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.

The Office of Diverse Learner Supports and Services (ODLSS) works to support networks, schools, and families with all issues related to special education including instruction, interventions, and legal and compliance supports.

Job Summary:

Reporting directly to the Manager, Business Operations in ODLSS, the Business Operations Coordinator will be responsible for facilitating, coordinating, and providing support for all business units and special projects. The Business Operations Coordinator will be tasked with facilitating minor projects, ensuring that workflows and processes are efficient and running smoothly, and providing as-needed support to the business operations staff. This position will ensure that business practices provide CPS with sustainable internal operations which impact greater student achievement and success.

The Business Operations Coordinator will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:

• Manage incoming phone calls and emails related to Business Operations
• Document, analyze, and create efficiencies for ODLSS processes and procedures as it relates to the procurement process for ODLSS.
• Collaborate with ODLSS staff on procurement needs, timeline and deliverables
• Create and receipt purchase orders for all ODLSS units for payments of products and services.
• Manage and maintain organized records on invoices processed throughout the school year for the various ODLSS units.
• Track funds on available budget lines for procurement activities
• Confirm payment distribution with CPS Accounts Payable for submitted payment requests.
• Cross train within all ODLSS administrative units to provide an additional level of customer service, service responsiveness and improve resource allocation
• Work on additional duties as deemed appropriate by the ODLSS Manager of Business Operations or designee

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the Business Operations Coordinator must possess the following qualifications:

Education Required:

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

Experience Required:

• Minimum of two (2) years of professional work experience in a coordinating role, required
• Prior CPS experience, system knowledge, and/or Individual Education Program (IEP) experience is a plus

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to successfully manage multiple tasks requiring minimal supervision while adhering to quality standards
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, respond immediately to multiple constituencies and meet continuous critical deadlines
• Analytical, organizational and oral/written communication skills required
• Provide exceptional customer service to all stakeholders
• Ability to communicate effectively with all stakeholders and deliver content expertise in a professional manner.
• Expert user of Microsoft and Google suite of tools. (Word, Access, PowerPoint and Excel)
• Knowledge of CPS systems (Oracle, ASPEN, SSM, Kronos/TKC) is a plus
• Attention to detail and accuracy

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.
• 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.