Strategic Programs Director

Joseph's House & Shelter; City of Troy (NY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 94,000; Full time

Job summary

Joseph’s House & Shelter in Troy, NY, seeks a Chief Program Officer to lead core programs and report to the Executive Director. The CPO will supervise Directors of Supported Housing, Shelter Services, and Outreach Services, shaping strategy, performance, and service quality.

The role focuses on trauma-informed, equity-minded, client-centered service delivery, strong collaboration with senior leadership, and sustainable program growth across departments.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in human services, nonprofit services, housing, shelter, homelessness services, behavioral health, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of management or leadership experience, including responsibility for supervising managers or Directors.
• Demonstrated experience leading multiple programs, departments, or service areas.
• Strong knowledge of program development, service delivery, compliance, budgeting, and performance management.
• Demonstrated ability to lead through complex operational and organizational challenges.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Ability to establish priorities, make sound decisions, delegate effectively, and maintain accountability in a complex and fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to serving individuals and families experiencing homelessness and housing instability.
• Commitment to ongoing learning, professional growth, reflection, and adapting leadership practices in response to changing organizational and community needs.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a member of the senior leadership team and contribute to organizational planning, policy development, and strategic decision-making.
• Lead the development and implementation of program priorities and operational strategies in alignment with organizational goals and the direction of the Executive Director.
• Translate organizational goals into measurable program objectives, outcomes, and operational plans.
• Provide the Executive Director and senior leadership with regular information regarding program performance, staffing, service delivery, compliance, risks, emerging needs, and opportunities.
• Lead long-term program planning related to development, expansion, restructuring, and sustainability.
• Identify and advance opportunities to strengthen coordination and service delivery across all departments.
• Provide direct supervision, leadership, and support to the Directors.
• Establish clear expectations, decision-making authority, measurable goals, and performance standards for program Directors.
• Conduct regular supervision with each Director and provide coaching, professional development, feedback, recognition, and accountability.
• Ensure Directors effectively lead their departments, supervise their teams, manage staffing and resources, and maintain accountability for program performance.
• Conduct and participate in performance evaluations and ensure performance concerns are managed promptly, consistently, and constructively.
• Direct the response to significant operational, staffing, performance, and service-delivery challenges in partnership with program Directors and other organizational leaders as appropriate.
• Promote consistency in service standards, documentation, policies, and procedures while recognizing the distinct needs and responsibilities of individual programs.
• Ensure programs consistently provide high-quality, person-centered services aligned with the agency’s mission and values.
• Establish and monitor meaningful program performance indicators, outcomes, and service standards.
• Use program data, client outcomes, utilization, staffing information, incident trends, and other information to evaluate effectiveness and drive continuous improvement.
• Promote evidence-informed practices, including trauma-informed care, harm reduction, Housing First, and other approaches appropriate to the populations served.
• Ensure client rights, dignity, safety, confidentiality, and equitable access to services are maintained throughout program operations.
• Identify barriers, service gaps, and opportunities for improvement and lead program Directors in developing and implementing effective solutions.
• Strengthen coordination and continuity of care across programs to reduce service gaps and unnecessary duplication.
• Maintain executive-level oversight of program compliance with contracts, grants, licensing requirements, accreditation standards, agency policies, and applicable requirements.
• Ensure program Directors maintain appropriate systems for required documentation, reporting, audits, monitoring, and corrective action.
• Review significant incidents, compliance concerns, and emerging risks and ensure appropriate response, documentation, follow-up, and organizational learning.
• Partner with the Executive Director, Human Resources, and other leaders to mitigate safety risks.
• Participate in internal and external audits, monitoring visits, inspections, and program reviews as appropriate and ensure corrective actions are implemented.
• Lead development, evaluation, and continuous improvement of new and existing programs.
• Assess community needs, service gaps, emerging trends, and program outcomes to inform growth or restructuring.
• Support grant development by providing program expertise and outcomes information.
• Establish a planning rhythm with Development and Finance to assess program performance and funding.
• Partner in budget development, monitoring, and forecasting for programs.
• Review budget-to-actual performance and ensure fiscal responsibility.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational effectiveness while maintaining high-quality services.
• Partner with HR to develop recruitment, retention, and leadership development strategies.
• Promote a healthy, inclusive, and accountable workplace culture.
• Represent Joseph’s House & Shelter in community forums and with partners to advance collaboration.
• Develop relationships with funders, government agencies, and service organizations.

Skills

Leadership experience

Strategic leadership

People management

Program development

Job description

Joseph’s House & Shelter in Troy, NY, seeks a Chief Program Officer to lead core programs and report to the Executive Director. The CPO will supervise Directors of Supported Housing, Shelter Services, and Outreach Services, shaping strategy, performance, and service quality.

The role focuses on trauma-informed, equity-minded, client-centered service delivery, strong collaboration with senior leadership, and sustainable program growth across departments.