Job Summary: The Chief Program Officer (CPO) is a key member of the executive leadership team and is responsible for the strategic oversight, development, and execution of all program services. The CPO ensures that programs and services are impactful, sustainable, data-driven, and aligned with the organization’s mission, values, and long-term strategy. This role provides visionary leadership, drives program quality and innovation, and fosters a collaborative and accountable culture across departments and service areas.

Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership

1. Serve as the primary leader for all program services, ensuring services advance the organization’s mission and strategic plan.
2. Lead program and service strategy development, annual planning, and implementation in partnership with the CEO and executive team.
3. Identify opportunities for program and service growth, innovation, and diversification.

Program Management & Oversight

1. Oversee the design, delivery, and evaluation of all programs and services, ensuring high-quality, person-centered services.
2. Establish performance benchmarks, outcome measures, and data systems to track program effectiveness.
3. Ensure compliance with funder requirements, contracts, accreditation standards, and regulatory mandates.

Team Leadership & Development

1. Supervise and mentor program directors and managers, promoting a culture of empowerment, accountability, and professional growth.
2. Ensure teams are adequately staffed, trained, and equipped to deliver exceptional services.
3. Foster collaboration across departments, including finance, development, HR, and administration.

Quality, Impact, and Continuous Improvement

1. Implement systems for ongoing quality assurance, evaluation, and data-driven decision making.
2. Promote evidence-based and best-practice approaches across all service areas.
3. Lead continuous improvement efforts to strengthen program outcomes and participant experience.

Partnerships & Community Engagement

1. Build and maintain strategic partnerships with community organizations, schools, health systems, government agencies, and funders.
2. Represent the organization in community coalitions, meetings, and public forums.
3. Support advocacy initiatives that align with the mission and benefit program participants.

Collaboration With Development & Finance

1. Partner with the development team to support grant proposals, reporting, and impact storytelling.
2. Work with finance to develop and manage program budgets, ensuring financial sustainability.
3. Participate in forecasting, resource allocation, and grant compliance monitoring.

Organizational Leadership

1. Serve as a thought partner to the CEO and executive team in organizational planning, policy development, and strategic decision-making.
2. Model the organization’s core values, ensuring culturally responsive and inclusive practices.
3. Cultivate a positive, mission-driven culture rooted in dignity, inclusion, empowerment, collaboration, integrity, and advocacy.

Physical Responsibilities:

1.       The ability to lift to 50lbs.

2.      Ability to sit, stand, bend.

3.      The ability to drive to other program sites as needed:

a.       Remote office located in Okeechobee.

b.      Counties served: Martin, Okeechobee, St. Lucie, Indian River

Equipment Used:

1.       Standard office technology and equipment, including laptop/computer, printer, scanner, and multifunction devices.

2.      Common productivity software and digital platforms as required for daily tasks.

3.      Personal cell phone.

Qualifications:

1. Master’s degree in nonprofit management, social work, public administration, education, public health, or related field (preferred).
2. 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in program management within the nonprofit or human services sector.
3. Proven track record of leading multiple complex programs and managing high-performing teams.
4. Strong understanding of program evaluation, performance measurement, and data systems.
5. Experience with contract management, compliance, and grant-funded programs.
6. Excellent communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills.
7. Strategic thinker with the ability to balance vision with practical execution.
8. Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and person-centered service delivery.

Required Skills/Abilities:

1. 1. Leadership/Team Management skills.
   2. Proficient in Microsoft Office 365.
   3. Excellent people’s skills organized and dependable.
   4. Effective oral and written communication skills in daily work.
   5. Effective creative critical thinking skills.
   6. Experience working with culturally diverse communities/families, with demonstrated ability to exercise cultural humility.
   7. Works well independently and takes initiative to solve problems and complete tasks and projects.
   8. Ability to make sound judgments and manage stressful situations.
   9. Adhere to established safety procedures and practices in the work area.
   10. Maintain confidentiality and compliance with HIPAA standards.