Chief Program Officer (CPO)

Job Summary:

The Chief Program Officer (CPO) leads the planning and implementation of Champions For Learning’s student programs, educator programs, and community engagement efforts. As a member of the senior leadership team, the CPO works in close partnership with the President and CEO to translate Board-approved strategic priorities into high-quality, impactful programs.

This role combines strategic thinking with hands-on execution. The CPO leads collaborative internal and external planning across program areas, ensures strong alignment with Collier County Public Schools and community partners, and is responsible for program performance, team leadership, and the effective use of data to inform improvement.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Directly supervises program directors, including Student Programs, Educator Programs, and Community Engagement
• Provides coaching, support, and accountability to ensure high-quality execution and professional growth

Duties/Responsibilities

• Serves as a key member of the senior leadership team, working collaboratively across the organization to support organizational success
• Aligns programs with strategic planning goals for students and educators
• Promotes consistent delivery of high quality, impactful programs by effectively coordinating people and resources
• Leads collaborative internal and external planning and implementation of all program areas, including student programs, educator programs, and community engagement, in alignment with the President and CEO’s leadership and Board-approved strategic priorities
• Translates organizational strategy into clear, actionable program plans, timelines, and goals and ensures high-quality execution across program areas
• Oversees coordination and integration across program areas to strengthen alignment and overall impact
• Supervises directors of programs and community engagement, providing coaching, support, and accountability to ensure strong performance and professional growth
• Engages directly in program operations
• Maintains and applies a strong working knowledge of all program components

• Assesses program outcomes through practical measures (including qualitative feedback and available data) and applies lessons learned to strengthen program impact
• Develops and implements program budgets that effectively and efficiently use organizational resources
• Builds and maintains strong relationships with Collier County Public Schools and community partners to support program alignment, delivery, and impact
• Ensures volunteers are meaningfully integrated into program delivery in ways that align with their interests and passions, help them recognize the impact of their contributions, and reinforce appreciation for their role in advancing our mission
• Fosters a culture of philanthropy within the Programs team by ensuring strong collaboration with the Development team
• Builds effective, professional relationships with Board members to support their fulfillment of their governance roles

Required Skills/Abilities

• Strong leadership skills with a commitment to collaboration and shared decision-making
• Excellent organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and drive execution
• Robust analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to collect and use data to inform decisions and improve outcomes
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships across internal and external stakeholders
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on program execution
• Commitment to Champions For Learning’s mission, values, and culture

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree or higher preferred
• At least five years of leadership experience in education and/or nonprofit program leadership
• At least three years of highly successful experience as a principal or district-level leader within a school district; comparable nonprofit leadership experience considered

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Must have the flexibility to work evenings and weekends as required by the position
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at times
• Must be able to travel to different sites