Senior Investigator, SAU

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 Office's Sexual Allegations Unit (SAU) investigates allegations of sexual misconduct by a CPS-affiliated adult, including employees, contractors, vendors, and charter schools, where the victim is a CPS student and/or a minor. Job Summary: Reporting to the Chief Investigator, the Senior Investigator in the Sexual Allegations Unit will conduct investigations of a sensitive and difficult nature involving the sexual abuse or sexual harassment of CPS students. The Senior Investigator is responsible for performing the full range of duties related to investigations in the OIG with considerable latitude and independent judgment. Investigators in the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) fill a central role in executing the mission of the OIG. This is a full-time, exempt position that will be paid for time worked on a salary basis. The Senior Investigator will be held accountable for the following responsibilities: Interviews complainants, witnesses, and employees to gather facts in order to investigate cases of alleged sexual abuse or sexual harassment of CPS students Obtains evidence through site visits, written requests, subpoenas, surveillance, cyber analysis, social media, and in coordination with other departments Examines and analyzes a variety of work records and related documents Prepares well-written reports of investigation activities conducted Prepares and coordinates investigative plans; serves as lead investigator on large-scale, complex and/or highly sensitive investigations Closely coordinate with CPS's Law, Safety and Security, and Title IX Offices, other departments, and external agencies to ensure student safety and facilitate the delivery of trauma and/or social-emotional services to students, families, and staff; Testifies in court and hearings Collaborates with and assists other investigative staff to conduct criminal, large-scale, and complex investigations Updates, manages, and maintains caseload and case files Helps train and assist entry level investigators on standard and specialized investigative techniques. Serves as a mentor to less experienced investigators, serves as a subject matter expert in various investigative legal areas and provides guidance and expertise to colleagues as needed Other duties as assigned In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the Senior Investigator must possess the following qualifications: Education Required: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, required Experience Required: Minimum of five (5) years of professional experience conducting investigations (ie: performing fact-finding analysis, investigative research, data analysis, and reporting work), including the following, is required: Experience investigating sexual misconduct, particularly child sexual abuse or sexual harassment, and performing field work, such as interviews of children and/or victims of sexual abuse, sexual harassment, or trauma Other Requirements: Work outside of regular business hours is required to support investigations Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of sexual assault or sexual harassment issues and the relationship of sexual assault or sexual harassment on victims Ability to exercise considerable independence and initiative in the performance of responsibilities; operate with minimal guidance and direction Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to work with diverse constituents, including children, parents, faculty, staff and law enforcement, with diplomacy and tact High levels of integrity, honesty, credibility, and refined judgment; capable of managing highly sensitive, confidential information Strong skills in the areas of conflict resolution, problem-solving techniques, interviewing, and investigation Analytical and critical thinking skills demonstrated by the ability to analyze information and facilitate resolution of difficult challenges Ability to write concise, logical and analytical reports to convey complex issues Capable of prioritizing tasks, managing multiple deadlines and working independently while maintaining high levels of organization 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 Overviewor thebenefits handbookfor 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.

Created: 2026-03-10