Investigations Manager

Chicago Public Schools; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 118,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plan options

Life and Disability Insurance

Pension plans

Flexible Spending Accounts

Competitive paid time off

Job summary

Chicago Public Schools is seeking an Investigations Manager to lead a team responsible for investigating misconduct within the district. This full-time position is located in Chicago and requires a Bachelor's degree and at least 7 years of investigative experience, preferably in education. Exceptional analytical, organizational, and interpersonal skills are crucial.

The role includes supervising the investigations team, assessing cases, and coordinating with law enforcement. CPS values a student-centered approach and fosters a supportive work environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years of experience conducting investigations, preferably in an educational environment.
• Prior experience supervising and training investigators is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and manage the performance of the investigations team.
• Triage and assess incoming incidents and cases.
• Track caseloads of each investigator for timely investigations.
• Facilitate partnerships among CPS departments involved in investigations.
• Provide training and mentorship to investigators.

Skills

Conflict resolution

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Position Overview

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is a district serving over 325,000 students in 500+ schools and employing over 45,000 people. This role reports to the Investigations Manager and is part of the Investigations Unit, which investigates allegations of misconduct by employees, contractors, vendors, and Local School Council members.

Position: Investigations Manager – Grade S09, Full‑time, Exempt, Salary‑Based. Location: Central, City of Chicago. Estimated Salary Range: $90,000 – $118,000. Position Type: Non‑Union.

Responsibilities

• Supervise, develop, and manage the performance of the investigations team.
• Triage and assess incoming incidents and cases, assigning investigations to full‑time in‑house investigators, hourly investigators, and vendor investigators.
• Assist investigators throughout the course of their investigations and review their work product to ensure consistent, high‑quality investigative reports.
• Track caseloads of each investigator to ensure investigations are conducted efficiently and in a timely manner.
• Monitor progress to ensure all students and staff involved in an investigation are treated sensitively, professionall, and thoughtfully.
• Define the process, workflows, and appropriate strategies for the Unit’s investigations to improve and smooth operations.
• Facilitate partnership among CPS departments involved in investigations, including Safety & Security, the Office of Student Protections & Title IX, and the Office of the Inspector General.
• Coordinate with and support law enforcement and the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) as needed.
• Provide training and mentorship to investigators.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience conducting investigations, with particular consideration for investigations conducted in an educational environment.
• Prior experience supervising and training investigators (strongly preferred).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Refined judgement with the ability to manage highly sensitive and confidential information.
• Proven skills in conflict resolution and de‑escalation.
• Exceptional analytical and critical‑thinking skills demonstrated by the ability to analyze complex information.
• Exceptional attention to detail with the ability to maintain accuracy while balancing multiple time‑sensitive priorities.
• Excellent organizational and time‑management skills; ability to organize and prioritize work in a dynamic, complex, fast‑paced environment to meet deadlines.
• Clear, effective verbal and non‑verbal communication skills.
• Ability to define problems, analyze data, and outline valid conclusions and action steps.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interact positively and professionally at all times with team members, internal clients, executive offices, and external partners.
• Strong problem‑solving skills.

Benefits

Health & Wellness:

• Medical plan options.
• Pharmacy.
• Vision.
• Behavioral health & Employee Assistance Program.
• Employee Wellness Program.

Financial Security:

• Basic Life Insurance.
• Life and Disability Insurance.
• Pension plans.
• Supplemental retirement plans (403(b) & 457(b)).
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).
• Spot Pet Insurance.

Work‑Life Balance: Competitive paid time off policies. Employees are required to reside within the City of Chicago for the first six months of employment and maintain Illinois residency thereafter.

About CPS

CPS is committed to ensuring every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world‑class learning experience. Six core values guide the work: student‑centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning.