Program officer serp_jobs.h1.location_city

Job Description

Job Description

CHIEF PROGRAM OFFICER

Since its founding in 1877, The Fresh Air Fund, a not-for-profit youth development organization, has provided free life-changing summer experiences in the outdoors to more than 1.8 million children from New York City’s underserved communities. Young people also participate in year-round leadership, career exploration and educational programs. For more information, visit www.FreshAir.org.

Position Summary

The Fresh Air Fund is a youth development organization providing transformative outdoor experiences, at no cost, for New York City children from underserved communities. At six sleepaway camps in New York’s Mid-Hudson Valley, children have new experiences, learn new skills and gain new perspectives. Participants also take part in year-round leadership, career exploration and educational programs. We believe that investing in a child’s journey through life provides an opportunity for young people to learn, grow and thrive in our city and beyond.

The Chief Program Officer (CPO) will provide visionary and strategic leadership for all of The Fresh Air Fund’s programs, including our residential summer camps, year-round youth development initiatives, community outreach, and support services. The CPO will be a key member of the executive leadership team, responsible for aligning all programmatic efforts with the organization’s strategic plan and ensuring the highest quality outcomes for participants. This role requires a forward-thinking, data-informed leader who brings deep knowledge of youth development, a strong commitment to equity and the ability to communicate The Fund's work to Board, staff and funders.

The CPO must be on-call 24 / 7 during the summer. Experience with residential or overnight camping programs is strongly preferred.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Program Innovation

• Lead the implementation of the organization’s strategic plan across all program areas.
• Evaluate, enhance, and evolve current program models and curriculum using data, research, and evidence-based practices.
• Develop a long-term vision and annual plans for year-round programming that deepen engagement beyond the summer.
• Promote a culture of learning, continuous improvement, and innovation.
• Serve as a thought leader in the youth development and camping sectors, representing The Fund externally with partners, funders, and at conferences.
• Ensure program design and execution centers equity, inclusion, and trauma-informed youth development practices.

Program Operations & Management

Data, Budget, and Impact

Staff & Culture Development

Qualifications

Salary & Benefits

The salary range for this role is $245,000 - $257,000, commensurate with experience. The Fresh Air Fund offers a generous benefits package including medical, dental and vision insurance, flexible spending accounts, commuter benefits, and employer and employee retirement contribution plans.

The Fresh Air Fund requires all camp staff (including the Chief Program Officer) to be fully vaccinated against polio and MMR, or to provide reasonable accommodation, before employment begins.

Application Instructions

To apply, please submit an Chief Program Officer application. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. Please note that applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. No calls or recruiters, please.

The Fresh Air Fund is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to inclusive hiring, and dedicated to diversity in its work and on its staff. We strongly encourage candidates of all identities, experiences, orientations, and communities to apply.