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Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is one of the largest school districts in the United States, serving over 330,000 students in 600+ schools and employing nearly 36,000 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. In order to fulfill this mission, we make three commitments to our students, their families, and all Chicagoans: academic progress, financial stability, and integrity. Six core values are embedded within these commitments – student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning.
Under the Office of Portfolio Management (OPM), the Office of Access and Enrollment (OAE) ensures all CPS students have equal access to high-quality programs that fit their educational needs. OAE manages the admissions process through the GoCPS Application platform for families who are seeking admission to early childhood through high school programs.
Job Summary:
Reporting to the Director of OAE, the Student Application Manager will lead the high school admissions process, including oversight of all components of the process from end-to-end, and the cross-functional coordination of several teams within OAE to culminate in high levels of customer service for key stakeholders, and continuous accurate and timely selection results.
The Student Application Manager will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:
Manage the day-to-day admissions process, including setting and overseeing the admissions calendar. Work across the department to ensure that all milestones are met.
Manage Student Application Specialists, overseeing the implementation of the selections process.
Lead communications and support collaboration across internal and external stakeholders to execute the admissions process.
Work collaboratively with principals and other school staff to ensure accuracy of the admissions criteria, seat capacity, sibling verification, and other processes, in order to execute the admissions process with validity.
Oversee a collaborative and comprehensive review process to validate all aspects of the selection process.
Identify and implement process improvements to enhance the parent/Student Application experience.
Develop and lead presentations, live trainings, and webinars for diverse audiences and provide technical assistance.
Serve as the subject matter expert for internal and external stakeholders for all aspects of the high school admissions process, including responding to escalated inquiries from senior leadership
Perform other related duties as required.
In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the Student Application Manager must possess the following qualifications:
Education Required:
Bachelor’s degree from accredited college or university required
Master’s degree preferred
Experience Required:
Minimum of five (5) years of professional experience planning and implementing processes that engage parents, community members, students, and other stakeholders required
Minimum of five (5) years of experience engaging and building relationships with stakeholders from a variety of backgrounds required
Large scale process management experience, particularly in efforts involving multiple internal and external stakeholders preferred
Experience working for a school district or education-related agency preferred
Experience with Aspen and other admissions/enrollment databases preferred
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Understanding of modern management practices (policy and procedures), methods, and techniques
Strong analytical and organizational skills
Strong communication skills (Written, Oral, Listening, Presentations), interpersonal and diplomacy skills, including the ability to effectively address stakeholder concerns and inquiries
Ability to develop external communication documents for a wide range of audiences
Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Excel and database systems.
Ability to analyze, synthesize, and interpret complex data
Demonstrated flexibility and the ability to function effectively in ambiguity
Ability to facilitate the decision-making process for selecting, optimizing, and supporting the execution of the high school selection process
Discerning and keen awareness of the interests and motivations of others; Ability to navigate with integrity in a politically-charged environment
Ability to receive, internalize and respond to feedback from department leadership, manager, colleagues, and external partners
Possess a collaborative and supportive disposition
Understanding of the public urban school landscape as it relates to school program offerings is preferred
Conditions 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.
- Be Fully Vaccinated Against COVID-19 - Unless approved for a medical or religious exemption, all employees are required to be up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccinations, including boosters, and to submit proof of vaccination to the district within 30 days of hire. “Up-to-date” on vaccination is defined as being at least two weeks past all primary vaccine doses and any applicable boosters
