School and District Partnership Specialist

Department

Crown Network For College Success

About the Department

As one of the first schools of social work in the United States, the Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice has shaped the field for more than 100 years. As part of the University of Chicago, the Crown Family School shares the University's core values and distinctive intellectual culture. Crown Family School faculty, staff, and students focus on identifying solutions to complex social problems through research, training, and direct community engagement. Guided by an interdisciplinary tradition, Crown Family School scholars conduct innovative research to address interconnected social challenges such as educational inequality, health disparities, crime and violence, poverty, and child and family welfare—working at multiple scales, from individual to policy-level interventions. More than 10,000 Crown Family School graduates in the US and globally hold leadership positions in academia, at nonprofits, in business, and at governmental agencies The Crown Family School is the home of several academic centers. These include the Susan and Richard Kiphart Center for Global Health and Social Development, the Kersten Institute for Urban Education, the Center for Climate, Health and Society, the Smart Decarceration Project, and the Employment Instability, Family Well-being, and Social Policy Network (EINet). More information may be found at https://crownschool.uchicago.edu/.

The Network for College Success (NCS), at the Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice, ensures college readiness and success for all students by translating research into practice and supporting leaders to organize their schools for improvement. NCS provides professional learning and support to school and district leaders and helps them focus on what matters most for high school students. NCS supports adults within and across schools to build their capacity to lead change, improve instruction, and support student transitions in and out of high school. NCS envisions high schools that continuously cultivate collaboration, powerful learning, and a culture of high achievement to ensure postsecondary success for all students.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Director of Coaching, the School and District Partnership Specialist will serve as a key liaison between the Network for College Success (NCS) and its partner districts and schools. This role is responsible for cultivating and sustaining strong partnerships that advance NCS’s mission through coaching, facilitation of professional learning, and maintaining two-way communication with partner districts and schools. The ideal candidate will have deep experience in education leadership, proven skill in coaching leaders and teams, and the ability to navigate complex district ecosystems with diplomacy, discretion, and strategic insight.

Responsibilities

• Act as a primary point of contact for assigned districts and schools, ensuring ongoing alignment between NCS services and district needs.

• Provide high-quality coaching to school and district leaders aligned with the NCS model for school transformation.

• Coach school and district leaders in implementing effective systems, structures, and practices that create school communities where students are connected and belong and that result in equitable student outcomes.

• Build bridges across constituencies within districts to foster alignment and support for school improvement efforts.

• Engage in sensitive conversations with tact and discretion while maintaining confidentiality.

• Prepare and deliver clear, compelling oral and written communications to diverse audiences.

• Collaborate with NCS staff to ensure coherence of services, professional learning, and partnership goals.

• Manage scheduling and submit documentation related to partnerships.

• Supports broader student initiatives.

• Coordinates program initiatives, ensuring unity of focus and purpose.

• Supports broader student initiatives.

• Coordinates program initiatives, ensuring unity of focus and purpose.

  Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

​Education:

• Master’s degree in education.

Experience:

• Five years of experience as a school leader (e.g., principal) or in district-level leadership.

• Experience working in an organization centered on coaching educators.

• Extensive experience coaching school and district leaders in instructional improvement and systems change.

• Working knowledge of the NCS model for school transformation.

• Experience designing, facilitating, and refining professional learning for educators via in-person and virtual settings.

Preferred Competencies

• Ability to build bridges across diverse stakeholders to support school improvement.

• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to manage complex partnerships effectively.

• Skilled in facilitating sensitive conversations with tact and maintaining confidentiality.

• Strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently.

Working Conditions

• Hybrid work schedule, on-site at the Hyde Park campus in Chicago.

• Position requires occasional out-of-state travel.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)

• Cover Letter (required)

• References (preferred)

Job Family

Academic Affairs

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

24

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

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FLSA Status

Exempt

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Pay Range

$49,000.00 - $69,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

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