Executive Director of Innovation Incubation at Chicago Public Schools
Alma Advisory Group, United States

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF INNOVATION amp; INCUBATION AT CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is the third largest school district in the United States, serving over 340,000 students in more than 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 principles are embedded within these commitments student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning.

Based on the District’s commitments and principles, the mission of Iamp;I is to provide students with access to high quality and innovative education through incubation of quality schools and programs, accountability, and high-quality oversight. The Iamp;I team serves as a liaison between schools and District departments, and provides direction and support to 137 unique campuses across the District, including traditional and options charter and contract schools, Alternative Learning Opportunity Programs (ALOP), and SAFE Schools. The Iamp;I office also guides the incubation process for new district neighborhood, charter, and contract schools.

The leader in this highly visible and dynamic role will report to the Chief Portfolio Officer and will spearhead the development and implementation of all strategic priorities for the office, including overseeing all activities related to the authorization and renewal of new schools and academic programs; providing academic, financial, and operational oversight over all schools in Iamp;I’s portfolio; providing training and support for these schools in these key domain areas; and identifying innovative models and best practices across the charter and district educational settings. A key attribute of this leader is their unyielding commitment to continuous improvement and an unwavering belief that all students can achieve at high levels.

The Executive Director of Innovation amp; Incubation will be accountable for the following areas of responsibility:

Strategic Implementation Process Leadership

• Implement a rigorous process for the opening of new schools and the renewal of existing schools including application launch and community engagement to drive effective decision-making.
• Evaluate the design, development, and readiness of all new, innovative school models and programs while ensuring that the District adheres to any and all legal and regulatory requirements.
• Incubate new district neighborhood, charter, and contract schools.
• Oversee the process to award new academic programs to district-managed schools.
• Identify and lead the implementation of evidence-based practices in Iamp;I schools and programs that maximize opportunities for CPS students
• Manage the performance and effectiveness of the Iamp;I office.

Active Progress Monitoring of School Performance

• Evaluate school performance against the District’s academic, financial, and operational expectations.
• Monitor school adherence to any and all compliance-related provisions as defined in the Illinois School Code and contracted in the school’s agreement with the Chicago Board of Education.
• Utilize multiple sources of data to improve school outcomes and instill this practice in others.
• Report on school performance data to ensure transparency and data-driven decision-making at District and schools.
• Structure school remediation plans and monitor progress.
• Oversee Options Schools and Programs, including key functions to support the Chicago Student Success Initiative.

Purposeful Stakeholder Engagement and Communication

• Provide consistent and transparent engagement with key internal and external stakeholders to develop, manage, and execute CPS’ new and existing school development processes.
• Disseminate key information to charter boards, leadership, families and communities to support informed decision-making and drive outcomes.
• Coordinate and implement communication and training for schools, boards, and parents to support engagement and impact change.

Inclusive Change Leadership

• Ensure broad communication to stakeholders regarding research-based, innovative models, and be

Job Rewards and Benefits