Celebrating 25 years as an anchor institution in the North Lawndale Community, North Lawndale College Prep (NLCP) is doubling down on its mission to not only empower students with the tools needed to successfully make it to and through college but to also become transformational leaders.
Operating two unique campus locations, NLCP is a co-ed charter network serving approximately 750 students in grades 9-12. Our scholars - the majority of whom are low income - choose NLCP for its culturally responsive and rigorous academic model. Students know when they enroll at NLCP they are entering into a robust web of support and an uplifting community.
At the heart of NLCP's strong community is our commitment to four core employee values that guide the work we do and prepare us to serve students in transformational ways: trustworthiness, timeliness, teamwork, and transparency. We believe that centering these values and continually growing and improving how they are practiced helps staff members build a safe and supportive environment for both students and fellow staff.
About this Role
The Chief of Schools and Strategy (COSS) will collaborate with the NLCP Board, CPS Office of Incubation and Innovation and the Illinois State Board of Education to shape and execute the school's strategic vision, driving continuous improvement initiatives at North Lawndale College Prep.
The COSS will directly manage principals to help them execute their strategic plans and achieve their ambitious academic goals. The COSS develops principals and is accountable for all schools reaching the achievement goals set out by the school and the network. The COSS is a member of the senior leadership team, reporting to the Chief Executive Officer.
Specific Responsibilities
School Leadership and Principal Management
Identify, prepare, place, and retain great principals in network schools by building a leadership pipeline and creating a climate of professional growth
Lead the charge of a school improvement plan for our Collins campus and galvanize staff during the change process
Partner with the President and members of the leadership team to set and implement a vision for academic excellence at NLCP
Monitor, manage, and evaluate principals and provide direction and guidance on school operations
Coach and develop principals and instructional leadership teams, attending school leadership team, parent, and co-leader meetings to inform development
Support implementation of academic and social-emotional curriculum adoption across schools, including facilitating network- and school-based professional development
Manage and deploy a team of academic coaches to respond to emerging school needs
Manage implementation of strategic priorities
Travel between schools on a regular basis, with up to 80% of time expected in schools
Support principals with performance management and employee engagement
Develop a vision for excellent enrichment and early college exposure and support principals and campus teams to implement
Strategic Planning and Innovation
Research, analyze and respond to school and statewide data to strategically increase outcomes and foster growth for students, staff and the NLCP network.
Lead a rigorous school improvement plan process for NLCP's Collins campus that results in improved student achievement and improved results on CPS's redesigned school accountability plan and ISBE's scorecard
Utilize assessment data and other relevant metrics to monitor progress, make informed decisions, and drive continuous improvement.
Design and implement professional development programs for educators to enhance their instructional skills and align teaching practices with academic goals.
Qualifications:
Master's degree in Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field.
Proven experience in strategic planning and execution within an educational setting.
Demonstrated success in leading innovative educational initiatives and driving academic improvement.
Strong data analysis skills and the ability to make data-informed decisions.
Familiarity with technology integration in education.
Excellent leadership and collaboration skills.
Experience in designing and implementing professional development programs for educators.
Passion for fostering a positive and innovative learning environment.