Chief Program Officer

Veterans Transition Center•Marina, CA

6d•$115,000 - $120,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Chief Program Officer (CPO) is a senior executive responsible for the strategic direction, administration, operational oversight, and continuous improvement of programs and services provided by Veterans Transition Center of California (VTC). Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the CPO provides leadership and accountability across housing, supportive services, case management, healthcare coordination, workforce development, and other Veteran-focused programs. The CPO ensures programs operate efficiently, meet contractual and regulatory requirements, maintain financial accountability, and achieve measurable outcomes that support VTC's mission. Working collaboratively with the CEO, Finance, Human Resources, Development, and program leadership, the CPO strengthens service delivery, supports organizational growth, and maintains operational excellence. The role balances strategic planning with hands-on operational oversight and promotes collaboration, compassion, professionalism, and continuous improvement. The CPO oversees program operations and leadership, healthcare-related service coordination, regulatory compliance and quality assurance, budget and grant performance, staff development, community partnerships, and program improvement. The position is based at VTC's campus in Marina, California, primarily in an office environment, with periodic visits to housing facilities and other program locations. Travel within Monterey County and surrounding service areas may be required, as may occasional evening or weekend hours.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Healthcare Administration, Social Work, Public Administration, Human Services, Nonprofit Management, Business Administration, or a closely related field; an equivalent combination of relevant education, professional experience, and demonstrated leadership qualifications may be considered.
At least five years of progressively responsible program-management experience, preferably in nonprofit organizations, healthcare administration, housing services, Veteran services, behavioral health, or community-based human services.
At least three years of supervisory or management experience involving employees, multidisciplinary teams, program supervisors, or departmental functions.
Demonstrated experience in program administration, operational planning, policy implementation, and performance improvement.
Experience developing, monitoring, or managing program budgets and organizational resources.
Experience with regulatory compliance, contractual requirements, grant-funded programs, or quality assurance activities.
Ability to lead teams, manage multiple priorities, and make sound operational decisions.
Strong executive leadership, organizational management, decision-making, conflict resolution, coaching, and problem-solving abilities.
Ability to supervise and support managers, set clear accountability and performance expectations, and foster a respectful and productive work environment.
Knowledge of nonprofit program management, service delivery, quality improvement, regulatory compliance, confidentiality, and documentation requirements.
Ability to evaluate program performance, implement operational changes, and manage multiple programs, responsibilities, and deadlines.
Ability to interpret budgets, financial reports, program performance data, and operational trends, and to practice sound financial stewardship and resource management.
Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to prepare executive reports, presentations, and operational recommendations.
Ability to build productive relationships with employees, community partners, funders, and government representatives and handle confidential information with discretion.
Proficiency with common office productivity applications, reporting systems, and electronic recordkeeping platforms; ability to use program data and performance dashboards and learn program-specific information systems.
Ability to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in Healthcare Administration, Public Administration, Social Work, Business Administration, Nonprofit Leadership, or a related field.
Executive or senior-level leadership experience within a nonprofit, healthcare, housing, or human services organization.
Familiarity with Department of Veterans Affairs programs, including homeless Veteran services and supportive housing initiatives.
Knowledge of Housing First principles, case management practices, permanent supportive housing, and homelessness prevention.
Experience with integrated healthcare services, behavioral health organizations, or community health partnerships.
Experience managing federally or state-funded programs.
Knowledge of workforce development, employment assistance, and educational support programs.
Experience developing strategic partnerships and leading organizational growth initiatives.
Military service or direct experience working with Veterans and their families is highly valued but not required.

Responsibilities

Serve on VTC's executive leadership team and provide strategic recommendations to the Chief Executive Officer.
Help develop and implement organizational strategic plans, goals, operational priorities, measurable program goals, and performance expectations.
Establish standards of accountability, communication, and operational excellence across programs, and lead program-related organizational change initiatives.
Provide executive oversight of direct-service programs, including transitional housing, permanent supportive housing services, case management, workforce development, healthcare coordination, and other supportive services.
Oversee daily program operations through assigned directors, managers, and supervisory personnel; establish standardized procedures and resolve significant operational issues.
Ensure service coordination, participant engagement, referral processes, timely service access, continuity of care, and person-centered, trauma-informed, culturally responsive service delivery.
Provide administrative leadership for healthcare-related service coordination, behavioral health partnerships, wellness initiatives, and integrated supportive services.
Collaborate with healthcare providers, behavioral health organizations, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and community partners to improve care access and service coordination.
Support appropriate referral pathways, healthcare documentation standards, and policies safeguarding confidentiality, privacy, and protected health information; ensure licensed clinical decisions remain with qualified professionals.
Supervise assigned program directors, managers, and supervisory staff; establish expectations, conduct supervisory meetings and evaluations, and address performance concerns.
Support hiring, onboarding, training, coaching, professional development, leadership development, employee retention, succession planning, and workforce development in coordination with Human Resources.
Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, funding agreements, VA requirements, housing standards, grant conditions, contracts, and organizational policies.
Establish program monitoring and quality assurance procedures; coordinate monitoring visits, funding reviews, inspections, and audits; develop corrective action plans and escalate significant compliance issues.
Collaborate with the CEO and Finance Department on annual program budgets; monitor expenditures, budget-to-actual performance, variances, funding restrictions, and financial controls.
Assess the financial implications and sustainability of program changes, staffing adjustments, and service expansions; identify efficiencies without compromising service quality.
Oversee programmatic compliance with grant agreements, funding requirements, and deliverables in collaboration with Development and Finance.
Establish program reporting processes and ensure accurate, complete, and timely reporting of service delivery, participant outcomes, funded activities, performance indicators, and contractual outcomes.
Review performance data to identify trends, service gaps, and corrective actions; prepare executive program summaries for the CEO and Board of Directors as requested.
Represent VTC in meetings with community partners, government agencies, funders, and service providers as authorized by the CEO.
Maintain and develop partnerships with the Department of Veterans Affairs, housing and healthcare partners, educational institutions, and workforce development agencies.
Evaluate existing programs, recommend innovative service approaches, and lead approved new initiatives and service improvements.
Gather participant feedback and use evaluation findings and evidence-informed practices to improve outcomes, accessibility, service engagement, and interdepartmental coordination.
Establish, monitor, and report on program performance indicators in coordination with executive leadership.
Uphold VTC's mission, values, policies, professional standards, confidentiality requirements, and ethical expectations.