Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is a district on the rise, serving over 325,000 students in 500+ schools and employing over 45,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life. Aligned with our transformed philosophy, we are steadfastly focused on ensuring that the District provides resources equitably to support every student, every school, and every community. Six core values guide the work we do every day for our students – student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning. Each role in the district supports our vision that every student deserves a rigorous, joyful, and equitable learning experience.

The Office of Inspector General is the independent oversight body for Chicago’s approximately 500 public, contract, and charter schools. The Office of Inspector General is charged with the responsibility of investigating allegations of waste, fraud, and financial mismanagement in public education within the jurisdiction of the Chicago Board of Education. The OIG’s Performance Analysis Unit conducts data analysis and performance reviews to make recommendations and improvements to CPS programs and processes.  

Job Summary: 

Reporting to the Inspector General and Deputy Inspector General of the GIU, the Chief Performance Analyst leads the Performance Analysis Unit in conducting performance reviews, audits, and analyses of Chicago Public Schools operations. This role will deliver data-backed recommendations to improve district programs and operations. This is a full-time, exempt position that will be paid for time worked on a salary basis.

The Chief Performance Analyst will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:

• Supervise, develop, and manage the performance of the Performance Analysis Unit conducting performance audits and operational reviews of Chicago Public Schools departments, programs, and schools, including the direct involvement and management of:

  • Plan, assign, and monitor the team’s work

  • The collection of quantitative and qualitative data through methods such as fieldwork, interviews, and system data pulls

  • The analysis and interpretation of data to identify operational inefficiencies, program risks, and areas for improvement

• Write, review and edit final reports to the Board detailing PAU performance reviews, ensuring that all findings and recommendations are logically sound, evidence-based, and compliant with office standards and Board policies

• Establish, modify, and implement operating procedures and work standards for the Performance Analysis Unit; conduct formal performance evaluations of PAU staff

• Collaborate with and assist senior investigative staff in conducting large-scale and/or complex investigations, as required

• Other duties and workstreams as assigned

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the Chief Performance Analyst must possess the following qualifications: 

Education Required: 

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university

• Specialization in program evaluation, data analysis, or research methodology, strongly preferred

• Advanced degree in public policy, public administration, criminal justice, law, or a related field preferred

Experience Required: 

• Minimum of five (5) years of work experience in conducting policy and performance reviews, program auditing, operations analysis, public policy research, K-12 oversight, and/or complex investigations

• Professional experience leading projects and supervisory experience strongly preferred

• Prior government or independent oversight body experience, preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to design and implementing data collection methods

• Strong critical-thinking skills with a proven ability to analyze complex data and write clear, concise, and logical reports

• Ability to prioritize tasks, manage shifting deadlines, and work independently while maintaining exceptional organization and attention to detail

• Demonstrate high levels of professional integrity, honesty, and refined judgment, including a proven track record of handling highly sensitive and confidential information

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to manage others, build collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders, and communicate effectively across all levels

• Strong working knowledge of data organization and collaboration tools, specifically Microsoft Office and Google Workspace

Benefits:

Health & Wellness: Your Care, Your Choice

CPS is committed to providing comprehensive health coverage to our employees and their eligible dependents. You'll have access to a variety of choices to best fit your needs:

Medical Plan Options

Pharmacy

Dental

Vision

Behavioral Health & EAP

Employee Wellness Program

Financial Security: Planning for Today and Tomorrow

We understand the importance of financial stability, which is why CPS offers strong retirement and savings options:

Basic Life Insurance

Life and Disability Insurance

Pension Plans

Supplemental Retirement Plans (403(b) and 457(b))

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Spot Pet Insurance
 

Work-Life Balance: Supporting Your Personal and Professional Life

CPS values the well-being of its employees and offers competitive paid time off policies:

Paid Leave

Sick Leave

Vacation Days

Parental Leaves

Short-Term Disability

Religious Holidays

Leaves

Reference the Chicago Public Schools: A Comprehensive Benefits Overview or the benefits handbook for comprehensive details.

Conditions of Employment

As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), employees are required to:

• Establish/Maintain Chicago Residency - Employees are required to live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of their CPS hire date and maintain residency throughout their employment with the district. The Chicago residency requirement does not apply to temporary/part-time positions; however, all CPS employees must be residents of Illinois.