Chief Program Officer (CPO)

Job Description

Job Description

Homeless Children’s Network

Position Title: Chief Program Officer (CPO)

SALARY: $185,000 - $200,000

SCHEDULE: Full-time position. Onsite/Hybrid

BENEFITS: Health, Dental, and Vision insurance; Commuter stipend

HOMELESS CHILDREN’S NETWORK MISSION STATEMENT

Homeless Children’s Network’s (HCN) mission is to decrease the trauma of homelessness and domestic violence for children, youth, and families; to empower families; and to increase the effectiveness of collaborative efforts among service providers to end homelessness and poverty.  Since 1992, HCN has empowered San Francisco’s underserved and historically marginalized communities citywide toward a brighter future with love, wholeness, and healing.

About Homeless Children’s Network (HCN)

Since 1992, HCN has been San Francisco’s leading nonprofit agency for comprehensive early intervention and mental health support for underserved and historically marginalized children, youth, and families experiencing homelessness, housing instability, or living in intergenerational poverty. Our mobile therapeutic model is both accessible and scalable, enabling clinicians to meet clients directly in the community. As the hub of a Collaborative of 60+ service agencies and community-based organizations, we serve over 2,500 clients each year, reaching those most reluctant to trust conventional mental health systems. Central to our work is our Afri-centric mental health and wellness model. This community-defined approach addresses health inequities and the persistent cycle of racism and trauma over generations. This model not only uplifts the Black/African American communities but also strengthens the behavioral health outcomes of all San Franciscans, fostering resilience, healing, and lasting change.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Chief Program Officer (CPO) will be responsible for the overall management, strategic direction, and execution of all programs and services provided by Homeless Children's  Network. This role requires a visionary leader with a strong background in program management, a deep understanding of our mission, and the ability to inspire and guide a diverse team. The CPO will work closely with the CEO and other executive leaders to ensure that our programs are effective, sustainable, and aligned with our strategic goals.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Leadership Alignment

• Provide end-to-end oversight of program goals/objectives and deliverables, ensuring 100% achievement of annual deliverables through ongoing monitoring, regulation, and performance management, and report directly to the CEO.
• Deliver weekly data-driven reports to the CEO, providing clear visibility into program performance, progress, and outcomes.
• Develop and implement the strategic direction for all programs, aligned with the organization’s mission and goals.
• Collaborate with the executive team to shape the organization's long-term strategic vision.
• Lead the development of new programs and services to meet emerging needs within the community.

Program Management Alignment

• Proactively communicate high-priority information to the CEO through both verbal and written channels, ensuring timely awareness and decision-making.
• Provide clinical programming and guidance to Clinical Supervisors and Program Directors, ensuring quality of care and adherence to best practices.
• Oversee clinical program strategy and operations, ensuring effectiveness, compliance, and alignment with organizational goals.
• Oversee the planning, implementation, and evaluation of all programs to ensure they are delivered efficiently and effectively.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, policies, and ethical standards.
• Monitor program budgets to ensure resources are allocated effectively and financial objectives are met.

Team Leadership Alignment

• Maintain a collaborative reporting relationship with the COO, incorporating feedback to strengthen cross-functional alignment (approx. 15% focus).
• Lead, mentor, and develop program managers and staff, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence.
• Provide ongoing training and professional development opportunities for program staff.
• Promote a positive and inclusive work environment that values diversity and teamwork.

Stakeholder EngagementAlignment

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including funders, community partners, and government agencies.
• Represent the organization at external events, conferences, and in the media.
• Work closely with the development team to identify and pursue funding opportunities.

Program Evaluation and Reporting Alignment

• Develop and implement systems to measure program outcomes and impact.
• Analyze data to assess program effectiveness and make data-driven decisions to improve results.
• Prepare and present regular reports to the CEO, board of directors, and funders.

Resource Development Alignment

• Collaborate with the development team on grant writing and fundraising efforts.
• Ensure financial sustainability by managing program budgets and seeking opportunities for program expansion.
• Innovate and develop new programs or services that align with the organization’s mission.

Compliance and Risk Management Alignment

• Ensure that all programs adhere to legal and regulatory requirements.
• Identify potential risks related to program activities and develop mitigation strategies.
• Implement policies and procedures to ensure program integrity and safety.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education : Master’s degree in Public Administration, Social Work, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Experience : Minimum of 10 years of experience in program management, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Leadership Skills : Proven ability to lead and manage diverse teams, develop strategic initiatives, and execute complex projects.
• Analytical Skills : Strong ability to evaluate program effectiveness, interpret data, and make informed decisions.
• Communication Skills : Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence a wide range of stakeholders.
• Problem-Solving Skills : Creative and strategic thinker with the ability to develop innovative solutions to complex challenges.
• Cultural Competence : Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse populations and a commitment to equity and inclusion.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS 

• Successful implementation and impact of programs.
• Achievement of budget and financial targets.
• Employee satisfaction and retention rates.
• Strength and number of external partnerships and stakeholder engagements.
• Innovation and successful expansion of programs.

HCN’s Community Culture

Of all the above important qualifications, bring the heartfelt quality of compassion, with exquisite cultural responsiveness as a primary guiding quality, not only of your professional life, but of what you hold dear.

Please bring a strong analysis of how race, ethnicity, culture, language, region, poverty, sexual and gender identity, age, education, opportunities, and resources generationally made available or not, and systemic oppressions impact a person’s mental health.

Please share stories from your own life about how you have been a mover and shaker in transforming these systems.

Please accept that HCN is a vibrant community that has a legacy that is of interest to you, and is also prompted to grow steadily, and with the respect of what has been done well central in the conversation.