Hybrid College and Career Partnership Specialist bei Communities In Schools of Chicago

College and Career Partnership Specialist

At Communities In Schools (CIS) of Chicago, we believe students can enhance their learning when their needs are met, and that includes mental and emotional health. Every day, we partner with Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and hundreds of community organizations to bring no-cost, high-quality programs directly to schools. These programs help students stay focused, engaged, and on track to graduate.

During the 2025-26 school year, we'll serve over 80,000 students across 250 schools, connecting them to life-changing support from arts and academic enrichment to health and mental wellness services. And we need your help to make it happen.

We're looking for a College and Career Partnership Specialist to join our team. If you're passionate about supporting college and career exposure, love building relationships, and want to play a key role in improving the success of thousands of Chicago students-this is your chance to make a real impact.

What You'll Do

You'll be part of our Community Partnership Team-the crew that connects schools with powerful programs from 200+ community partners. As the go-to expert for college and career readiness, your job is to ensure students have access to experiences and resources that help them navigate their next chapter with purpose.

• Build strong partnerships with 75+ organizations offering programming in career awareness, college and trade school preparation, financial education, and civic engagement.
• Connect between 15,000-20,000 students to meaningful programs that align with CIS's mission and each school's unique goals.
• Collaborate with school-based staff (Student Supports Managers and School Partnership Specialists) to match the right programs to the right students at the right time.
• Represent CIS at community-based coalitions, events, and with key CPS partners-keeping a finger on the pulse of college and career initiatives across the city.
• Observe programs in action, gather data, and adjust supports to ensure high-quality experiences for students and stronger relationships between schools and partners.
• Help lead professional learning sessions and networking events that build community partner capacity and elevate best practices in college and career readiness.

You're a Great Fit If You Are...

• A connector who gets excited about student futures and workforce development
• Knowledgeable about college access, postsecondary pathways, and career exploration
• A strong communicator who's just as comfortable presenting in a room as emailing a partner
• Organized, collaborative, and proactive-able to juggle details while staying focused on impact
• An advocate for equity who believes all students deserve access to opportunity
• Curious, adaptable, and eager to grow alongside the young people we serve

What You Bring

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree in education, youth development, or a related field is a plus
• 3+ years of relevant experience-ideally with urban schools, nonprofits, or youth-serving programs
• Understanding of CPS systems and college and career initiatives-or the drive to learn quickly
• Familiarity with program evaluation, partner training, and community engagement
• Reliable daily access to a vehicle, a valid driver's license, and the ability to travel to schools and partner sites
• Access to a remote workspace with internet connectivity

The Details

• Location: Hybrid - West Loop office 1-2 days/week + school and partner visits across Chicago
• Schedule: Full-time, year-round role following CIS's calendar (not CPS's)
• Salary: $50,000
• Benefits: Robust package including healthcare, retirement, and generous PTO

Communities In Schools of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all individuals feel valued, respected, and supported. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including childbirth and related medical conditions), race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, age, disability, medical condition, marital or family status, veteran or military status, citizenship, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

This commitment applies to every aspect of employment at CIS of Chicago, including recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, compensation, and all other conditions of employment. We believe that building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve strengthens our mission to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life.