of complex, sensitive issues.
• Ability to write concise, logical, and analytical reports to convey complex issues.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple deadlines, and work independently with high organization.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to develop collaborative relationships with diverse groups, including children, parents, faculty, staff, and law enforcement.
• Strong leadership and team‑building skills, including the ability to develop high‑performing teams united around a clear vision.
• Excellent technology skills.

Health & Wellness: Comprehensive health coverage for employees and eligible dependents, including medical, pharmacy, vision, and behavioral health services. Employee Wellness Program.

Financial Security: Retirement and savings options such as Basic Life Insurance, Life and Disability Insurance, Pension Plans, Supplemental Retirement Plans (403(b) and 457(b)), Flexible Spending Accounts, and Spot Pet Insurance.

Work‑Life Balance: Competitive paid time off policies. Employees are required to establish and maintain Chicago residency within six months of hire date, and maintain residency throughout employment.