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 Intergovernmental Affairs (IGA) advocates for CPS students at every level of government to shape education policy and secure external resources, including Intergovernmental Agreements with the City of Chicago and its sister agencies, state capital funding, and federal funding. IGA advances the CPS agenda before the Chicago City Council, Illinois General Assembly, and in Washington, D.C., and partners with the City of Chicago, the Illinois state legislature, and other entities to secure financial opportunities to advance the district’s goals.Reporting to the Executive Director of Intergovernmental Affairs, the State Affairs Liaison is responsible for putting forth and executing the Chicago Public Schools' agenda at the state level and assisting with the development of the fiscal and legislative agendas. This position will respond to matters raised by all public sectors as they relate to state legislative actions having an impact on the Chicago Public Schools' policies and operations. Additionally, the role will be responsible for managing the district’s state grants from the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DECO).The State Affairs Liaison will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:· Assists senior management in planning, aligning, and managing the legislative and strategic directions of the department with the Chicago Public Schools' interests and objectives· Collaborates with the Policy Liaison and Lobbyists to create a CPS legislative agenda· Leads Legislative Briefing sessions before the Chicago Board of Education· Maintains an awareness of legislative and federal activities that impact Chicago Public Schools and briefs District leadership· Coordinates unit activities with those of other Chicago Public Schools' units and outside agencies and organizations· Provides liaison services to the Illinois General Assembly and other government agencies pursuant to the interests of the Chicago Public Schools· Establishes and maintains relationships with state education agencies and other key interest groups· Serves as primary liaison to members of the Illinois State Legislature, facilitating meetings and briefings and managing and facilitating requests· Represent Chicago Public Schools in Springfield during legislative session to advance Chicago Public Schools’ agenda· Manages the processes to ensure that the District receives and responds to capital appropriations from the State of Illinois, including but not limited to, grants from DECO and other sources coming from the state budget· Other duties as assignedIn order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the State Affairs Liaison must possess the following qualifications:Type of Education Required:· Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university required· Master’s or Juris Doctorate Degree preferredType of Experience Required:· Minimum of five (5) years of experience in state legislative matters or intergovernmental programs, including a minimum of three (3) years of experience working in Springfield with the General AssemblyOther requirements:· Travel to Springfield as necessary during legislative session requiredKnowledge, Skills, and Abilities:· Knowledge of Illinois state legislative procedures, functions, and committee organizational structure· Excellent written and oral communication skills· Exceptional interpersonal skills· Strong negotiation skills· Ability to communicate clearly and succinctly both orally and in writing, and to write complex analysis of facts, law and policies/rules in simple, coherent style· Ability to build collaborative relationships with a variety of diverse constituent groups, including external partners· Ability to handle multiple complex situations at once· Demonstrate high levels of integrity, honesty, credibility, and decision-making abilitiesConditions of EmploymentAs 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.
