Chief Program Officer, West End House

West End House Seeks Chief Program Officer

About West End House

West End House (WEH) is a vibrant community anchor and youth development organization rooted in Boston’s Allston neighborhood and serving young people citywide. Since 1906, WEH has empowered youth to succeed academically and in life — providing high-impact programs that foster learning, creativity, wellness, leadership, and economic mobility.

West End House’s programming is grounded in a strengths-based, trauma-informed approach that spans seven interconnected focus areas serving 1500+ youth annually. Fortified by meaningful, long-standing community partnerships and operating out of a safe, dynamic 46,000-square-foot facility, WEH’s programs are designed to help youth ages 7-24 thrive emotionally, socially, and academically.

West End House is committed to advancing racial equity across all aspects of the organization, including youth programs, community and family engagement, and board and leadership. Employees reflect and build upon the organization’s values - opportunity for all, youth first, joy, equity, and community.

Despite all that has changed since the organization’s founding 120 years ago, West End House has and will continue to evolve to meet the needs of Boston’s youth and families—ensuring every young person has the opportunity, support, and confidence to lead, create, and thrive.

Opportunity Going Forward

As a trusted pillar in the community for generations, West End House is known for developing and delivering high-quality programs and continually finding new ways to meet the moment for youth and families. The current political and economic climate has made West End House’s steady hand and eye for innovation increasingly crucial for the youth it serves today. The Chief Program Officer (CPO) will have the unique opportunity to build upon West End House’s legacy and impact in ways that match the urgency and complexity of what young people and families are experiencing right now.

As they chart the path forward, the CPO will be well-resourced in several ways:

Team: She/He/They will work in partnership with a talented team of program directors who lead West End House’s comprehensive suite of programs covering arts, academics, health & fitness, food security, and college/career success. In addition to their unwavering commitment to young people, each director has a depth of expertise in their respective specializations and stands ready to help craft and advance the CPO’s vision for programming.

Resources: In addition to a $5.7M annual budget, West End House is in the quiet phase of a $50M capital campaign. With a third of the funding already secured, the campaign is increasing awareness of and resources for West End House’s programs and impact. Among the things this campaign will enable is a new pool at the club and additional capacity for mental health and wellness programming.

Leadership: The CPO will serve on the organization’s leadership team (alongside the CEO, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Development Officer) and will work closely with an active and dedicated Board of Directors. Both teams include highly tenured and newer members, all of whom bring a shared commitment to the mission, diverse perspectives, and a desire to help shape the next century of West End House’s impact.

With these resources at their disposal, the Chief Program Officer will oversee diverse program areas, ensuring each thrives on its own while contributing to a unified organizational strategy. She/He/They will elevate program quality through strong data use, consistent systems, and a commitment to excellence, while building an inclusive, high-trust culture in which staff feel supported and empowered. As West End House grows and evolves, the CPO will guide the organization through change with transparency, adaptability, and strategic insight.

Profile of the Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a seasoned, mission-driven leader with deep commitment to youth development and the practical wisdom that comes from running complex, place-based programs in diverse communities. She/He/They balance strategy and execution with ease—able to discern what should evolve, what should remain steady, and how to turn ambitious priorities into sustainable, high-quality programming. She/He/They is a systems thinker who understands and can realize the impact of many interrelated programs. Warm, direct, and trusted quickly, they are an exceptional manager of people who thrives as part of a high-performing senior team and in developing a cohesive partnership with a fast-moving CEO. Above all, they are energized by youth and impact and are ready to help shape the next era of this beloved community institution.

With this in mind, West End House will most likely be interested in your candidacy if you can demonstrate a majority of the qualifications, skills and experiences listed below.

Key Qualifications

• A minimum of ten years of progressive leadership experience, including serving on an organizational leadership team at the senior level
• Knowledge of and passion for youth development in both theoretical and practical contexts
• Belief in West End House’s mission and values, especially the “Youth First” approach
• Demonstrated success managing and developing senior leaders across multiple program areas and aligning them toward shared goals
• Experience managing the complexity of a place-based, multi-faceted daily operation that is relied upon by the community
• Experience working with diverse populations of youth, parents, and families
• Background in youth development, education, or a related mission-driven sector strongly preferred; knowledge of and professional experience in the youth development landscape in Boston is a plus

Skills and Experience

Strategic Leader of Programs and Navigator of Change

• Proven track record of balancing vision with execution; can translate big-picture priorities into practical, sustainable programs across multiple focus areas
• Demonstrated ability to question assumptions and discern what should evolve vs. what should remain steady
• Able to manage teams through multiple types of growth and change (i.e., growth of teams, creation of new programs, repurposing of space/capacity, reallocation of resources, etc.)
• Able to inspire and lead staff through pivots that meet the moment
• Skilled at partnering with program leaders to identify opportunities for innovation, determine execution plans, and solve problems as they arise
• Skilled at using data and feedback to understand performance, improve program quality, and connect strategy to practice
• Demonstrated ability to assess new opportunities against capacity, demand, and resource needs
• Strong operational instincts; knows how to build systems, empower staff, and set realistic expectations in ways that support staff retention and program impact

Exceptional Manager of People, Teams and Culture

• Able to build trust and connection quickly through warmth, clarity, consistency, and healthy assertiveness
• Proven ability to manage managers, strengthen middle leadership, and advocate for direct-service staff
• Has successfully recruited, developed, and retained talent from diverse backgrounds via an intentional approach that includes modeling, coaching, and system-building
• Able to hold space for tough conversations, recover with grace, and co-create solutions without ego or defensiveness
• Comfortable taking ownership and establishing credibility quickly

Effective Senior Team Member and External Representative

• Confident managing up and partnering closely with a fast-moving, detail-oriented executive leader
• Desire and comfort in being a part of a leadership team that engages in healthy debate
• Open to challenging legacy ways of working via an approach that honors what is essential and evolves the organization for future success
• Operates from a “we,” not “me” mindset, representing programs within the context of the whole organization
• Demonstrated success forming authentic, mutually-beneficial partnerships with external organizations that help young people thrive
• Experience and interest in developing an equitable organization
• Experience supporting or partnering with fundraising teams; knows how to communicate impact and elevate program stories
• Experience partnering closely with the CEO and C-suite peers to strengthen alignment, reduce unnecessary bottlenecks, and free senior leadership to operate at the right altitude
• Excellent strategic, analytical, and communication skills, with the ability to connect day-to-day operations to long-term mission and vision

Compensation, Benefits, and Schedule:

This is a full-time, salaried, exempt position with a starting salary range of $140,000 - $180,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications. West End House also offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to enhance all aspects of employees’ lives: physical health, financial security, general well-being, and professional development. They include medical, dental, and vision insurance; FSA access; a retirement plan with employer contributions and match; generous PTO plus 16 holidays and eight wellness days; and professional development funds. In addition, team members have access to the pool & fitness center for their personal use; receive daily, scratch-made meals; and can elect pre-tax commuter and childcare benefits.

Due to the nature of the work, this role is expected to be on-site at West End House every day.

Application Process and Additional Information

Candidates must include a resume and a cover letter, both in PDF format, that describe how their qualifications and experience match the position profile. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Upload required documents to: https://eostransitions.applicantpool.com/jobs/

Eos Transition Partners consultant Erin Cox is conducting this executive search. All submissions will be acknowledged and are confidential, and any questions can be submitted to Erin at: ecox@eostransitions.com or erin@erinjcox.com.