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 and bilingual/ESL teams to provide robust support and programming for identified English Learners and ensure access to high-quality Tier 1 core instruction. This person manages and develops systems and procedures to ensure strong English Language compliance for local, state, and federal mandates. The Bilingual Program Manager will plan for and deliver school and network-level professional development associated with Culturally & Linguistically Diverse best practices. They have a proven ability to effectively communicate and work 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

• Develop, implement, and oversee a comprehensive Transitional Program of Instruction (TPI), Transitional Bilingual Education (TBE), and world language programs for increasing English language acquisition and academic achievement for all K-12 CLD Learners at all campuses
• Maintain compliance with federal, state, and district policies and regulations at the school and network level
• Refine CLD programming in response to language proficiency data, assessment and achievement data to improve the overall achievement of CLD learners
• Serve as liaison between OLCE in CPS, CICS, and the network to promote clear communication and implementation of initiatives pertaining to ESL/Bilingual programming
• Collaborate with campus leaders to integrate effective language acquisition instruction in classrooms to increase student achievement, ensure equity and access, increase rigor, and close the achievement gap for all CLD learners at all instructional levels
• Coordinate and facilitate Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CLD) Team meetings at the network and campus level
• Collaborate with various DS teams to ensure model sustainability and fidelity
• Ensure 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 relationships with community partners to enhance the student experience and affirm the identity of culturally & linguistically diverse learners
• Maintain a current and detailed understanding of all state and local requirements
• Develop, implement, and oversee a comprehensive high school world language program
• Develop and sustain equitable engagement with CLD families in partnership with school teams

Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment

• Oversee and monitor curriculum, instruction, assessment, resources, and digital programs for TBE, TPI and world language programs
• Partner with Academic Team members on core curriculum implementation and supports for English Learners ensuring access to high-quality programming, strong instruction, and teachers with a strength- based mindset
• Lead pilot and implementation of new programs, tools, resources
• Design and implement tools to support core instruction and learning acceleration as well as respond to network data and trends
• Analyze student achievement, growth, and assessment data to create network, and campus plans and to personalize support in partnership with the Academic Team members and Campus Principals
• Contribute to Multi-tiered System of Supports (MTSS) design and internal structures and develop culturally and linguistically relevant interventions and practices
• Recommend budget line items and coordinate the purchasing of instructional materials and equipment within assigned programs
• Ensure strong implementation of DS Academic Model, guaranteed viable curriculum and Tier 1 instructional practices through data analysis and observation structures
• Partner with the school leadership team and Academic Team to develop strategies and responses to assessment and observational structures data

Professional Learning, Leader Development & Coaching

• Develop the capacity of CLD instructional coaches through ongoing network and campus-based coaching academies and direct campus support to improve teachers culturally and linguistically responsive practices
• Support the Teacher Development Manager in implementing DS Coaching Model with specific lens of CLD Instructional Coaches
• Design CLD/Bilingual team collaboration opportunities in partnership with the Academic Team
• Design, lead, and support a range of ongoing professional learning opportunities for campus and network leaders on culturally responsive pedagogy, mindset, inclusive practices, and best practices for CLD instruction.
• Collaborate with CLD-Instructional Coaches and Campus Directors to identify and provide professional development for staff
• Conduct and uphold all DS Observation Structures in partnership with campus leaders and Academic Team members to monitor curriculum implementation, instruction, learning, DS Framework, programming, and other tools
• Support CLD instructional coach and team member Observations and Growth processes at request of school principal
• Remain current in the bilingual education methodology, language acquisition and culturally responsive pedagogy and use as guide for programmatic changes and improvement
• Attend external professional development opportunities to stay current in best practices

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
• Partner with Academic and Student Services Team members to ensure parity and cohesiveness in philosophy, pedagogy, systems, structures, onboarding, and protocols among all initiatives and 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 coaching practices reflect current research
• Contribute to grant applications and other professional writing
• Check-in regularly with the Managing Director of Academics to collaborate, set and refine goals, review project progress, share feedback and support, and build rapport.
• Participate in the formal and informal coaching observation process and personal goal-setting with the Managing Director of Academics. Leadership practices will be measured and developed using a universal framework.
• Perform the assigned responsibilities of an Academic Team member and other duties as assigned

Requirements (minimum)

Education: Bachelors 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