Chief Program Officer

CENTER FOR HUMAN SERVICES•Modesto, CA

9d•$140,000 - $150,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Chief Program Officer (CPO) provides overall leadership, operational management, and strategic integration for the organization’s program areas, including ECM, Behavioral Health, Youth Services, Youth Navigation Center, and Family Resource Centers. The CPO develops and implements a cohesive, integrated service delivery model to strengthen outcomes across programs, improve client experience, and support operational excellence. As a member of the executive leadership team, the CPO partners with the CEO, COO, and CFO to align program operations with organizational strategy and sustainability goals. The role leads program integration and strategic development, day-to-day operations, continuous improvement, compliance and contract oversight, financial stewardship, and staff development. It also builds partnerships with community organizations, government agencies, funders, MCPs, and other stakeholders; represents the organization at public and system-level meetings; and serves as the primary liaison for external stakeholders related to program services. The position is based at the Center for Human Services in Modesto, California, is full-time, and has a day shift. Local travel is required, including travel to additional sites up to 30 miles. The role includes physical demands such as lifting or pushing up to 25 pounds, carrying items up to 25 pounds for short distances, and other activities described in the posting. Reasonable accommodation may be available for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Requirements

Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work, Public Administration, Psychology, Human Services, Organizational Leadership, Healthcare Management, or a related field.
At least 8 years of leadership experience, including at least 3 years in a senior operational management role.
At least 5 years of experience supervising and managing others, including senior leaders.
Demonstrated experience building integrated service models across programmatic areas.
Strong operational management skills, including project planning, process improvement, and systems development.
Expertise in data-driven program evaluation, outcomes measurement, and continuous improvement.
Experience developing or expanding services, securing partnerships or funding opportunities, and translating strategy into measurable results.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to translate vision into operational plans.
Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams through organizational change and service integration.
Passion for the organization’s mission and values.
Pass agency-paid criminal justice screening, including fingerprints.
Pass agency-paid tuberculosis (TB) screening.
Pass agency-paid health screening and/or drug testing, if required.
Valid California driver’s license and proof of auto insurance coverage.
Pass agency-paid motor vehicle record clearance with no more than 2 points; applicants under age 25 must have no points under the insurance company’s requirements.
Maintain confidentiality and follow legal standards and agency regulations.
Be able to perform the position’s essential functions, with or without reasonable accommodation, including the physical activities described in the posting.

Nice To Haves

An advanced degree, certification, or credentials.
Active California licensure as an LMFT, LCSW, LPCC, or psychologist.
Experience managing behavioral health, youth development, and/or family service programs.

Responsibilities

Lead the design, implementation, and execution of an integrated service delivery model across all service lines and programs.
Collaborate with executive leadership to develop and execute strategic plans that position programs for growth, innovation, and impact.
Ensure programs align with best practices, funding requirements, and organizational values.
Provide day-to-day operational leadership to program directors and management teams.
Implement process improvements to streamline service delivery, increase interdepartmental collaboration, and enhance client outcomes.
Develop and monitor program dashboards, KPIs, and outcome metrics for continuous quality improvement.
Monitor and improve program productivity, including caseloads, service units, staff utilization, and throughput, to meet performance and contract expectations.
Ensure program operations comply with applicable local, state, and federal regulations, funder requirements, and accreditation standards.
Oversee quality assurance processes, audits, and corrective action plans as needed.
Support grant compliance, including reporting, budgeting, and contract deliverables.
Take accountability for the financial performance and sustainability of program portfolios, evaluate the financial implications of new services, and address underperforming programs or contracts.
Ensure effective resource allocation and advocate for investments that strengthen service delivery.
Identify operational efficiencies and cost savings without compromising quality.
Mentor, coach, and develop program leadership teams and promote leadership from within.
Foster a culture of high performance, accountability, collaboration, and professional development.
Build and maintain strategic partnerships with community organizations, government agencies, funders, and other stakeholders to strengthen service networks and referral systems.
Represent the organization at community events, partner meetings, program collaborations, funder convenings, MCP strategy sessions, and system planning tables.
Identify emerging community needs and advocate for program innovations.
Serve as the organization’s primary liaison for funders, MCPs, government partners, and other key system stakeholders related to program services.
Perform other duties and complete special projects as assigned.
Represent the agency professionally and advocate for the best interests of the agency and clients.
Maintain effective working relationships with the public, coworkers, clients, supervisors, and people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
Support a culturally and linguistically diverse workforce and respond to the population within the service area.
Maintain confidentiality in accordance with legal standards and agency regulations.
Participate in assigned agency meetings, in-service training, conferences, and other trainings, including representing the agency at assigned community meetings.
Observe assigned working hours and program appointments; perform duties promptly and with preparation.
Perform assigned duties with a positive attitude and in a spirit of teamwork, collaboration, and cooperation.
Communicate effectively orally and in writing, and perform duties safely.
Travel to additional site locations up to 30 miles.
Participate in or support agency fund development activities and events.
Prepare assigned reports, work records, statistical data, job performance evaluations, and work plans in a timely manner.