Strategic Growth Leader for National Youth Programs

First-Place-For-Youth-1; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 170,000 - 211,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation time — 15 days first year

Sick time — 12 days

Floating holidays — 2

HMO/PPO health coverage — up to 90% of

Dental and vision coverage — up to 90%

Health and Dependent care FSAs

Life insurance — basic and voluntary

Employee Assistance Program

401(k) retirement savings plan

Paid sabbatical

Job summary

First Place for Youth in Oakland, California seeks a Chief Strategy and Expansion Officer to lead nationwide growth, partnerships, and policy initiatives. You will shape expansion into new markets, secure public funding, and guide a high‑performing national team to advance outcomes for foster youth.

The role emphasizes strategic analysis, multi‑state operations, and durable collaborations with government and community partners, driving growth and mission impact.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree (required); Master’s, JD, or advanced degree preferred.
• 8+ years of progressive senior leadership in child welfare, human services, or a related field — with experience managing multi‑level teams and driving organizational growth.
• 5+ years leading business development for a government‑contracting organization, with demonstrated success in revenue growth and program expansion across multiple states.
• Deep knowledge of the foster care system, extended foster care policy, and the landscape of services for transition‑age youth.
• Strong command of public sector funding mechanisms, particularly Title IV‑E and workforce development streams.
• Experience as a member of an executive leadership team, with a proven ability to manage multi‑site, multi‑state operations.
• Exceptional communication skills — you can move a room, articulate a compelling case for First Place for Youth, and simplify complex policies for any audience.
• An entrepreneurial mindset: you see opportunity, take initiative, and execute with both urgency and care.
• Prior program budget management experience is required for this role.
• Computer/Software skills.

Responsibilities

• Drive National Expansion
• Build Strategic Partnerships & Secure Public Funding
• Advance Policy & Advocacy
• Lead & Develop the National Team
• Measure What Matters

Skills

Strategic leadership

Policy advocacy

Business development

Stakeholder engagement

Public funding

Education

Bachelor's degree (required)

Master’s or JD preferred

Tools

Computer skills

Job description

First Place for Youth in Oakland, California seeks a Chief Strategy and Expansion Officer to lead nationwide growth, partnerships, and policy initiatives. You will shape expansion into new markets, secure public funding, and guide a high‑performing national team to advance outcomes for foster youth.

The role emphasizes strategic analysis, multi‑state operations, and durable collaborations with government and community partners, driving growth and mission impact.