Investigator - General Investigations Unit
Chicago Public Schools
Chicago, IL
Job Number:
2600004UPosting Date
: Feb 3, 2026, 8:08:45 PMPrimary Location
: Central-567 West Lake Street (Inspector General)Estimated Annual Salary Range
: 67,000.00 - 89,000.00Overtime Status
: ExemptFinal salary offers are dependent upon candidate qualifications.
JOB DESCRIPTION ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 650 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 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:
Under the direction of the Inspector General and supervision of the Chief Investigator, Investigators in the General Investigations Unit will 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.
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
- Obtain evidence through site visits, written requests, subpoenas, surveillance, cyber analysis, social media, and in coordination with other departments
- Examine and analyze a variety of work records and related documents
- 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 experience in positions requiring the performance of fact-finding analysis, investigative research, data analysis, and/or reporting work, preferably in an investigative or compliance environment
Other requirements:
Work outside of regular business hours is required to support investigations
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Ability to exercise considerable independence and initiative in the performance of responsibilities; operate with minimal guidance and direction
Refined judgment with the ability to manage highly sensitive and confidential information
Strong skills in the areas of conflict resolution, problem-solving techniques, interviewing, and investigation
Exceptional analytical and critical thinking skills demonstrated by the ability to analyze information and facilitate resolution of difficult challenges
Demonstrated superior ability to write concise, logical, and analytical reports to convey complex issues
Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple deadlines, and work independently while maintaining high levels of organization
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work with diverse constituents, including children, parents, faculty, staff, and law enforcement
Ability to work with a wide range of constituencies 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 theChicago 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.