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 problems through the integration of 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 8,000 Crown Family School graduates in the US and globally hold leadership positions in academia, at nonprofits, 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 Urban Education Institute (UEI), the Center for Health Administration Studies, 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 University of Chicago Crown Family School is the academic home to the Urban Education Institute (UEI), an internationally and nationally renowned institute addressing educational inequality in urban communities by conducting rigorous research, informing evidence-based policies, and implementing innovative practices to promote educational equity and excellence. At the heart of UEI’s mission is a commitment to using rigorous research evidence and authentic community engagement to transform and promote best practices and policies in education. We approach this work through an equity lens, ensuring that all components of our research and partnerships are interconnected and focused on addressing systemic inequities. These principles guide all our projects and partnerships, creating cohesive and impactful initiatives.

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 Network for College Success (NCS) Executive Director, the Deputy Director will be a key leader who provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, and programmatic support to drive impact in areas such as 9th-grade success, principal leadership, postsecondary success, and instructional improvement. The successful candidate is an experienced nonprofit leader with a deep commitment to and proven success in improving the learning experiences and academic outcomes of least-served students. This leader possesses effective team and project management skills, and has the ability to engage and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.

This position is grant funded. When the grant term expires, if funding continuance or additional funding isn’t identified, the position will end.

Responsibilities

Partner with the Executive Director to set and execute the organization’s strategic vision and priorities in accordance with University of Chicago policies

Ensure effective implementation and evaluation of existing programs aligned with the NCS mission and strategic plan

Support the development of new initiatives that enhance 9th-grade success, instruction, leadership development, and postsecondary transitions

Partner with UChicago Crown researchers to bring applicable urban education research to the forefront in professional learning

Utilize data to drive decision-making and continuous improvement

Manage the Director of Coaching and Project Specialist by establishing annual performance goals, allocating resources, and assessing annual performance

Adapt departmental plans and priorities to address resource and operational challenges

Leads the growth and development of a diverse talent pipeline, capable of staffing a diverse set of partnerships

Serve as a thought partner to the Executive Director on personnel decisions and succession planning

Build and maintain partnerships with funders, policymakers, community leaders, and organizations at the local, state, and national levels to advance the NCS mission

Represent NCS at conferences, public forums, and media opportunities as assigned

Lead assigned cross-functional initiatives that enhance program effectiveness and operational efficiency

Engages in development activities such as grant writing, donor stewardship, and partnership development

Supports the program through fundraising and other supportive efforts

Provides leadership to program staff

Develop, oversee and evaluate education outreach programs and related community relations strategies

Perform 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 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

Master’s degree in education or related field

Experience:

At least 12 years of team leadership experience in education, nonprofits, or related field

Preferred Competencies

Demonstrated commitment to public education and equitable outcomes for all students

A commitment to self-reflection and continuous improvement

Ability to hold team members accountable for performance, ensuring alignment with organizational goals

Deep understanding of school leadership and pathways to postsecondary success

Strong strategic planning and operational management skills

Proven ability to manage teams and develop leadership talent

Experience with fundraising, grant writing, and relationship-building with funders

Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills

Experience as a principal, assistant principal, or district-level leader

Experience working in an organization focused on 9th-grade success, principal leadership, or instructional improvement

Track record of scaling programs and leading organizational growth

Working Conditions

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

Travel to external local and national sites as needed

Application Documents

Application Deadline: 5/16/2025

Resume (required)

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Academic Affairs

Role Impact

People Manager

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

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

$135,000.00 - $153,000.00

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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