Academic Program Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Bilingual Program Manager
Location: 910 W Van Buren, Chicago IL, 60607
Reports To: Executive Director of Academics
Salary: Starting at $82,000 commensurate with experience
Employee Type: Regular Full Time
Start Date: August 2026

Distinctive Schools creates diverse, joyful, welcoming communities rooted in social justice and rigorous learning. We support all learners to be engaged, curious, and to achieve their full potential. Our students become confident advocates, creative problem-solvers, and collaborative leaders.

Overview

The Bilingual Program Manager directs bilingual and language programs for identified English Learners as well as high school world language programming. They use their expertise in bilingual education methodology, language acquisition and culturally responsive pedagogy to design, implement, and refine strong K-12 programming. The Bilingual Program Manager will work with the campus Culturally & Linguistically Diverse (CLD) Instructional Coaches, ELPTs, and bilingual/ESL teams to provide robust programming, ensure access to high-quality Tier 1 core instruction, and close the achievement gap. This individual holds ultimate accountability for 100% compliance and total readiness for all EL audits and charter renewals. Additionally, the Bilingual Program Manager plans and delivers network-level professional development, ensures compliance to local, , state, and federal mandates, and communicates and works with students, parents and community members of diverse backgrounds.

Responsibilities

In alignment with our beliefs and mindsets, Distinctive Schools uses the term Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Learner in place of “English Language Learner” or learner with “Limited English Proficiency ”

Culture

• Build and foster a culture of belonging and positive climate

• Honor stakeholder perspective as key to the decision-making process

• Cultivate a strengths-based and, equity-focused mindset

• Celebrate individual and collective growth towards goals

• Promote a safe and supportive working environment with an equity-conscious mindset.

• Establish professional rapport with and maintain visibility with stakeholders

• Maintain a student-centered perspective in decision making

• Contribute to the equity work of the campuses, region, and network and engage in culturally responsive decision making

• Develop positive and professional relationships

Program Management

• Ensure 100% compliance and complete readiness for all EL audits and charter renewals across the network

• Maintain strict compliance with federal, state, and district policies and regulations at the school and network levels

• Develop, implement, and oversee a comprehensive Transitional Program of Instruction (TPI), Transitional Bilingual Education (TBE), and world language programs to increaseEnglish language acquisition and academic achievement for all K-12 CLD Learners

• Refine CLD programming in response to language proficiency data, assessment and achievement data Serve as the primary network liaison between OMME (in CPS), CICS, and the network to promote clear communication and implementation of ESL/Bilingual initiatives Collaborate with campus leaders to integrate effective language acquisition instruction in classrooms to maximize equity, access, and rigor

• Coordinate and facilitate CLD team meetings at the network and campus levels

• Ensure seamless collaboration and compliance for dually identified students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and Section 504 plans.

• Collaborate with campus teams on school improvement and campus growth efforts

• Develop and sustain equitable engagement with families and community partners to enhance the student experience and affirm learner identity Maintain an understanding of and meet all state and local requirements

• Develop, implement, and oversee a comprehensive high school world language program

Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment

• Oversee, monitor, and pilot curriculum, instruction, assessment, resources, and digital programs for TBE, TPI and world language programs

• Partner with Academic Team members and campus Principals to ensure strong implementation of the DS Model, guaranteed viable curriculum, and Tier 1 instructional practices Design and implement tools to support core instruction and learning acceleration as well as respond to network data and trends

• Analyze student achievement and growth data to create personalized network and campus support plansContribute to Multi-tiered System of Supports (MTSS) design, developing culturally and linguistically relevant interventions and practices

• Recommend budget line items and coordinate the purchasing of instructional materials and equipment within assigned programs

Professional Learning, Leader Development & Coaching

• Develop the capacity of CLD staff through ongoing network and campus-based coaching academies and direct campus support

• Design, lead, and support ongoing professional learning opportunities for campus and network leaders on culturally responsive pedagogy, mindset, and CLD best practices

• Conduct and uphold all DS Observation Structures in partnership with campus leaders s to monitor curriculum implementation and instruction

• Remain continuously current in bilingual education methodology, language acquisition research, and culturally responsive pedagogy to guide programmatic changes

Academic Team

• Uphold and contribute to the implementation of the DS Model, strategic plan, campus growth plans, and network priorities

• Provide strategic vision, support, and leadership in new school start-up or restart opportunities

• Design, implement, monitor progress, and provide updates on key instructional coaching decisions with a specific focus on new teacher development and onboarding alignment

• Partner with Academic and Student Services Team members to ensure parity and cohesiveness in philosophy, pedagogy, systems, structures, and protocols across all content areas

• Plan, design, and implement network initiatives and participate in regularly scheduled network and campus meetings and professional learning

• Maintain a current and detailed understanding of all local and state requirements for onboarding and teacher development

• Participate in ongoing professional learning opportunities in order to better support network growth and ensure that instructional practices reflect current research

• Check-in regularly with the DS Director of Literacy s to collaborate, set and refine goals, review project progress, and participate in formal/informal coaching observation and goal setting processes

• Contribute to grant applications, and other professional writing, and other duties as assigned

Requirements (minimum)

Education: Bachelor’s Degree

Qualifications

• Valid IL Bilingual Endorsement
• Valid IL General Administrative Endorsement
• Proficient in oral and written Spanish
• 2 years of experience coordinating a bilingual program or related supervisory experience in leading an ELL program.
• 3-5 years ELL teaching experience or equivalent
• Demonstrated ability to multitask and hit numerous deadlines simultaneously
• Competency working in a culturally diverse environment and/or diverse urban school district
• Technology demands:
  • Proficient in Google Apps for Education Suite
  • Ability to learn digital tools and programs as needed for the position
• Travel to and between regional campuses on a daily basis is required

Physical Demands: Occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally, the job requires 40% sitting, 30% walking, and 30% standing.

Benefits

• 25+ Paid holidays & 15 days PTO annually
• 12 weeks family paid leave
• Comprehensive Healthcare (Medical, Dental, Vision)
• 403b match
  • Fully match up to 3%
  • 50% match up to 5%
• Professional development including tuition reimbursement
• Gym and wellness discounts
• And more

Description Disclaimer: Since no job description can detail all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time in the performance of a job, duties and responsibilities that may be inherent in a job, reasonably required for its performance, or required due to the changing nature of the job shall also be considered part of the jobholder's responsibility.

EEO: Distinctive Schools is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other personal characteristic protected by applicable law.

Distinctive Schools is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with our commitment, Distinctive Schools will take the steps to assure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. Accordingly, if reasonable accommodation is required to fully participate in the job application or interview process, to perform the essential functions of the position, and/or to receive all other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact talent@distinctiveschools.org or call 773.828.4191