Executive Director, Education & Youth Policy

City Colleges of Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 123,000 - 138,000; Full time

Job summary

City Colleges of Chicago seeks an Executive Director – Education, Youth & Children’s Services to provide high-level policy guidance and strategic oversight of education and youth initiatives. The role interfaces with the Mayor’s Office, sister agencies, and key departments to align policy and programs with city priorities.

Reporting to the EVC-Chief Institutional Advancement Officer & Chief of Staff, the incumbent will manage a team, drive multi-year initiatives, and represent the Deputy Mayor

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Public Policy or a related field.
• 10+ years of project management experience; executive-level preferred.
• 2+ years of supervisory experience required.
• Prior experience with large urban parks, library, and/or workforce development programs preferred.
• Knowledge of City budget, contracting and operational processes.
• Experience working with local and state government policy structures and systems.
• Proven track record of effectively interacting with senior management and organizational leadership.
• Ability to work strategically and collaboratively across departments.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communications skills.
• Ability to travel locally to staff and participate in press and other events.

Responsibilities

• Advise and provide high level strategic support to the Deputy-Mayor on effective operational management of Education and Human Services youth team and related departments.
• Support Deputy Mayor as liaison for department heads and senior-level leadership for Sister Agencies and Departments in EDYCS portfolio (City Colleges of Chicago, Chicago Public Library, Chicago Public Schools, Chicago Park District) and lead related initiatives.
• Partner with EDYCS Senior Directors to forward policy agendas and initiatives related to youth development.
• Advise and provide high level vision and strategic support to the Deputy Mayor and Mayor’s Office staff on education, youth, and children’s policy.
• Represent Deputy Mayor at Mayoral, senior staff, and Cabinet-level meetings as needed.
• Liaise to Boards for Sister Agencies in Portfolio.
• Oversee hiring and staff management for EDYCS-related positions and departmental operations.
• Drive strategic planning and coach team on multi-year initiatives led by youth team.
• Develop and oversee vision, goals, metrics, milestones, and key partners for multi-year initiatives.
• Build relationships with State and local representatives and work with IGA to advance policy.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to develop policy briefs and youth-related communications.
• Assist in planning Mayor’s Office events and meetings.
• Manage special projects and other duties as assigned.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Interpersonal communication

Cross-department collaboration

Public policy knowledge

Policy liaison

Budgeting & contracting

Project management

Office productivity

Education

Master's degree in Public Policy or related field

10+ years of project management experience (executive-level preferred)

Job description

City Colleges of Chicago seeks an Executive Director – Education, Youth & Children’s Services to provide high-level policy guidance and strategic oversight of education and youth initiatives. The role interfaces with the Mayor’s Office, sister agencies, and key departments to align policy and programs with city priorities.

Reporting to the EVC-Chief Institutional Advancement Officer & Chief of Staff, the incumbent will manage a team, drive multi-year initiatives, and represent the Deputy Mayor