Chief Program Officer

Center For Human Services•Modesto, CA

About The Position

The Chief Program Officer (CPO) provides overall leadership, operational management, and strategic integration across 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 intended to strengthen program outcomes, 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; oversees daily operations, performance, and continuous improvement; ensures compliance and contract oversight; and stewards financial and other resources across program portfolios. The CPO develops program leadership teams, builds external partnerships, represents the organization with funders and system stakeholders, and identifies emerging community needs and opportunities for program innovation. The position requires travel to additional site locations up to 30 miles. Physical demands may include lifting or pushing up to 25 pounds, carrying items up to 25 pounds for short distances, and other activities reasonably necessary to perform essential duties. The job description lists activities and environments including sitting, standing, walking on flat and uneven surfaces, driving, computer and phone use, writing, bending, reaching, climbing stairs, outdoor work in inclement weather, and work in school campus and shelter/residential environments. Reasonable accommodation is available as described in the job posting.

Requirements

Bachelor’s 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.
Pass agency-paid criminal justice screening, including fingerprints.
Pass agency-paid tuberculosis 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 MVR clearance with no more than 2 points; applicants under age 25 must have no points, as required by the organization’s insurance company.
Represent the agency professionally and competently and advocate for the agency and its clients.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, coworkers, clients, supervisors, and people of diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
Maintain confidentiality in accordance with legal standards and agency regulations.
Observe assigned working hours and program appointments, participate in assigned meetings and training, and complete assigned duties and reports in a timely manner.
Perform job duties safely and travel to additional site locations up to 30 miles.

Nice To Haves

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 for program 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 that streamline service delivery, increase cross-department collaboration, and enhance client outcomes.
Develop and monitor program dashboards, KPIs, and outcome metrics to support 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.
Oversee the financial performance and sustainability of program portfolios, evaluate financial implications of new services, and address underperforming programs or contracts.
Ensure effective resource allocation and advocate for investments that strengthen service delivery.
Identify opportunities for operational efficiencies and cost savings without compromising quality.
Mentor, coach, and develop program leadership teams; build management capacity and promote leadership from within.
Foster a culture of high performance, accountability, collaboration, and professional development.
Build and maintain 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.
Cultivate collaborative external relationships to sustain funding, enhance services, and expand organizational impact.
Represent the agency professionally and competently, advocate for the agency and clients, and maintain effective relationships with diverse colleagues, clients, partners, and members of the public.
Promote and 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 training, including representing the agency at assigned community meetings.
Observe assigned working hours and program appointments, and perform duties with promptness, preparation, 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.
Perform other duties and complete special projects as assigned.