Manager, STAR NET

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is a district on the rise, serving over 325,000 students in 500 schools and employing over 45,000 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. Aligned with our transformed philosophy, we are steadfastly focused on ensuring that the District provides resources equitably to support every student, every school, and every community. Six core values guide the work we do every day for our students – student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning. Each role in the district supports our vision that every student deserves a rigorous, joyful, and equitable learning experience. The Office of Early Childhood Education (OECE) works to ensure all children in Chicago have access to excellent early learning experiences that lead to future success in early grades and beyond. 

Job Summary: 

Reporting to the Director, P-2 Education, the Manager, STAR NET  leads the strategic planning and implementation, operations, data, and continuous improvement of the Illinois STAR NET Project within Chicago Public Schools. This role provides direct supervision and leadership for the STAR NET team, ensuring high-quality professional development, trainings, technical assistance, intensive technical assistance, communities of practice, and family engagement are delivered across the city to support young children with disabilities. This role is responsible for overall grant administration, facilitates cross-functional collaboration between CPS, state and community partners, and ensures equitable access to family supports, educational resources, and professional development systems. This is a full-time, exempt position that will be paid for time worked on a salary basis.

The Manager, STAR NET will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:

• Supervises, develops, manages the performance of the STAR NET team to ensure high-quality, aligned service delivery, professional development, and family engagement initiatives including leading check ins and team meetings

• Administers program compliance, ISBE reporting, and grant deliverables while managing the STAR NET budget to ensure full fiscal accountability and equitable fund allocation aligned with state and district guidelines, including full oversight the STAR NET grant budget, compliance with Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) guidelines, and all mandatory state reporting 

• Manages the planning and execution of the strategy to support high-quality professional development, technical assistance, communities of practice, and family support workshops centered on early childhood special education, inclusion, and family-centered practices in alignment with ISBE requirements and engages in continuous improvement; analyzes technical assistance, workshop evaluations, grant performance, and participant data to evaluate program effectiveness, identify service gaps, and drive strategic decision-making

• Establishes and maintains cross-functional partnerships with internal OECE/OSD teams, ISBE, statewide STAR NET regions, community-based organizations, and family advocacy networks to promote aligned early learning systems

• Supports with mass communication to stakeholders, including publicity, emails, and website  updates, project reports and documents; prepares documents and reports as necessary under tight deadlines

• Supports CPS & OECE office-wide initiatives, priorities, and projects

• Other duties and workstreams as assigned

   

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the Manager, STAR NET must possess the following qualifications: 

Education Required: 

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university required; Focus in Early Childhood Special Education, Early Childhood Education, Special Education, or a closely related field preferred

• Master’s degree preferred

Experience Required: 

• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in early childhood education, early childhood special education, family engagement, or early learning administration

• Minimum of two (3) years of demonstrated experience with grant oversight, state reporting, and budget administration 

Other Requirements:

• This role requires local travel between CPS locations, family support venues, and community-based organizations across the city; Access to reliable transportation is required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Expert knowledge of early childhood, early childhood special education practices, IDEA Part B/C transitions, family-centered principles, and inclusive classroom strategies

• Demonstrated capability in program/project management, budget management, financial forecasting, and/or managing state/federal grant compliance and reporting

• Strong leadership skills with a proven track record of supervising, mentoring, and developing interdisciplinary teams (educators, family support staff) and projects

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with ISBE officials, district leadership, school personnel, and diverse family populations

• Proficiency in data collection systems, reporting platforms, and office technology (i.e. Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, Oracle/enterprise systems)

• Deep commitment to equity, access, and advocacy for young children with disabilities and their families.

Benefits:

Health & Wellness: Your Care, Your Choice

CPS is committed to providing comprehensive health coverage to our employees and their eligible dependents. You'll have access to a variety of choices to best fit your needs:

Medical Plan Options

Pharmacy

Dental

Vision

Behavioral Health & EAP

Employee Wellness Program

Financial Security: Planning for Today and Tomorrow

We understand the importance of financial stability, which is why CPS offers strong retirement and savings options:

Basic Life Insurance

Life and Disability Insurance

Pension Plans

Supplemental Retirement Plans (403(b) and 457(b))

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Spot Pet Insurance

Work-Life Balance: Supporting Your Personal and Professional Life

CPS values the well-being of its employees and offers competitive paid time off policies:

Paid Leave

Sick Leave

Vacation Days

Parental Leaves

Short-Term Disability

Religious Holidays

Leaves

Reference the Chicago Public Schools: A Comprehensive Benefits Overview or the benefits handbook for comprehensive details.

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.