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 Department of Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) strives to be the national model of Junior ROTC programs by developing responsible cadet-leaders of character through high-quality instruction and enrichment opportunities that enable the development of life skills, aspiration, and expectation to be college and career ready. The Department of JROTC oversees six Military Academy High Schools, one Military Academy within a school, thirty-six traditional JROTC programs, and one Middle School Cadet Corps Program.
Job Summary:
Reporting to the Principal with a dotted line to the Director of Military Instruction, the Commandant supervises the military model, the JROTC Military Instructors, the Military Property Coordinator, and the cadet corps within the school.
The Commandant will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:
Oversee and conduct JROTC operations within the assigned unit according to school rules, regulations, and policies.
Manage all military-related matters in the Academy.
Prepare school and staff for their JROTC Program of Accreditation (JPA).
Assist in the development of the community relations plan, using military expertise to expand the school’s outreach.
Ensure instructors share teaching responsibilities. Perform classroom instruction observations of JROTC instructors.
Manage the recruitment and retention efforts of all incoming freshman cadets.
Manage and execute all aspects of administrative transfers for cadets.
Respond to inquiries and concerns from students, parents, guardians, Board of Governors, Aldermen, and the general public concerning JROTC-related, school operating policies and procedures.
Manage the merit/demerit system for the school in coordination with the disciplinarian.
Other duties and work streams as assigned
In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the Commandant must possess the following qualifications:
Education Required:
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
JROTC Certification
Master’s degree preferred
Experience Required:
Minimum of eight (8) years of U.S. military experience required, including a minimum of three (3) years of classroom teaching experience required; Five (5) years of classroom teaching experience preferred
U.S. military officer O-3 or above required
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Ability to work in a team setting with multiple contributors on projects
Ability to prioritize work related to projects, people, and events to accomplish objectives and goals
Proficient in Military software i.e. JROTC Unit Management Systems (JUMS), Command Information Management Systems (CIMS), etc.
Excellent written and oral communication skills
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.
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.
