Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
SEARCH FOR
Chief Executive Officer for Chicago International Charter SchoolChicago, Illinois
ABOUT CHICAGO INTERNATIONAL CHARTER SCHOOL
CICS is a pioneer—one of Illinois’ first charter
networks to lead talented and autonomous school
operators with a wide range of school models. For more
than 20 years, CICS has leveraged innovation to make
breakthrough change happen.
With a history of improving student academic performance, CICS has provided better return on the public dollar, outperformed neighborhood schools, run an innovative model that has incubated and birthed new school models, and provided talented educators the opportunity to launch and manage new schools and organizations.
CICS campuses are designed for Chicago communities, with approaches as diverse as the communities the organization serves. Charter schools began as an innovation lab for public education, and CICS’ structure allows for innovation at a scale that serves students across Chicago.
With an operating budget of $110M+ bolstered by cash reserves, CICS is positioned to be creative, take more risks, and prioritize new ideas as it delivers on the network’s commitment to diverse student and educator experiences.
By offering Chicago families excellent and innovative school choices, CICS creates the conditions for school leaders and educators to focus on what matters most: supporting students to thrive every day on their path to success.
2 Chief Executive Officer, Chicago International Charter School
Through 14 schools managed by diverse operators, CICS serves 8,300 students and offers varied and high-quality options to families across 56 Chicago communities. The network’s SMO partners include
Distinctive Schools, an educational practice leader committed to social justice and the elevation of access and achievement in underserved communities, is to support each child in becoming an engaged and curious learner, a confident self-advocate, and a creative problem-solver by setting high expectations and nurturing a positive culture that honors diversity, collaboration, and optimism.
Civitas Education Partners, which aims to provide teams and students with an exceptional experience rooted in high expectations for student achievement and civic responsibility.
ReGeneration Schools, which has a mission of ensuring that all children have equal access to high quality, college preparatory education.
CICS’ model is designed to deliver on the promises of the charter school movement: greater choice for families, autonomy and empowerment for educators, and space for innovations that fuel broader improvements.
A leader among its peers in the charter landscape, CICS truly embodies and delivers on its vision for education equity. Through the Education Entrepreneur Fellowship, CICS identifies brilliant education entrepreneurs eager and ready to commit to the same ambitious vision. These leaders crave empowerment and leadership to do more for students. The network supports them as they launch innovative new school models and organizations that redesign the learning environment.
Looking ahead, CICS will build on its legacy of innovation while embracing collaboration as the network adapts to a rapidly changing world. CICS is poised to enhance its reputation as a hub of excellence, equity, and innovation in Chicago education. In the years to come, every student will flourish, every school will meet the unique needs of its community, and every success will improve our city and our world.
ABOUT CHICAGO INTERNATIONAL CHARTER SCHOOL
For more information on CICS, please visit the website.
3 Chief Executive Officer, Chicago International Charter School
Position Summary
As CICS enters this next chapter, it seeks an exceptional
CEO to lead the organization to achieve even greater
levels of strategic impact, innovation and influence
– knowing that these external indicators derive from
a healthy organization with talented staff, strong
collaboration, and a solid reputation in the field.
The CEO will be responsible for carrying out the CICS’ consistent achievement of its mission and strategic vision. The CEO will bring transparency, empathy and visionary leadership to all areas of the CICS, providing oversight of academic achievement, operations, culture, values, talent, financial objectives and community engagement.
Reporting to the Board of Directors and leading an extraordinary team of 40+ network staff supporting 14 schools with 8,300 students and 600+ teachers, the CEO will spearhead the development and implementation of strategies to ensure the operational, financial and cultural health of CICS as it evolves to enable even greater impact.
In collaboration with the Board, Senior Leadership Team and staff, the CEO will lead CICS into its next chapter, ensuring the organization’s external presence, internal controls and fiscal policies are aligned with its mission and vision.
THE OPPORTUNITY
4 Chief Executive Officer, Chicago International Charter School
THE OPPORTUNITY
A highly capable manager, this leader will demonstrate investment in and maintain a presence with, CICS staff, SMO leaders and the school community. The CEO will promote a culture of collaboration, innovation and excellence across the network. This accessible and inclusive leader will have the opportunity to build strong and lasting relationships with the families and communities CICS serves and will ensure that the organization continually advances its mission.
The CEO will embody CICS’ strong commitment to equity and will enhance operations and promote the organization, accelerating its impact, resource development and brand recognition. As the key spokesperson for the organization, the CEO will expand CICS’ existing funding with diversified support from foundation, corporate and individual funders, government, and other sources of income by developing partnerships throughout the community in concert with the Board and staff.
5 Chief Executive Officer, Chicago International Charter School
THE OPPORTUNITY
The CEO will cultivate a strong and transparent working relationship with the Board of Directors and ensure open communication about the measurements of academic, programmatic, financial, talent and impact performance against CICS’ milestones and goals.
Moreover, the CEO must be able to harness the momentum that has been built, apply an entrepreneurial zeal and mindset, and leverage the power of metrics and data to strengthen the organization’s credibility and brand as a leader in education, social and economic empowerment across Chicago.
This is a remarkable opportunity to oversee 14 innovative, community-driven schools in collaboration with a passionate and dedicated team of educators, staff, Board members, families, and students while building on CICS’ 20+ years of service to Chicago communities.
6 Chief Executive Officer, Chicago International Charter School
Organizational Leadership and Management
• Provide inspirational, supportive and empowering leadership for a diverse range of extraordinarily passionate, committed and skilled staff members.
• Ensure the internal culture supports the mission and promotes synergy and collaboration across the organization.
• Lead the implementation of CICS’ organization-wide vision and the development of a new strategic plan, with appropriate delegation to direct reports.
• Understand how emerging economic, social, and political developments may present opportunities and challenges for the organization, and rapidly bring these to the forefront of new or modified funding, programmatic, or growth strategies.
• Demonstrate an energetic, entrepreneurial nature that combines leadership and intellectual curiosity with practical management skills.
• Enhance the culture of diversity, equity and inclusion in all aspects of the organization and support the values of social justice within the organization and in its work in community.
Board Management
• Maintain a transparent relationship with the Board and work collaboratively with members to set the organization’s strategic direction and priorities, enabling the organization to adapt to a constantly changing external environment.
• Work with Board and staff leadership to recruit and cultivate new Board members that best fit the organization’s values and growth objectives.
• Provide regular reports on all strategic, operational, and programmatic matters.
• Collaborate with Board leadership to build their governance and/or giving capacity and assist in the identification and cultivation of new Board members.
• Assure that the Board understands the present-day priorities, challenges and opportunities in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and recent events in Chicago’s education landscape.
Fundraising
• Actively lead and participate in CICS’ long-term fundraising efforts to secure significant investments from individuals, foundations, corporations, and/or government entities.
• Partner with the resource development staff and Board in achieving annual fundraising goals in line with sustainability and growth targets.
• Strengthen the development team to support network objectives.
Key Responsibilities
7 Chief Executive Officer, Chicago International Charter School
The most competitive candidates for the position will have the following personal and professional qualities, skills and characteristics:
Organizational Excellence
While embodying the qualities of a visionary leader, the CEO must also be grounded in strategic, results-driven work. The CEO will bring experience retaining, building and leading teams of the highest degree of academic and operational excellence, with a deep commitment to guiding team members’ growth and development. This leader will demonstrate the ongoing ability to diagnose critical areas for attention, and implement clear, action-oriented strategies that address CICS’ challenges. The CEO will lead the completion and ongoing adaptation of the recent strategic planning process by working collaboratively with Board and staff. The CEO must be intellectually curious, keeping abreast of new knowledge and developments, including the implementation of best practices and seeking new ways to achieve synergy. Finally, the CEO must be willing to work across the organization to foster a strong sense of community and unity amongst the staff, leadership, and Board of Directors, including a strong culture and practice of professional development, support and mentorship. In particular, the CEO will have experience retaining, developing and building best-in-class teams, consistently soliciting and/or inviting feedback in conjunction with self-development.
Academic Leadership
The CEO will bring a deep understanding of the educational landscape, including the charter school and public-school environments. This leader will be energized by the potential in bridging this divide. An experienced educator, the CEO will have a demonstrable track record of achieving high levels of individual student growth and strong results, with a focus on college success and readiness. The CEO will bring deep and diverse experience in education, ideally both as a teacher and a principal or administrator, with direct experience working in or partnering closely with a public-school district in an urban setting. Moreover, the ideal candidate will have experience establishing productive relationships with teachers’ unions and navigating related challenges as they arise.
CANDIDATE PROFILE
8 Chief Executive Officer, Chicago International Charter School
CANDIDATE PROFILE
Innovation & Change Management
This leader will be future-oriented, will promote innovation, and will inspire others. The CEO will have experience monitoring and measuring the impact of change on the organization’s overall strategy and be able to adapt to change quickly and positively. Action-oriented, entrepreneurial, and adaptable the CEO will have an ability to build and leverage new and innovative approaches to problem-solving and day-to-day operation. The CEO must have the ability to think, plan, and act in a cross-functional, integrative way with an eye towards the future. Experience utilizing data and technology will be critical to continually improve efficiency and the quality of work, and to sustain CICS’ reputation for high-quality programming, data-driven evaluation and results. A trailblazer, the CEO will have the drive and passion to remain at the forefront of the sector by continuing to refine and develop opportunities to serve the mission.
Ambassador & Collaborator
The CEO will have the character and confidence to work comfortably in a highly visible role and to interact effectively with a broad range of constituents. An inspirational and charismatic leader, the CEO will serve as the chief ambassador for CICS, continually seeking opportunities to share the organization’s innovative history, impact, and future direction. The CEO will be invested in building relationships with CICS’ various stakeholders, both internal and external, and will have an understanding of the unique needs and challenges of Chicago communities. This leader will be responsible for developing a comprehensive strategy to build on past fundraising successes and to enhance CICS’ current funding platform. With an appetite for establishing connections and strengthening partnerships, the CEO will have demonstrated skill at diversifying revenue streams, including seeking out grants from state and federal agencies, corporate donors, and other funders. This leader will be known for maintaining poise and calm under pressure, paired with a deep understanding of how to navigate the legal and political landscape of charter schools. Bringing political savvy to the role, the CEO will be confident engaging with elected officials to advocate on behalf of CICS.
9 Chief Executive Officer, Chicago International Charter School
CANDIDATE PROFILE
Passion for the Mission & Chicago Communities
An inspiring and engaged leader, the CEO will have a genuine passion for community building and educational equity and access. Moreover, the ideal candidate will have an authentic connection to underserved communities. This empathic leader will have a deep understanding of issues of equity and will be responsive to and advocate for the needs of CICS’ students and families. It will be imperative for the CEO to effortlessly demonstrate an unambiguous commitment to educational access an understanding, sensitivity, and respect for cultural values, practices, beliefs, and social experiences of diverse communities, exhibiting a high level of cultural competence. The successful candidate will be an empathic and charismatic leader who treats others with respect.
10 Chief Executive Officer, Chicago International Charter School
Koya Leadership Partners, the executive search firm that specializes in mission-driven search, has been exclusively retained for this engagement. Marissa Martin and Chartise Clark are leading this search. To make recommendations or to express your interest in this role please visit this link here or email
All nominations, inquiries, and discussions will be considered strictly confidential.
Chicago International Charter School provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.
HOW TO APPLY
About Koya Leadership Partners
Koya Leadership Partners, a member of the Diversified Search Group, is a leading executive search and strategic advising firm dedicated to connecting exceptionally talented people with mission-driven clients. Our founding philosophy—The Right Person in the Right Place Can Change the World—guides our work as we partner with nonprofits & NGOs, institutions of higher education, responsible businesses, and social enterprises in local communities and around the world.
Koya is an equal opportunity employer fully committed to creating an environment and team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, styles, and experiences. We encourage all to apply because we believe a diversity of voices leads to better discussions, decisions, and outcomes for everyone.
For more information about Koya Leadership Partners, visit www.koyapartners.com.
11 Chief Executive Officer, Chicago International Charter School
