School Partnership Specialist at Communities In Schools of Chicago

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 School Partnership Specialist to join our team. If you're passionate about supporting the unique needs of schools, 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.

A Day in the Life

SPSs spend their days on the move-literally and figuratively. During peak periods, they may drive 400+ miles a month to meet with school contacts, attend school events, and activate partnerships. But it's not just about miles-it's about moments.

Whether you're attending a science fair, meeting in a school or following up on a mental health referral, the work requires persistence, adaptability, and heart. SPSs are often the first to hear what schools need-and the last to leave until they're supported.

What You'll Do

• Listen + Learn: Understand each school's unique culture, needs, and communication style.
• Connect + Support: Refer programs aligned to those needs, not just based on priorities but based on conversations and trust.
• Follow Through: Help schools activate the program, track its success, and circle back with feedback for both schools and community partners.
• Manage the Data: Enter and track all program referrals in our internal system-yes, even adding referrals yourself to prevent "I forgot Syndrome."
• Navigate Chaos with Calm: Meetings get canceled. Emotions run high. SPSs know how to absorb energy without letting it derail the work.
• Plan + Execute Events: Lead and organize ACTIVATE events and workshops, juggling logistics, budget, and follow-up to ensure strong school participation.
• Build the Bridge: Partner closely with Community Partnership Specialists to bring referrals to life, speaking confidently about program value.

You're a Great Fit if You Are:

You're part account manager, part community organizer, part counselor-and 100% committed. You thrive in dynamic environments, love building relationships, and approach challenges with humor and empathy.

• Skilled at multitasking and synthesizing info from multiple sources
• Confident communicator and relationship builder
• Detail-oriented with strong follow-through
• Empathetic listener with a solution-oriented mindset
• Comfortable driving across the city (reliable transportation required)
• Tech-savvy: Proficient with Microsoft Office, databases, and virtual meeting platforms

What You Bring

• Bachelor's degree required
• 2+ years of experience in education, nonprofits, or customer/account support
• Experience with urban public schools is highly preferred
• Must pass a CPS background check and hold a valid driver's license with daily access to a vehicle

The Details

• Location: Onsite: 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 time off

At CIS of Chicago, we're building a more just and supportive system for students-and it all starts with relationships. If you're ready to be the reason a school says, "we felt seen and supported," we want to hear from you.

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.