Chief Program Officer

POSITION SUMMARY

The Chief Program Officer (CPO) is a senior executive leadership position 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 VTC's 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.

The CPO works collaboratively with the CEO, Finance, Human Resources, Development, and program leadership to strengthen service delivery, support organizational growth, and maintain operational excellence. The successful candidate will balance strategic planning with hands-on operational oversight and foster a culture of collaboration, compassion, professionalism, and continuous improvement.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Executive Leadership and Organizational Strategy

• Serve as a member of VTC's executive leadership team and provide strategic recommendations to the Chief Executive Officer.
• Assist in developing and implementing organizational strategic plans, goals, and operational priorities.
• Translate organizational objectives into measurable program goals, action plans, and performance expectations.
• Establish consistent standards of accountability, communication, and operational excellence across all programs.
• Identify opportunities to improve existing programs, expand services, and respond to emerging Veteran and community needs.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to evaluate organizational capacity, staffing needs, operational risks, and resource allocation.
• Participate in organizational planning, executive meetings, and Board of Directors presentations as directed by the CEO.
• Lead organizational change initiatives affecting program operations and service delivery.
• Ensure programs and services remain aligned with VTC's mission, values, and long-term strategic direction.

2. Program Operations and Administration

• Provide executive oversight of VTC's 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.
• Ensure programs operate according to established policies, procedures, funding requirements, and recognized service delivery standards.
• Develop and implement standardized program procedures to promote consistency, quality, and efficiency.
• Evaluate program effectiveness and identify opportunities for operational improvement.
• Ensure appropriate service coordination, participant engagement, and referral processes across program departments.
• Establish systems that promote timely access to services and continuity of care.
• Evaluate program capacity, staffing models, resource needs, and operational workflows.
• Oversee implementation of new programs, program modifications, and service expansion initiatives.
• Resolve significant operational issues and elevate matters requiring executive decisions to the CEO.
• Promote person-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive approaches to serving Veterans.

3. Healthcare Administration and Integrated Supportive Services

• Provide administrative leadership for healthcare-related service coordination, behavioral health partnerships, wellness initiatives, and integrated supportive service programs.
• Support coordinated service delivery models that address Veterans' physical health, mental health, housing stability, employment, and other needs.
• Collaborate with healthcare providers, behavioral health organizations, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and community partners to improve access to care and supportive services.
• Ensure healthcare-related administrative processes and applicable documentation standards are consistent with contractual, regulatory, and organizational requirements.
• Work with appropriate clinical professionals to establish effective referral pathways, communication procedures, and service coordination practices.
• Support the development of policies that safeguard participant confidentiality, privacy, and protected health information.
• Monitor administrative performance and service coordination outcomes related to healthcare partnerships.
• Identify service gaps affecting Veterans' health, wellness, and long-term stability and recommend practical solutions.
• Ensure clinical decisions and services requiring professional licensure remain under appropriately licensed and qualified professionals.

4. Staff Supervision, Leadership, and Development

• Provide direct supervision and leadership to assigned program directors, managers, and supervisory staff.
• Establish clear job expectations, performance objectives, and accountability standards.
• Conduct regular supervisory meetings and performance evaluations consistent with organizational policies.
• Foster a positive, respectful, collaborative, and mission-focused work environment.
• Support hiring, onboarding, training, coaching, and professional development of program personnel in coordination with Human Resources.
• Identify leadership development opportunities and strengthen supervisory capacity across departments.
• Address employee performance and operational concerns promptly and professionally.
• Promote effective communication between program departments and executive leadership.
• Ensure program leadership consistently applies organizational policies and operational procedures.
• Encourage teamwork, professional integrity, ethical conduct, and responsibility at every organizational level.
• Support appropriate employee retention, succession planning, and workforce development efforts.

5. Regulatory Compliance and Quality Assurance

• Ensure program operations comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, funding agreements, and organizational policies.
• Oversee adherence to applicable Department of Veterans Affairs program requirements, housing program standards, grant conditions, and contractual obligations.
• Establish program monitoring and internal quality assurance procedures.
• Ensure program documentation, participant records, service plans, and reporting practices meet applicable requirements.
• Support compliance with HIPAA when applicable, California confidentiality requirements, and organizational privacy and information security policies.
• Coordinate preparation for external monitoring visits, funding reviews, inspections, and audits.
• Develop and oversee corrective action plans when program deficiencies or compliance concerns are identified.
• Monitor program risks and recommend preventative measures to protect participants, employees, organizational resources, and VTC's reputation.
• Maintain awareness of changing regulations, contractual expectations, and industry best practices.
• Ensure timely identification, documentation, and escalation of significant compliance issues to appropriate leadership.

6. Financial Management and Budget Oversight

• Collaborate with the CEO and Finance Department in the development of annual program budgets.
• Monitor program expenditures and ensure responsible use of funding and organizational resources.
• Review budget-to-actual performance and work with department leadership to address variances.
• Evaluate financial implications of program modifications, staffing changes, and proposed service expansions.
• Ensure program expenditures align with applicable grant restrictions, contracts, and approved budgets.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency without compromising service quality.
• Assist in developing budget narratives, staffing plans, and program cost projections.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to evaluate the sustainability and cost-effectiveness of programs.
• Provide program-related financial information and recommendations to support executive decision-making.
• Ensure program personnel follow established purchasing, documentation, and internal financial control procedures.

7. Grant Management, Reporting, and Performance Accountability

• Oversee programmatic compliance with grant agreements, funding requirements, and established deliverables.
• Collaborate with Development and Finance to support grant applications, renewals, and required reporting.
• Ensure program managers maintain accurate documentation of service delivery, participant outcomes, and funded activities.
• Establish consistent monthly, quarterly, and annual program performance reporting processes.
• Monitor achievement of established performance indicators and contractual outcomes.
• Review performance data to identify service gaps, emerging trends, and areas requiring corrective action.
• Work with program leadership to develop improvement plans when performance expectations are not met.
• Ensure programmatic reports submitted to funders and regulatory agencies are accurate, complete, and timely.
• Prepare executive program summaries for the CEO and Board of Directors as requested.
• Promote effective use of data, evaluation findings, and participant feedback in program planning and improvement.

8. Community Partnerships and External Relations

• Represent VTC professionally in meetings with community partners, government agencies, funding organizations, and service providers as authorized by the CEO.
• Maintain collaborative relationships with the Department of Veterans Affairs, housing partners, healthcare organizations, educational institutions, and workforce development agencies.
• Identify strategic partnership opportunities that improve access to services and strengthen Veteran outcomes.
• Support the development and administration of memorandums of understanding, service partnerships, and interagency coordination agreements.
• Participate in local and regional initiatives addressing Veteran homelessness, housing stability, healthcare access, employment, and related needs.
• Promote coordinated service delivery and information sharing consistent with applicable confidentiality requirements.
• Support the CEO in evaluating new community initiatives and potential program partnerships.
• Strengthen VTC's reputation as an accountable, collaborative, and effective Veteran-serving organization.

9. Program Development and Continuous Improvement

• Evaluate existing programs to determine effectiveness, sustainability, and opportunities for improvement.
• Research and recommend innovative approaches to Veteran housing, workforce development, supportive services, and healthcare coordination.
• Lead planning and implementation of new service initiatives approved by executive leadership.
• Develop processes to improve participant outcomes, operational performance, and interdepartmental coordination.
• Establish consistent procedures for gathering participant feedback and evaluating service effectiveness.
• Encourage evidence-informed practices and responsible innovation.
• Identify organizational training and resource needs required to support effective program delivery.
• Develop strategies to improve program accessibility, service engagement, and long-term participant stability.

PROGRAM PERFORMANCE AND KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

The Chief Program Officer will establish, monitor, and report on performance indicators in coordination with executive leadership.

Program Effectiveness

• Achievement of established program goals and contractual outcomes.
• Housing stability, employment, and other participant outcomes applicable to each program.
• Service accessibility, participant engagement, and continuity of services.

Operational Performance

• Timely completion of required documentation and reports.
• Compliance with organizational policies and applicable program requirements.
• Effective staffing, service coordination, and operational efficiency.

Financial Accountability

• Responsible management of program budgets.
• Appropriate use of restricted and unrestricted program funding.
• Identification and resolution of material budget variances.

Staff Leadership

• Effective supervision and development of program management personnel.
• Consistent performance evaluations and staff accountability.
• Positive interdepartmental communication and collaboration.

Quality Improvement

• Identification and resolution of program deficiencies.
• Implementation of operational improvements.
• Measurable progress toward organizational strategic priorities.

Specific annual goals and performance expectations will be established in collaboration with the Chief Executive Officer.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• 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.

Professional Experience

• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in managing programs, preferably within nonprofit organizations, healthcare administration, housing services, Veteran services, behavioral health, or community-based human services.
• Minimum of three (3) 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.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, manage multiple priorities, and make sound operational decisions.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree in Healthcare Administration, Public Administration, Social Work, Business Administration, Nonprofit Leadership, or a related field.
• Experience in executive or senior-level leadership 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 working 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.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Leadership and Management

• Strong executive leadership, organizational management, and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to supervise and support managers while maintaining clear accountability and performance expectations.
• Ability to lead diverse teams and foster a respectful and productive work environment.
• Demonstrated conflict resolution, coaching, and problem-solving skills.

Program Administration

• Knowledge of nonprofit program management, service delivery, and quality improvement.
• Ability to evaluate program performance and implement effective operational changes.
• Understanding of regulatory compliance, confidentiality, and documentation requirements.
• Ability to manage multiple programs, responsibilities, and deadlines simultaneously.

Financial and Analytical Skills

• Ability to interpret budgets, financial reports, program performance data, and operational trends.
• Strong understanding of financial stewardship and resource management.
• Ability to identify operational risks and recommend practical solutions.

Communication and Collaboration

• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to prepare executive reports, presentations, and operational recommendations.
• Ability to build productive relationships with employees, community partners, funders, and government representatives.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.

Technology and Data Management

• Proficiency with common office productivity applications, reporting systems, and electronic recordkeeping platforms.
• Ability to use program data and performance dashboards to support decision-making.
• Ability to learn and oversee the appropriate use of program-specific information systems.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS AND LEVEL OF AUTHORITY

The Chief Program Officer reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer and exercises executive-level oversight of assigned program departments.

The CPO is authorized, within organizational policies and delegated authority, to:

• Direct and coordinate program operations.
• Establish department-level operational expectations and procedures.
• Supervise assigned program leadership.
• Recommend staffing decisions, program adjustments, and budget modifications.
• Evaluate program performance and require corrective action when appropriate.
• Represent VTC in operational and program-related matters as delegated by the CEO.

Final authority over organizational strategy, major financial commitments, executive-level personnel decisions, and other matters reserved to the CEO or Board of Directors remains with the appropriate organizational authority.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Primary work location is VTC's campus in Marina, California.
• Position requires regular interaction with employees, program participants, community partners, and executive leadership.
• Work is primarily performed in an office environment, with periodic visits to housing facilities and other program locations.
• May require travel within Monterey County and surrounding service areas.
• May require occasional evening or weekend hours to address operational needs, attend meetings, or support organizational activities.
• Position involves regular use of computers, electronic documentation systems, telephones, and other standard office equipment.
• Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

PROFESSIONAL AND ETHICAL EXPECTATIONS

The Chief Program Officer is expected to:

• Uphold VTC's mission, values, policies, and professional standards.
• Demonstrate integrity, sound judgment, and accountability.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with participants, employees, and community partners.
• Protect confidential organizational, employee, and participant information.
• Promote an organizational culture grounded in dignity, respect, collaboration, and service.
• Respond appropriately to operational concerns, safety issues, and emerging organizational challenges.
• Serve as a positive role model for employees and represent VTC professionally in the community.
• Demonstrate a genuine commitment to improving the lives of Veterans and their families.