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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 Office of Intergovernmental Affairs (IGA) advocates for CPS students at every level of government to  shape education policy and secure external resources, including Intergovernmental Agreements with the City of Chicago and its sister agencies, state capital funding, and federal funding. IGA advances the CPS agenda before the Chicago City Council, Illinois General Assembly, and in Washington, D.C., and partners with the City of Chicago, the Illinois state legislature, and other entities to secure financial opportunities to advance the district's goals.

Job Summary: 

The City Council Affairs Coordinator will work within the Intergovernmental Affairs (IGA) team and is responsible for supporting and executing the Chicago Public Schools' agenda at the local City Council level. The position responds to matters raised by all public sectors as they relate to City Council legislative actions having an impact on the Chicago Public Schools' policies and operations. Primarily, this position will help support the District's City Council projects. This role reports to the City Council Liaison of Intergovernmental Affairs.

The City Council Affairs Coordinator will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:

• Provide administrative and logistical support to the City Council Liaison and the IGA team (E.g., State Legislative Affairs, etc.)
• Track City Council items that could impact the District
• Assist with communicating with City Council members
• Support with preparing for hearings
• Attend community meetings on behalf of the department
• Work with other departments in Central Office to understand the District's City Council priorities
• Provides liaison services to the Chicago City Council and other local agencies
• Support the City Council Liaison in advocating on behalf of schools to receive local revenue
• Provide research support for the IGA team
• Serve as an IGA representative on various District committees
• Build relationships with Aldermen in the City Council
• Coordinate visits for elected officials and key stakeholders to schools
• Collaborate with the City of Chicago and other key partners to support the District's efforts
• Assist the Facilities Team with addressing Aldermanic casework
• Other duties as assigned

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the City Council Affairs Coordinator must possess the following qualifications: 

Education Required: 

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university required 
• Masters Degree in education, political science, or a related field preferred

Experience Required: 

• Minimum of three (3) years of professional administrative and logistical support experience, including coordinating complex projects required
• Experience working in or around the Chicago City Council preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to quickly learn and understand education policy issues in Chicago Public Schools
• Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills; capable of building collaborative relationships with all levels of CPS staff and leadership;
• Excellent organization, strategic, and project planning skills; self-starter capable of anticipating problems and developing preemptive solutions;
• Demonstrated ability to navigate ambiguity and independently solve problems;
• Familiarity with community-based organizations in Chicago serving youth and their families;
• Ability to articulate a vision set high standards and goals, and effectively lead cross-functional teams in achieving those goals;
• Outstanding problem-solving skills; capable of defining problems, analyzing data, and outlining valid conclusions and action steps;
• Ability to be flexible and to adapt to a continually shifting environment ;
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office, specifically Excel, PowerPoint, Word
• Familiarity with Google Suite, specifically Google Docs, Google Slides, Google Sheets, and Google MeetConditions of Employment

As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), employees are required to:

Establish/Maintain Chicago Residency - Employees are required to live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of their CPS hire date and maintain residency throughout their employment with the district. The Chicago residency requirement does not apply to temporary/part-time positions; however, all CPS employees must be residents of Illinois.