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.

Job Summary: 

Reporting to the Chief Investigator, Investigators in the General Investigations Unit investigate matters involving allegations of misconduct, waste, fraud, and inefficiency within the Chicago Board of Education by employees, contractors, and others seeking to do business with the Board of Education. Investigators in the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) fill a central role in executing the mission of the OIG. This position primarily focuses on digital and data-driven investigations, but includes a broad range of standard casework as well. This is a full-time, exempt position that will be paid for time worked on a salary basis.

The Investigator will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:

• Interview complainants, witnesses, and employees to gather facts in order to investigate cases of alleged misconduct and violations of CPS policy and/or the law by Chicago Board of Education employees, vendors, etc
• Examine and analyze a variety of work records, related documents, and other evidence, utilizing data and digital investigation techniques as applicable, including:

  • Extracting and auditing data from various sources, including device logs and databases, while ensuring data integrity

  • Applying analysis to identify trends, patterns, or correlations

  • Translating findings into clear and relatable charts and dashboards

• Identify, locate and obtain evidence through site visits, written requests, subpoenas, surveillance, cyber analysis, social media, and in coordination with other departments

• Prepare well-written reports of investigation activities conducted

• Prepare and coordinate investigative plans

• Collaborate with and assist other investigative staff to conduct criminal, large-scale, and complex investigations

• Update, manage, and maintain caseload and case files

• Testify in court and hearings

• Other duties as assigned

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

Education Required: 

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university

Experience Required: 

• Minimum of three (3) years of full-time professional experience in  of fact-finding analysis, investigative research, data analysis, and/or reporting work, preferably in an investigative or compliance environment

• Experience using data analysis and visualization tools to collect, organize, and identify patterns (e.g., Python, R, SQL, Tableau, or similar software)

• Experience auditing system logs, databases, or enterprise software (such as HRIS or ERP systems) to detect patterns or irregularities preferred

• Experience in digital forensics or network security, preferred

Other requirements:

• Work outside of regular business hours is required to support investigations

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Proficiency in data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., SQL, Python, R, Tableau, or similar software) to query, interpret, and audit large datasets, system logs, and databases

• Familiarity and experience using open source intelligence (OSINT) tools and social media monitoring

• Ability to exercise considerable independence and initiative in the performance of responsibilities; operate with minimal guidance and direction

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

• Strong skills in the areas of conflict resolution, problem-solving techniques, interviewing, and investigation

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

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

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work with diverse constituents, build collaborative relationships, and communicate effectively across all levels with diplomacy and tact

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.