Chief Program Officer

YWCA Greater Los Angeles; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

YWCA Greater Los Angeles seeks a Chief Program Officer to oversee the delivery of high-quality programs across Los Angeles. The CPO will partner with the Executive Leadership team to implement strategies, ensure program outcomes, and supervise program staff to advance the organization's mission.

The role emphasizes expanding innovative service models, ensuring compliance, managing budgets, and reporting impact to stakeholders while fostering staff professional growth and training.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work or related field; emphasis on administration is preferred.
• Experience leading multiple programs within a nonprofit setting.
• Strong budgeting, reporting, and grant management capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Plans, develops, and implements program activities aligned with strategic goals.
• Manages relationships with community groups and public/private entities.
• Oversees budgeting, grant compliance, and reporting to leadership and boards.
• Supervises Program Managers and Directors, including performance planning.
• Monitors licensing and program quality across divisions.

Skills

Leadership

Program management

Budgeting

Grant writing

Staff supervision

Education

Bachelor's degree in Social Work or related field

LMFT or LCSW preferred

Job description

YWCA Greater Los Angeles (GLA) is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. We provide direct services, empowerment programming, and advocacy to support marginalized individuals and families, especially women and girls of color, while working to challenge structural barriers to equity.

Position Overview

The Chief Program Officer (CPO) is responsible for overseeing the delivery of high-quality programs throughout Los Angeles. Collaborating closely with the Executive Leadership team, the CPO takes charge of program delivery, devises integrated strategies to advance the YWCA of Greater Los Angeles' mission, ensures program deliverables, and supervises the day-to-day activities of the program staff.

With a primary accountability for ensuring that women of all ages receive supportive services from a well-coordinated and proficient team, the CPO also oversees contract management, ensuring financial alignment with core priorities. Additionally, the CPO ensures that the impact of services is accurately reported, represented, and effectively communicated.

The CPO actively engages staff in developing consistent, innovative, and robust service models. This involves expanding results in a cost-effective manner, all while prioritizing the long-term professional growth and training of the staff dedicated to delivering comprehensive services.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Plans, develops, and implements program activities aligning with the strategic plan to achieve desired outcomes for the organization.
• Conducts assessments for target populations/communities, providing recommendations for ongoing and new programs.
• Develops and maintains productive relationships with community groups, social service organizations, and public/private entities interfacing with YWCA GLA programs.
• Participates in the development and revision of standard operating procedures related to Program Services.
• Ensures compliance with all licensing requirements, especially in Child Development, and monitor the Child Development Division.
• Ensures appropriate staffing levels to achieve outcomes and maintains high-quality service delivery.
• Provides direction and supervision to Program Managers and Directors, communicating job objectives, and conducting performance planning and appraisals.
• Facilitates training and credentialing for staff and interns.
• Collaborates with Development Department and Program staff to develop and submit grant proposals to public and private sector funders.
• Oversees the development and management of program budgets, ensuring full utilization of financial resources available to each program.
• Authorizes and approves budgeted, direct costs, and equipment expenditures for all programs.
• Submits quarterly status reports to the Chief Executive Officer and Board of Directors on all programs, including service levels, program performance measures, expenditures/balances, and staffing levels.
• Regularly meets and collaborates with the Finance Department to ensure accurate execution and reporting of program expenditures.
• Monitors and adheres to all grant specifications, ensuring timely reporting and evaluation.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (BS/BA) in Social Work or a related field. Emphasis on administration and community organizing is preferred.
• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) highly desired.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience managing multiple programs in a medium to large nonprofit organization, public agency, or related industry.
• Demonstrated minimum five (5) years of experience working with diverse community groups, partnerships, and staff.
• Possesses management and program development skills, including demonstrated experience in program evaluation.
• In-depth knowledge of budgets and allocations is required.
• Must have experience with government grant processes.