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Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is the third largest school district 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.

Early College STEM Model Description

Early College STEM High Schools aim to connect K-12, post-secondary, and industry partners to support students in gaining both the technical and readiness skills to succeed in STEM post-secondary education and careers. Students gain critical exposure to high-demand careers of the future through significant early college, STEM-focused academic pathways, enrichment opportunities, work-based learning, and STEM instruction in every classroom.

School Description

Michele Clark Academic Prep Magnet High School is located on the west side of Chicago and serves approximately 400 students. As a STEM school, Clark focuses on Information Technology Web Design, Computer Science and Engineering.  Unique partnerships withCisco Technology and Malcolm X City College allow students to work with leading professionals, acquire industry certifications and earn significant college credit while completing a rigorous high school program. 

Role Description

The Early College STEM Specialist role provides a unique opportunity to create a new STEM program. This position will build and facilitate the execution of key program elements of the ECSS program model, including but not limited to: dual enrollment at colleges/universities, internship programs, college visits, STEM-related enrichment opportunities, industry site visits, job shadows, and more.  The Early College STEM Specialist is the primary "STEM Champion" at their school site, serving as a STEM cultural ambassador to further the school-wide integration of STEM programs and practices. This position will also be the face of the STEM program in the community, interfacing with parents and community members to support enrollment in the school and program. 

The Early College STEM Specialist will cultivate and support crucial relationships with industry and college partners, working in conjunction with the school administration, industry partners, teaching staff, and CPS central office staff to provide a robust set of experiences for students that result in students graduating high school with early college credits, an increased interest in STEM-related fields, and workplace skills for employability and success in a STEM career.  This position is a primary point of contact for many stakeholders, including industry partners, post-secondary partners, and other external organizations, and must ensure their continued high level of collaboration and support as well as their continued integration into the life of the school. 

The Early College STEM Specialist is based at the school and acts as a member of the school’s leadership team.  This is a 52-week position that will report to and be evaluated by the School Principal and the Office of College and Career Success. 

The Early College STEM Specialist will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:

Academic Support

• Serve as lead and primary point and lead for coordinating logistics of early college program with partner schools

• Coordinate recruitment and engagement efforts for students in early college programs and supports

• Facilitate the enrollment of students in strategically scheduled dual enrollment courses at CCC or dual credit courses offered by certified school faculty

• Lead or participate in procurement and management of budgets for designated ECSS programs

• Facilitate school and external stakeholder communication and collaboration as appropriate to execute an effective early college program

• Collaborate with administration and facilitate support to maximize student success in early college courses

• Work with school staff to develop academic pathways in STEM fields that lead to college and career readiness

• Create plans for students to earn college credits and career certifications

• Develop bus schedules

Work-based Learning Experiences (e.g. internships, mentoring, job shadows)

• Collaborate with school leadership and industry partners to determine learning goals, projects, and select students for individual placements in work experiences

• Work with industry partners to create project-based and work-based learning and training activities for teachers that support their continued education and exposure to technical innovation and deployment in local businesses

• Serve as primary point of contact, conducting regular check-ins with students, teachers, and managers

• Maintain a strong relationship with corporate partner and facilitate purposeful interactions and a high level of engagement

STEM Enrichment and Community Engagement

• Engage existing partners and seek out new partners to provide a robust set of STEM, career, and college learning opportunities for students

• Support development and implementation of engaging STEM-related enrichment; support student recruitment and work to increase interest and experience in STEM fields through enrichment

• Promote STEM awareness and engagement through targeted partnerships and activities (e.g. STEM Exploration Family Nights) that enhance academic achievement across the curriculum, specifically in literacy and math

• Act as a school and STEM program ambassador during school visits and recruitment events

• Additional duties as assigned.

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the Early College STEM Specialist must possess the following qualifications:

Education Required: 

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university is required.

• Advanced degree, preferred. 

Experience Required:

• A minimum of four (4) years of project/program management experience is required.

• Experience in an urban school environment, preferred.

• Experience with/understanding of STEM landscape, preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Demonstrated ability to resolve issues and conflicts within the project team and manage project dependencies and critical paths

• Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills 

• Ability to collaborate and communicate with school leadership, universities, partners, and other key stakeholders to facilitate successful implementation and execution of projects and initiatives

• Ability to create and use robust data sets to inform planning, execution, and drive for results

• Ability to prioritize, manage, and drive success on multiple projects simultaneously

• Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse school community to promote STEM awareness and engagement through targeted partnerships and activities 

• Demonstrated technical skills: Microsoft Office (Excel) and data management/analysis tools

• Proactive self-starter capable of navigating ambiguity; able to troubleshoot and devise targeted ad hoc solutions

• Evident passion for and commitment to serving students; practical understanding of the urban district setting for school improvement; comfort with high school-aged students

• Availability for occasional evening and weekend commitments

• Knowledge of STEM scheduling and programming for both High School and Chicago Community Colleges (CCC), 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. This Chicago residency requirement does not apply to part-time/temporary 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. Unvaccinated staff with an approved exemption must submit to weekly testing.