Chief Programs Officer

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the Chief Programs Officer (CPO) is responsible for the overall leadership, management, and performance of ECS’s programs and core operational functions. The CPO serves as the senior executive accountable for program delivery, operational excellence, and the business performance of ECS programs – early childhood education, children’s mental health, substance use disorder treatment, and homeless transitional housing - ensuring quality services, financial sustainability, regulatory compliance, and alignment with ECS’s mission and strategic priorities.

As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, the CPO partners closely with the CEO and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to translate strategy into execution, align program operations with financial realities, and build scalable, efficient systems that support high-impact services. The CPO also serves as a steward of ECS’s mission, values and strategic priorities, ensuring that services are delivered in a manner that reflects dignity, belonging and community-centered care.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Program Leadership & Delivery

• Serve as the executive leader and point of accountability for all ECS programs, including behavioral health, housing, and early childhood education and family services.
• Ensure high-quality, consistent, and effective program delivery aligned with ECS’s mission, strategic plan, and funding requirements.
• Oversee program planning, implementation, evaluation, and impact reporting, and also continuous improvement across the agency.
• Lead and support program directors and senior managers in operational execution, performance management, staffing, and cross-program coordination, fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability.
• Ensure compliance with all program-related contracts, licenses, regulations, and reporting requirements at the federal, state, county, and city levels.
• Drive programmatic consistency, best practices, and scalability across service lines.
• Ensure programs are designed and delivered using a culturally responsive approach that incorporates client voice and community input.
• In partnership with the facilities leader and CFO, ensure that ECS’s real estate portfolio, including lease negotiations, renewals, landlord relations, and occupancy planning, effectively utilizes space and aligns with program growth and service delivery needs.

Operations & Business Management

• Oversee day-to-day operations and internal systems that support program effectiveness and efficiency.
• Ensure policies, procedures, and operational controls are in place, consistently applied, and continuously improved.
• Promote strong collaboration across departments to improve workflows, eliminate silos, and enhance organizational effectiveness.
• Maintain current knowledge of applicable nonprofit, regulatory, and government-funded program requirements.
• Oversee and strengthen data systems and operational infrastructure to support real-time decision-making, performance management and continuous improvement.

Financial & Contract Management (in partnership with the CFO)

• Work closely with the CFO and CEO to align program operations with financial strategy, sustainability, and performance.
• Engage with the CFO in the development of annual budgets, interim financial forecasts, and comprehensive long‑and short‑term financial plans that inform programmatic and operational decision‑making. Monitor program financial performance, including contract revenues, expenses, and variances; take corrective action as needed.
• Ensure effective management of government contracts, grants, and other funding sources, including scope, budget alignment, and performance metrics.
• Support identification and development of new funding opportunities in coordination with Development, Finance, and the CEO.
• Share accountability for program-level financial performance and operational risk mitigation.

Leadership, Culture & Accountability

• Provide strong leadership, coaching, and accountability to program and operational leaders.
• Foster a culture of performance, transparency, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Support organizational change efforts and the implementation of strategic initiatives.
• Support the development and maintenance of workforce strategies that address recruitment, retention, staff development and workforce sustainability across ECS programs.

Strategic Partnership & External Engagement

• Partner with the CEO, CFO, and Leadership Team on strategic planning, growth opportunities, and organizational development.
• Support Board of Directors and Board committees through preparation, reporting, and participation as assigned.
• Represent ECS with funders, government partners, community stakeholders, and external collaborators as appropriate.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the CEO.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Public Administration, or a related field required; Master’s degree preferred.

Experience: 

• Minimum of 10 years of senior leadership experience, preferably in a nonprofit organization focused on health and human services 
• Significant experience overseeing large, complex programs and agency operations
• Demonstrated experience managing budgets of $20+ million
• Strong background in government-funded contracts and compliance
• Proven ability to operationalize strategy and drive organizational performance

OTHER / SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Ability to pass required physical examination, drug/alcohol screening, and tuberculosis test. Fingerprint clearance, criminal background check, and exclusion/debarment verification. Valid driver’s license and proof of insurance for personal vehicle use.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to read computer screens and reports
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, climb, stoop, kneel, and lift up to 25 pounds as needed

Disclaimer: This job description may be revised as organizational needs evolve and does not constitute a contract of employment.

FLSA: Exempt