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Senior Policy Analyst - Chicago Public Schools

Who:  Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is the third largest school district in the United States, serving over 370,000 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.

What: The Board Office is seeking a Policy Analyst to provide the Board with policy research and analysis capabilities which can inform its formation of new rules and policies, its oversight of high-priority projects or decisions, and its guidance of key management partners. The Policy Analyst reports directly to the Chief of Staff to the Board of Education, and interacts closely with other Board staff and Chicago Board of Education members.

 The Policy Analyst will be primarily responsible for the following job duties:
  • Analyze Board reports and proposed vendor contracts to prepare Board members for conversations with management leaders
  • Serve as key liaison between the Board and key management partners, including but not limited to Procurement, Business Diversity, Law, Internal Audit, and Talent
  • Research questions Board members raise in discussions of Board business
  • Coordinate, organize and implement special requests and initiatives, and monitor assigned projects on behalf of the Board Office
  • Vet proposed Board policies for inclusive voice and unintended consequences, and benchmark against best practices for other school districts
  • Create and manage Board data dashboard to ensure compliance around all policies and Board actions
  • Develop briefing presentations for or on behalf of Board members on key policy topics
  • Serve in a key quality assurance role in preparation and execution of monthly Board meetings, 
  • Review and facilitate processing of Board reports and prepare them for submission at Board meetings
  • Assist in production of all aspects of Board meetings, including grids for tentative and final agendas
  • Execute final vetting of materials for Board meetings to ensure they can smoothly move forward (e.g., verify execution of contracts, submission by management of all required paperwork) 

Qualifications: 

Type of Education Required: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; Master’s degree preferred. Concentration in Law, Public Policy, Risk Management or Audit, or Business preferred.

Types of Experience and Capabilities Required:

  •  Minimum of 5 years of work experience, preferably in the public or nonprofit sectors 
  • Experience interacting closely with staff at all levels in a fast-paced environment. 
  • Ability to operate calmly under pressure, remaining flexible, proactive, resourceful and efficient; maintaining a high level of professionalism at all times. 
  • Demonstrates integrity, tact and the utmost discretion when dealing with confidential information and sensitive situations. 
  • Superior organizational, time management, and project management skills. Ability to continually apply professional skepticism and discretion while maintaining effective working relationships with organizational management and personnel. 
  • Detail-oriented thinker exhibiting strong analytical and creative problem-solving skills. 
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to adapt communication styles to different audiences and situations. 
  • Track record of building positive working relationships across the organization. 
  • Strong team player, who can also work independently without challenge. 
  • Outstanding work ethic, interpersonal skills, flexibility, and ability to multitask. 
  • Possesses exceptional customer service skills. 


Apply here.