Chief Investigator

Chicago Public Schools; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & Wellness program

Retirement and Pension plans

Competitive paid time off

Job summary

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) seeks a seasoned supervisor to lead a team of investigators in the Office of Inspector General’s Sexual Allegations Unit. The role focuses on directing investigations of sexual misconduct involving CPS students, interviewing victims and witnesses, and coordinating with CPS and external agencies to ensure student safety and needed services.

Qualified candidates have seven years of investigations experience, three years in leadership, and a track record of managing

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Seven years of sexual misconduct investigations experience, including child abuse or harassment.
• Three years of leading large, complex or high‑stakes investigations.
• Three years in a supervisory role hiring, evaluating, and coaching staff.

Responsibilities

• Direct, develop, and manage a team of investigators for sexual abuse/harassment cases involving CPS students.
• Participate in strategy development to direct investigation processes.
• Set work priorities and staff assignments in coordination with leadership.
• Monitor caseloads to ensure timely investigations.
• Advise staff on interviewing difficult witnesses and testifying as a witness.
• Assess complaints to identify misconduct and determine investigations.
• Coordinate with CPS departments and external agencies to ensure student safety and services.
• Oversee internal data collection and reporting on caseloads.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Interviewing

Report writing

Conflict resolution

Analytical thinking

Leadership

Supervision

Investigations

Knowledge of Title IX

Data analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Overview

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is a district on the rise, serving over 325,000 students in 500+ schools and employing more than 45,000 people, most of them teachers. The Office of Inspector General’s Sexual Allegations Unit (SAU) investigates allegations of sexual misconduct by CPS‑affiliated adults involving CPS students and/or minors.

Responsibilities

• Direct, develop, and manage the performance of a team of investigators conducting investigations and interviewing victims and witnesses regarding allegations of sexual abuse or sexual harassment of CPS students.
• Participate in the development of strategies to direct the investigation process.
• Determine work priorities and prepare work schedules and staff assignments in conjunction with the Inspector General and Deputy Inspector General.
• Monitor case assignments to ensure investigations are conducted in a timely manner.
• Advise investigative staff on interviewing problem witnesses, effective investigative methods, and testifying as a witness.
• Assess complaints to identify sexual misconduct allegations and determine whether matters should be assigned for investigation.
• Coordinate closely with CPS Law, Safety and Security, Office of Student Protections, Title IX Offices, and other departments and external agencies to ensure student safety and facilitate delivery of trauma and/or social‑emotional services to students, families, and staff.
• Oversee internal data collection and reporting relating to the unit’s caseload.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education Required: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

Experience Required:

• Minimum of seven (7) years conducting sexual misconduct investigations, particularly child sexual abuse or sexual harassment, and performing field work such as interviews of children and/or victims.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience leading large, complex or high‑stakes investigations.
• Minimum of three (3) years in a supervisory position responsible for hiring, evaluating, counseling, and leading a team of direct reports.

Other Requirements:

• Flexible hours of availability, including non‑traditional business hours, as necessary to meet departmental needs and active investigations.
• Reliable transportation; valid driver’s license preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of sexual assault or sexual harassment issues and their impact on victims.
• Knowledge of Title IX compliance.
• Excellent judgment and the ability to manage highly sensitive and confidential information.
• Skill in conflict resolution, problem‑solving, interviewing, and thorough investigations.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, including ability to analyze information and facilitate resolution of complex, sensitive issues.
• Ability to write concise, logical, and analytical reports to convey complex issues.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple deadlines, and work independently with high organization.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to develop collaborative relationships with diverse groups, including children, parents, faculty, staff, and law enforcement.
• Strong leadership and team‑building skills, including the ability to develop high‑performing teams united around a clear vision.
• Excellent technology skills.

Benefits

Health & Wellness: Comprehensive health coverage for employees and eligible dependents, including medical, pharmacy, vision, and behavioral health services. Employee Wellness Program.

Financial Security: Retirement and savings options such as Basic Life Insurance, Life and Disability Insurance, Pension Plans, Supplemental Retirement Plans (403(b) and 457(b)), Flexible Spending Accounts, and Spot Pet Insurance.

Work‑Life Balance: Competitive paid time off policies. Employees are required to establish and maintain Chicago residency within six months of hire date, and maintain residency throughout employment.