Manager of Learning & Engagement

• Design, co-design, and facilitate human-centered, engaging, equity-centered professional learning experiences for adult learners that center educators’ and and practitioners’ expertise, including: high school counselors and advising teams; college access and success nonprofit staff; higher education admissions, advising, and student support professionals ; community-based organizations and community members. 

• Lead and support professional learning that is rooted in data and research and sparks genuine inquiry, reflection, collaboration, and action for audiences including educators, counselors, college access and success nonprofits, higher education staff, and other education stakeholders. 

• Develop session agendas, learning materials, tools, and facilitation strategies grounded in adult learning principles and sector best practices with a focus on data, reflection, and practice. 

• Design learning experiences that encourage joy, connection, and community-building alongside rigor and research. 

• Collaborate with internal data, research, and storytelling teams to integrate To&Through Project data, research, and insights into learning experiences. 

• Continuously refine professional learning offerings based on participant feedback, reflection, and outcomes. 

• Build and sustain strong working relationships with: CPS central office teams (e.g., Office of School Counseling and Postsecondary Advising); Higher education partners, including admissions, advising, student success, and retention offices; College access and success nonprofit organizations; Community-based organizations.

• Serve as a connector across K–12, higher education, and community stakeholders to align learning experiences and shared goals. 

• Translate complex data and systems-level information into formats that are accessible, relevant, and empowering for community audiences. 

• Support community-based initiatives that expand access to information and data for families and community members.

• Represent the To & Through Project in meetings, convenings, and cross-sector collaborations. 

• Support planning, facilitation, and logistics for To&Through public-facing events, including: To&Through convenings, workshops, learning sessions, and presentations for external partners and stakeholders.

• Serve as a facilitator or presenter for events focused on postsecondary pathways, educational attainment, data use, and educational equity. 

• Collaborate with internal teams to contribute content for newsletters, presentations, social media, and other engagement materials that elevate To&Through work.  

• Leverage research and data produced by To&Through teams and the Kersten Institute to inform learning and partnership efforts. 

• Stay current on the latest trends, research, and best practices in college access, higher education, and adult learning. 

• Contribute to refining conceptual frameworks, tools, and resources for To&Through networks and partners. 

• Coordinates program initiatives, ensuring unity of focus and purpose. 

• Under the direction of senior leadership, develops programs and relationships to advance program initiatives. 

• Performs other related work as needed. 

Preferred Qualifications

Education: 

• Bachelor’s degree in education, social sciences, public policy, social work, or a related field or Master’s degree 

Experience:

• 5+ years of experience designing and facilitating adult professional learning.

• 5-7 years relevant experience in educational settings, college access, or higher education (preferably serving historically underrepresented Black and Latine student populations; CPS experience).

• Experience partnering with practitioners and organizations to create professional learning experiences.

• Demonstrated expertise in adult learning, professional development, and/or postsecondary access and success. 

Preferred Competencies

• Strong belief in equitable educational outcomes for all students.

• Commitment to improving postsecondary access and success, particularly for underserved communities.

• Ability to design and facilitate human-centered professional learning that centers participants’ expertise, lived experience, and commitment to students. 

• Strong grounding in adult learning theory, facilitation strategies, and pedagogical design, including modeling practices participants can adapt for their own contexts. 

• Demonstrated ability to design actionable learning experiences that respect participants’ time and lead to concrete changes in practice, skills, or beliefs. 

• Comfort facilitating learning that is rooted in data and research, including qualitative and quantitative sources, while acknowledging limitations and ethical considerations. 

• Strong communication skills (written and verbal). 

• Understand the local Chicago education landscape and be able to leverage professional networks to disseminate knowledge and build community.

• Comfort facilitating and collaborating with school-based, non-profit, and higher education practitioners.

• Ability to build and manage relationships across difference.

• Experience presenting at and managing events; strong project management skills .

• Ability to organize, interpret, and present data to diverse audiences.

• Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and written/oral communication.

• Proficiency in Google Suite and Microsoft Office.

• Experience in AI and LLMs to support work structures and systems.

• Ongoing commitment to self-reflection, learning, and growth.