Job Description

Job Summary:

The Chief Program Officer (CPO) is a key executive leadership role responsible for overseeing the strategic planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of all programs and services offered by SWK’s UM Division. Reporting directly to the President & CEO, the CPO will play a critical role in shaping the organization's impact and ensuring that we continue to serve youth effectively and efficiently. The CPO will provide mentoring, guidance, supervision, and professional development to all UM program leadership staff; and enhance the structure of the organization by staying abreast of developments in our areas of business. The CPO will have national oversight of programs in 26 states with a complex service model that includes, but is not limited to, Case Management, Medical, Education, Behavioral Health, Food Services, and shelter. UM division includes Shelters, Long Term Foster Care Programs and Home Study/Post Release Programs.

Essential Functions:

1. Strategy and Development:

• In coordination with the President/CEO and executive team, play a key role in the overall development, and execution of a comprehensive strategic plan, and management of service delivery covering our organizational footprint.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive program strategy aligned with the organization's mission and goals.
• Build and maintain an effective organizational structure to support growth and scalability.
• Identify opportunities for growth, innovation, and expansion of youth-focused programs.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design and launch new initiatives.
• Support fund development efforts through proposal writing and partnering with the Vice Presidents and CEO to steward funding relationships.
• Monitor emerging needs among key stakeholders such as clients, industry, government, philanthropy, and public need.
• Respond to government and foundation requests for proposals and applications in partnership with fund development and senior staff; coordinate planning and activities necessary for development of model program designs in response to RFPs and RFAs.
• Assess and manage business risk, including financial, operational, and market risk.

2. UM Division Program Management:

• Oversee the coordination, integration, and delivery of all programs, contracts, and related services, promoting collaborative relationships between program areas and ensuring that the expectations of funders, partners, constituents, clients, and other stakeholders are consistently met.
• Oversee all programmatic activities, ensuring the delivery of high-quality services to youth.
• Set clear performance metrics and regularly evaluate program effectiveness.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and adaptability.
• Deploy resources efficiently and effectively toward organizational goals, working with staff to balance workload and effort, and provide regular feedback so that key staff can continuously improve their supervision and mentoring skills.

3. Team Leadership:

• Recruit, lead, and mentor a diverse team of Executive leadership program managers and coordinators.
• Provide overall guidance by overseeing the administration of Case Management, Medical, Education, Behavioral Health, Food Services, and Shelters.
• Provide guidance, support, and professional development opportunities for staff.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment
• Create and support a high performing culture in the UM Division aligned with SWK core values. Develop a team-based environment to motivate and inspire staff to work collaboratively toward vision and goal, by clearly communicating agency vision, implementing yearly staff development plans, and mentoring.

4. Partnership and Stakeholder Engagement:

• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with other non-profits, government agencies, and community organizations.
• Build partnerships globally and internationally in efforts to expand our organizational goals and extend resources and services to the children we serve.
• Represent the organization at relevant conferences, meetings, and events.
• Cultivate relationships with donors and funding partners to secure programmatic resources.
• Serve as liaison to key government agencies.
• Organize and coordinate inter-departmental and cross-functional operations.

5. Budget and Resource Management:

• Develop and manage the UM Division overall budget, and individual program budgets ensuring responsible allocation of resources.
• Monitor financial performance and make data-driven decisions to optimize program efficiency.

6. Data and Impact Measurement:

• Ensure that the design of qualitative and quantitative goals and outcomes set across programming exceed reporting requirements and adequately inform continued needs, progress made and alignment to the expectations set by the organization.
• Implement robust data collection and evaluation processes to measure program outcomes.
• Use data to assess the impact of programs and make informed decisions for improvement.
• Explore and examine data to identify patterns, trends, and insight.
• Summarize historical data to understand past performance

Other Functions:

• Provide assistance, and information for the Board of Directors as requested.
• Able to react to change productively and handle other essential tasks as assigned

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (master’s preferred).
• Minimum of 7-10 years of senior-level experience in program management and leadership within a non-profit or youth-serving organization.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing with all levels of the organization, partners, policy makers funding sources, contractors, and
• Demonstrated success in developing and implementing programs that deliver measurable results.
• Strong understanding of non-profit service operational models and best practices.
• Proven ability to build and maintain effective partnerships with stakeholders.
• Exceptional leadership, team building, and communication skills.
• Budget management experience and financial acumen.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of program delivery.
• Passion for and dedication to the mission of SWK.
• Extensive travel requirement

Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate with employees at all levels of the organization.
• Bilingual preferred
• A demonstrated commitment to high professional ethical standards and a diverse workplace.
• Ability to successfully navigate in a fast-paced, outcomes-driven, and entrepreneurial environment.
• Well-organized, self-motivated, and strong attention to detail.

Physical Demands:

The role of Chief Program Officer (CPO) overseeing a national program model demands a high level of physical stamina and flexibility. This position involves frequent travel, both domestically and occasionally internationally, to various program sites, partner organizations, and conferences. Travel requirements may fluctuate but can be intense at times, requiring adaptability to changing schedules, time zones, and different environments. The CPO must be prepared to engage in extensive periods of walking, standing, and sitting during travel and on-site visits. Additionally, the ability to lift and transport materials, equipment, and presentation materials may also be necessary. The physical demands of this role are essential for effective leadership, as it allows the CPO to directly assess program operations, build strong relationships with stakeholders, and ensure the highest standards of program delivery across diverse geographical locations. Prepared for onsite emergency response situations, on-call, 24-hour response to active shooter situations, protesters, and natural or unforeseen disasters.

Work Environment:

The work environment for a Chief Program Officer (CPO) in SWK is characterized by a professional and collaborative setting that fosters innovation and impact. The CPO will be based at one of our organization's headquarters, working in a modern and well-equipped office space that encourages creativity and teamwork. This role operates within a dynamic and fast-paced atmosphere, where strategic thinking and decision-making are paramount. The CPO collaborates closely with a dedicated team of professionals who share a passion for our mission, and the work environment promotes open communication, mutual respect, and diversity and inclusion. Regular meetings, both in-person and virtual, provide opportunities for cross-functional collaboration and knowledge sharing. The CPO will have access to the resources necessary to drive meaningful change and shape the future of our organization's UM Division. This position involves extensive travel.

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