Deputy Chief Program Officer

SAFE PLACE FOR YOUTH • Los Angeles, CA

26d • Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the Chief Program Officer (CPO), the Deputy Chief of Programs (DCOP) provides leadership, management, and strategic support across SPY’s program portfolio. The DCOP oversees the daily operations of all program departments under their purview, supports Senior Directors in achieving program goals, and ensures quality, compliance, and consistency across sites. The DCOP works in partnership with the CPO to implement SPY’s strategic plan, manage program expansions (including the opening of new housing sites), and drive innovation and performance improvement. This role strengthens internal systems, enhances partnerships with community and county agencies, and ensures high-quality, data-informed services for youth. The DCOP acts as the operational backbone of the Programs division—translating strategy into execution, supporting staff development, and ensuring programs meet contractual, regulatory, and funder expectations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree is Social Work, Psychology, or any related field is required.
• Master’s degree in social work or marriage and family therapy is required.
• Clinical licensure, active license and in good standing with the Board of Behavioral Sciences is required.
• Two years post licensure, with the ability to supervise licensure hours is required.
• 3-4 years of experience in a supervisory role is required.
• 2-3 years of experience in the non-profit sector working with diverse groups is required.
• Valid CA drivers license, personal vehicle and adequate insurance

Nice To Haves

• Strong program and operational experience, experience overseeing residential services and programing at multiple locations is preferred.
• Experience with public speaking and providing training
• Experience with and knowledge of homeless services and youth services
• Understanding of homeless services and housing programs at a senior management level
• Experience managing multi-million-dollar budgets and complex funding sources
• Experience in designing and delivering program services
• Understanding of various non-profit funding sources
• Experience supervising and managing large teams, strong leadership skills, and the ability to cultivate staff
• Skilled in organizational development, personnel management, budget and resource development, and strategic planning
• Excellent people skills, with an ability to partner with a dynamic leadership team
• Strategic and innovative thinking; an entrepreneurial leader oriented toward impact and sustainability
• Possess personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and commitment to agency mission
• Strong community awareness with demonstrated commitment to the values of diversity, racial equity, inclusiveness, and empowerment
• Exceptionally organization skills, attention to detail, and ability to meet deadlines
• Flexible and able to multitask; can work with an ambiguous, fast-moving environment, while also driving toward clarity and solutions; demonstrated resourcefulness in setting priorities and guiding investment in people and systems

Responsibilities

• Participate in the strategic growth of the organization, identifying mission aligned opportunities to increase Safe Place for Youth’s impact
• Engage with Safe Place for Youth’s Board of Directors, facilitating committees, participating in meetings, producing reports and conducting presentations
• Participate in fund development activities and donor engagement
• Partner with the CPO to operationalize SPY’s strategic plan within program operations.
• Lead implementation of new initiatives, pilots, and service innovations that improve client outcomes and system alignment.
• Support growth and expansion efforts, including needs assessments, service design, and program launch coordination.
• Oversee quality assurance, internal audits, contract compliance, and performance improvement across program departments.
• Ensure programs use data to drive decision-making, track progress, and meet funder and organizational expectations.
• Monitor documentation, reporting, and adherence to policy and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with the Programs & QA Coordinator to ensure accurate QA processes across departments.
• Stand in for Chief Program Officer as needed
• Other duties as assigned to support the mission and needs of the organization.

Benefits

• Safe Place for Youth offers a competitive benefit package including comprehensive health coverage, 403b with agency contribution, and vacation/sick time.
• We also offer unique perks including weekly meditation/mindfulness and professional development opportunities that are tailored to your individual career growth.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Number of Employees: 51-100 employees