Manager, OSD Academic Access

Posting Date

Mar 20, 2026, 3:54:56 PM

Central-42 West Madison Street (Ofc Students w/Disab-Inst Supp)

CPS Non-Union Job Grade : S09

90,000.

Position Type :
Non-Union Position

Exempt

JOB DESCRIPTION

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 mission of the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) is to provide high-quality and specially designed instructional support and services for all diverse learners within their least restrictive environment. We work collaboratively with several units, specifically schools and Networks to improve the academic achievement of all diverse learners by ensuring diverse learners receive meaningful and relevant access to grade-level core instruction within their neighborhood school, school of choice, or the school closest to their residence.

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Director, Academic Access the Manager, Academic Access plays a critical leadership role in Chicago Public Schools' efforts to ensure equitable, high-quality instruction for all students with disabilities. The Manager, Academic Access provides strategic oversight, guidance, and leadership to a team of Special Education Coordinators. This position is responsible for driving the implementation of inclusive, compliant, and impactful special education practices across networks and schools;

fostering a culture of continuous improvement and instructional excellence. This is a full-time exempt position that will be paid for time worked on a salary basis.

The Manager of Academic Access will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:

• Directly supervises Special Education Coordinators across assigned networks; ensuring consistency, quality, and equity in service delivery across CPS networks
• Provides clear goals, regular coaching, ongoing professional development, performance feedback, and professional growth opportunities and champions high-quality, IEPs and research-based special education instruction through modeling, coaching, and knowledge dissemination
• Ensures that Special Education Coordinators effectively support schools in implementing Universal Design for Learning (UDL), differentiated instruction, and culturally responsive pedagogy
• Promotes and ensures fidelity in the implementation of individualized education programs (IEPs) and instructional interventions
• Leads regular team meetings and individual check-ins to monitor progress toward strategic goals and ensure alignment with district priorities and instructional and behavioral initiatives, ensuring cohesion and cross-departmental collaboration
• Monitors special education compliance data and ensures Special Education Coordinators support schools in meeting legal and policy requirements under IDEA, ADA, and CPS policy
• Utilizes data and research to inform decision-making, identify trends, and proactively address challenges in special education practice
• Leads data-driven accountability cycles to improve IEP development, service delivery, and student outcomes
• Collaborates with Stakeholders, Advocates, and other CPS departments to support systemic alignment and innovation
• Supports audits, investigations, and improvement plans in response to compliance issues or concerns
• Builds systems to promote authentic, culturally…