Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is one of the largest school districts 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 Safety and Security serves as the critical department to partner with school principals and other CPS staff members to ensure that all schools strive towards the goal of establishing a safe environment for our students.

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Deputy Chief of Safety & Security, the Safety Center Manager serves as a critical role in the CPS Office of School Safety and Security by effectively managing the operations of the 24/7 Student Safety Center. This includes but is not limited to staff development, compiling and analyzing data, video surveillance/investigations, alarm monitoring and call intake. This role also maintains responsibility for the coordination and management of after-hours emergencies which may include responding to various locations throughout the city of Chicago to collaborate with local and federal law enforcement agencies to conduct threat assessments. This position will also ensure all team members provide consistently high-quality customer service at all times including emergency situations.

The Student Safety Center Manager will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:

• Manage the operation of the 24/7 Student Safety Center while ensuring adequate coverage throughout all shifts.

• Maintain high standards of efficacy and accountability including the hiring and training/development of staff.

• Oversee the Off-Duty Police Officers serving in the Student Safety Center and on the Rapid Response Team.
• Collaborate with the Network Safety Team to ensure schools are supported when after-hours threats are reported.
• Maintain consistent communication with Network Safety Managers to define and drive key safety needs.
• Coordinate with local law enforcement to complete threat assessments and interventions as needed.
• Implement Student Safety Center notification process for CPS executives for serious incidents involving CPS students, staff or property.
• Assist in the development of operational reports and analysis of data to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Serve as the emergency liaison between CPS and local law enforcement agencies.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the Student Safety Center Manager must possess the following qualifications:

Education Required:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university required; Focus in Criminal Justice or related field preferred
• Master’s degree preferred

Experience Required:

• Minimum of five (5) years combined professional experience in a call center, surveillance, technology, and/or project management
• Experience working with the Chicago Police Department or other law enforcement agencies
• Experience managing a team effectively during emergency situations including lockdowns, evacuations, and other high-profile events
• Experience managing a call center environment is preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to prioritize multiple concurrent emergencies while transmitting accurate information to stakeholders in a timely manner
• Possess working knowledge of security operations concepts
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, and PowerPoint)
• Possess knowledge of notification processes and policies for both CPS and Chicago Police Department
• Strong communication skills (Oral, Written, Listening)
• Bi-lingual communication skills in Spanish is preferred
• Proficiency in Google Suite applications is preferred

Other Requirements:

• Must have access to reliable transportation to travel within City of Chicago to CPS schools and partner agencies is required
• Ability to respond to occasional emergencies during evening and weekend hours is required

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.