Commandant, JROTC; Phoenix Military Academy

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.

Position Type:
Military Position

Overtime Status:
Exempt

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.

• 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 and 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.

• Education:
  
  Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university; JROTC Certification.
• Experience:
  
  Minimum of eight (8) years of U.S. military experience, including a minimum of three (3) years of classroom teaching experience required (five years 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; proficiency in Military software such as JROTC Unit Management Systems (JUMS), Command Information Management Systems (CIMS), etc.; excellent written and oral communication skills.

As a condition of employment, employees are required to:

• Establish/Maintain Chicago Residency – employees must live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of their CPS hire date and maintain residency throughout their employment. The Chicago residency requirement does not apply to temporary/part‑time positions; however, all CPS employees must be residents of Illinois.