Chief Program Officer

General Summary or Overall Purpose

The Chief Program Officer (CPO) plays a pivotal role within the organization, primarily responsible for overseeing and managing all aspects of its programs and initiatives. This includes developing and executing program strategies in alignment with the organization’s mission and goals, ensuring efficient resource allocation, monitoring program performance, and assessing outcomes. The CPO collaborates closely with cross‑functional teams, stakeholders, and partners to drive innovation, evaluate program effectiveness, and make data‑driven decisions. The CPO reports directly to the CEO.

Principal Accountabilities

Lead the design, planning, and implementation of new programs, ensuring they meet identified needs and are scalable and sustainable.

Identifies community needs and assets –

ascertain needs and develop effective partnerships that build the capacity of the neighborhood‑based / community service delivery and family support system to include overseeing periodic community needs assessments that are inclusive of the diverse population of Ward 7 and the District of Columbia.

Ensures programs are developed based on the needs of the community and residents

with the Deputy for Senior Services, the Deputy for Family and Youth Services, and the Director for Community Engagement and Partnerships to develop programs and services based on needs assessments and requirements of funders.

Program and initiative building -

Oversees the expansion of youth, seniors, and family services and collaborative strategies for addressing community wealth building, mental health needs, and health and economic disparities in the District of Columbia.

Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to assess program effectiveness, regularly evaluating and adjusting programs to optimize outcomes.

Ensures quality program development

by advising the senior leadership team, as needed, to ensure that measurable outcomes across all programs are developed and tracked.

Works closely with the agency’s Quality Improvement Manager and staff from various grants to ensure that contract deliverables are met.

Recruit, mentor, and manage a high‑performing team of program managers and coordinators, fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability.

Provides direct supervision to Deputy Directors, Directors and one Manager (QA).

Build and maintain strong relationships with partners, funders, and other stakeholders, ensuring effective communication and collaboration to advance program objectives.

Foster strong relationships with the Healthy Families Thriving Communities Collaborative Directors to achieve prominence in the District of Columbia’s child well‑being system.

Attend monthly meetings of the HFTCC Directors / Program Leads.

Serve as a key leader / thought partner in the HFTCC movement.

Assist with funding joint efforts.

Assist in data collection and management.

In partnership with the CEO, begin the process of expanding services outside of the District of Columbia.

Facilitate the discussion of wealth‑building opportunities for Ward 7 residents and seek funding for those opportunities.

Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Proven ability to develop and implement strategic program plans that drive organizational goals and impact.

Proven ability to understand data to use in program evaluations.

Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of policies affecting families, youth, and seniors to include low‑resource communities.

Strong leadership and team‑building skills with experience in managing and motivating diverse teams.

Demonstrated experience in budgeting, financial management, and resource allocation within a nonprofit or similar organization is a plus.

Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to engage effectively with internal and external stakeholders.

Work Experience : Minimum of 7‑10 years of progressive leadership experience in program management, including at least 5 years in a senior management role.

Education :

Master’s degree in social work or related field desired; transferable skills may be accepted.

Certifications / Licensure :

A valid Driver’s license is required.

Specific Knowledge and Abilities / Computer Skills :

Must be proficient in basic MS Office programs including MSWord, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Explorer. Must have knowledge and experience using Internet job boards to locate opportunities.

Communication / Interpersonal skills :

Good written and verbal communication skills are required; courteous and responsive to the public; able to gather assessment information through conversation, listening, and observation skills; able to engage, build, and maintain relationships with clients through strong interpersonal skills; able to establish and maintain effective working relationships and work with others; able to maintain professionalism at all times.

Work Traits :

Organized, dependable, innovative, flexible, analytical, and self‑directed; able to work independently and within a team effectively; demonstrated cultural competence and responsiveness and a sincere interest in the mission and vision of the organization.

Special Considerations

Working Environment :

Indoor office environment 50% of the time; in the Ward 7 community and other agencies and organizations 50% of the time.

Travel :

Local travel; personal vehicle required.

Physical Requirements :

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit at a workstation and use a personal computer and telephone. The employee regularly meets with clients and / or partners within the community. The employee must regularly lift and / or move general office supplies, files, or boxes weighing up to 10 pounds.

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