Chief Programs Officer

Housing Matters • Santa Cruz, CA

27d • $156,000 - $180,856

About The Position

Housing Matters partners with individuals and families to create pathways out of their homelessness into permanent housing. We are a leader in working to end homelessness – and we want you to be part of our team! We are looking for individuals eager to make a difference and willing to enthusiastically commit to join in our vision that homelessness in Santa Cruz County should be rare, brief, and non-recurring. Working under the direction of the Housing Matters Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Programs Officer will be a partner to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), and will develop and lead an internal team of program professionals in both on-campus and community-based supportive services roles.

Requirements

• 3-5 years of senior management experience, preferably in a non-profit or similar social service
• A minimum of a B.A. or equivalent relevant experience is required
• At least 7-10 years of overall professional experience; ideally 6+ years of broad operations management experience
• Experience in program development, program evaluation, and measuring impact
• Experience in grant administration and reporting
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
• Experience in budgeting and finance management preferred
• Excellent skills in supervision, coaching, evaluation, and team building
• Detail-oriented, highly organized, and able to set and meet goals and deadlines
• Strong computer skills including all G-Suite, and Microsoft Office applications. HMIS experience is a plus
• Demonstrated record as a successful team player, including the ability to develop and maintain a goal-oriented, positive attitude; must be able to interface equally well with the Board of Directors, staff, donors, volunteers, and the general Housing Matters community

Responsibilities

• Lead and implement organizational strategic plan initiatives to strengthen programs, adapt to changing service landscapes, and respond to evolving housing, healthcare and reimbursement environments
• Partner with the CEO and executive leadership to develop, communicate, and execute strategies, business models, and revenue diversification plans that enhance program effectiveness and long-term sustainability
• Plan and execute special projects related to program expansion—including launching, consolidating, or closing programs—and securing new program locations
• Set comprehensive metrics based performance goals across departments; lead system-wide planning to standardize quality and operations
• Demonstrate strong analytical and critical-thinking skills by using data, research, and trends to inform strategy, service development, and decision-making
• Provide executive oversight of all residential services, case management, and supportive housing programs, ensuring delivery of high-quality, person-centered, accessible services
• Lead program management teams to develop systems of care that incorporate measurement-based support, evidence-based practices, and culturally responsive approaches.
• Ensure all programs align with regulatory standards, best practices, organizational policies, and CARF accreditation requirements
• Oversee program evaluations, implement improvements based on outcomes and experience data, and manage systems for measuring and tracking program performance.
• Develop and sustain operational linkages across programs to increase efficiency, reduce waste, and improve client outcomes
• Ensure staffing models meet contractual guidelines, and client safety needs
• Directly supervise senior program managers, directors, and program managers, establishing a culture of accountability, professional growth, and high performance
• Oversee hiring, development, training, and performance management to ensure effective operations and staff alignment with organizational culture and values
• Promote strong communication, mentorship, and collaboration across program teams
• Develop, manage, and monitor program budgets to ensure fiscal responsibility and alignment with funding requirements
• Conduct variance analyses, implement corrective actions, and identify cost-saving opportunities across programs
• Work closely with finance staff to set financial goals, navigate diverse funding streams (county, state, federal, managed care, grants), and maximize reimbursement and revenue cycle efficiency
• Maintain strong understanding of billing processes, and revenue cycle management to ensure compliance and optimize performance
• Assist executive leadership in developing and implementing financial strategies that support broader organizational objectives
• Prepare and submit timely, accurate reports to the CEO on program performance, issues, outcomes, and strategic priorities
• Participate in developing, negotiating, and strengthening funding contracts and relationships with payers and funders
• Ensure full compliance with federal, state, and local regulations governing contracted services and reimbursement
• Lead teams through audits, accreditation reviews (including CARF), and ongoing regulatory monitoring
• Collaborate with executive and grant-writing teams to conceptualize, design, and operationalize new programs that meet community needs and advance organizational goals
• Review, monitor, and interpret legislation and regulations that impact service delivery, advising leadership on necessary adjustments
• Attend community meetings, coalitions, and planning groups to represent the organization, strengthen cross-agency collaboration, and advance program objectives
• Build and sustain strong relationships with funders, community partners, and stakeholders to enhance service delivery and ensure contract alignment
• Support the organization’s public profile, advocacy efforts, and philanthropic initiatives in partnership with leadership
• Gather and disseminate information on trends, best practices, and policy developments in homelessness, behavioral health, and social services to inform organizational strategy

Benefits

• 6 Medical plans - 100% employee coverage for select plans
• Dental - 100% employee coverage
• Vision - 100% employee coverage
• Life insurance (UNUM) - 100% employee coverage
• Chiropractic and Acupuncture (for those who elect medical insurance) - 100% employee coverage
• 403b Retirement Savings matched up to 3% dollar-for-dollar with no vesting period
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Travel Assistance
• PTO: 20 days annually, 1 paid floating holiday, 9 paid holidays

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive