Chief Program Officer (CPO)

Mission-Driven Leadership | Human-First Culture | Transforming Lives Across Communities

Are you a leader who believes people come first—always?

Do you lead with both strategy and heart?

Are you driven by a deep commitment to serving individuals and strengthening communities?

We are seeking a Chief Program Officer (CPO) to join our Executive Leadership Team—someone who is not only a strong, experienced leader, but also deeply connected to our mission of supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, mental health challenges, and related conditions.

This is more than an executive role. It’s an opportunity to shape lives, empower teams, and build systems of care that truly meet people where they are.

About the Role

As Chief Program Officer, you will serve as both a strategic architect and operational leader, guiding the vision, quality, and growth of a diverse portfolio of programs across the state. 

You will oversee a full continuum of services—from early childhood and clinical care to residential supports, employment programs, and community integration—ensuring each service is person-centered, innovative, and impactful.

This role calls for a human-first leader—someone who values relationships as much as results, and who understands that behind every metric is a person, a family, and a story.

What You’ll Do

Lead with Vision & Purpose

• Set and drive a unified, statewide vision for high-quality, mission-aligned services 
• Partner with the CEO, Board, and executive team to expand programs and deepen impact 
• Translate big-picture strategy into meaningful, measurable outcomes 

Drive Innovation & Program Excellence

• Design and scale forward-thinking, person-centered service models 
• Anticipate emerging needs in disability and behavioral health services 
• Ensure programs are outcomes-driven, inclusive, and responsive to community needs 

?? Strengthen Operations & Impact

• Oversee day-to-day operations across clinical and non-clinical services 
• Improve systems, workflows, and service delivery to enhance quality and access 
• Monitor performance, outcomes, and program effectiveness 

? Champion Quality & Compliance

• Ensure excellence in regulatory compliance, safety, and ethical practices 
• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and learning 

Build and Inspire Teams

• Lead, mentor, and develop multidisciplinary teams across the organization 
• Create an environment where staff feel valued, supported, and empowered 

Ensure Financial Stewardship

• Collaborate on budgets, forecasting, and financial performance 
• Support sustainable growth while maintaining a strong commitment to quality care 

Engage the Community

• Build meaningful partnerships with agencies, providers, and advocacy groups 
• Represent the organization in community, policy, and stakeholder spaces 
• Advocate for access, inclusion, and equity in services

Who You Are

• You are a servant leader who brings both head and heart to your work.
• You believe in mission over ego and people over process 
• You have a deep respect for the individuals and communities you serve 
• You are as comfortable in strategy conversations as you are connecting with frontline teams 
• You lead with authenticity, compassion, and accountability 
• You inspire trust and bring out the best in others 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred in a related field 
• 10+ years of progressive leadership in disability services, behavioral health, healthcare, or nonprofit programs 
• Experience leading complex, multidisciplinary teams 
• Strong knowledge of Medicaid, HCBS, CMS, CARF, HIPAA, and regulatory environments 
• Proven success in strategic planning, program development, and operational leadership 

Why Join Us?

• Because here, your work matters—every single day.
• You’ll be part of an organization that is:
• Mission-driven and deeply committed to the communities we serve 
• People-centered, valuing both clients and team members 
• Forward-thinking, embracing innovation and growth 
• Impact-focused, measuring success by lives changed—not just numbers

Easterseals Florida has been rated a Great Place to Work (2020 - 2025) by our employees! We provide services daily that are leading the way to 100% equity, inclusion and access for people living with disabilities, families and communities. Working at Easterseals is more than just a job - it's an opportunity to be part of something bigger! If you want to translate your talent, your passion, and your commitment to help people with disabilities, families and the community, you might be exactly what we are looking for.

Easterseals Florida is a Drug Free Workplace (DFWP).

Easterseals Florida is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information.

Easterseals Florida is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact our HR department at (407) 629-7881, hr@fl.easterseals.com, 2010 Crosby Way, Winter Park, FL 32792.

 Under the directive of Florida House Bill 531, our organization utilizes the Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse. More information regarding the background screening requirements for this position can be found on the Florida HealthSource Background Screening website or at this specific link: https://info.flclearinghouse.com.