Chief Impact Officer

Job Overview

As a key thought partner to the CEO, the Chief Impact Officer (CIO) will (1) lead, design, implement, and monitor WPA’s research and evaluation infrastructure to assess program efficacy and support strategic decision making; (2) restructure and oversee the development and fundraising team to drive mission-aligned financial support for WPA from individuals, foundations, corporations, and government agencies; and, (3) restructure and oversee the communications and marketing team to align narrative and develop a learning agenda informed by the data collected and analyzed. The goal is to ensure that WPA’s data management systems, financial resources, and the story that emerges are cohesive and align with the organization’s impact goals and mission.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Research and Performance Management

Design, implement, and monitor data collection, analysis, and evaluation frameworks to assess program effectiveness, impact, and organizational learning. Hire and supervise the Research and Evaluation team in close collaboration with the CEO and CFOO.

Key Responsibilities:

• Research design and analysis: develop and implement research methodologies (qualitative and quantitative) to track program outputs, outcomes, and impact.
• Evaluation and reporting: design, manage, and conduct evaluations of projects. Prepare high-quality reports, dashboards, and presentations for diverse audiences.
• Data Management and quality: Provide oversight of data collection, cleaning, and storage to ensure accuracy and integrity. Supervise the Data Quality Specialist to operationalize data standards. Learning and strategy: Nurture a culture of evaluative thinking by integrating findings into organizational planning, policy, and practice.
• Coordination and collaboration: Work with program teams and external stakeholders to define key evaluation questions, align research with strategic needs, and disseminate findings.

Development and Fundraising

Design and manage a process and actionable plan to build and strengthen relationships with potential donors to secure current and future funding. Hire and supervise 2–5-person development, fundraising, communications, and marketing team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Fundraising strategy: develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy to meet or exceed budgetary goals.
• Donor cultivation and stewardship: build and maintain relationships with individuals, corporations, and foundations, with a focus on major gifts.
• Grant management and reporting: Oversee grant tracking, reporting, and compliance, ensuring timely and accurate submissions to funders.
• Monitor and report on progress towards fundraising goals.

1. Communications and Marketing

Develop an effective communications and marketing strategy that leverages research and insights from the data collection and measurement process to establish clear objectives and measurable results. Use evidence to strengthen engagement with donors, community partners, government allies, and other key stakeholders, advancing WPA’s mission and long-term sustainability.

Work collaboratively with the CEO and senior staff to produce and disseminate high-quality reports, white papers, opinion pieces, and other external publications that elevate WPA’s impact, build community trust, and foster thought leadership.

Key Responsibilities:

• Translate complex information and field insights into compelling narratives for funders, policymakers, and other key stakeholders, helping to showcase impact relevant to different audiences and elevate WPA’s public image.
• Support the development of reports, case studies, communications assets, and other external-facing materials in collaboration with team leaders.
• Forge and cultivate partner and stakeholder relationships to further organizational goals and amplify impact, collaborating with program and operations leadership to leverage CRM tools and sector networks.
• Work closely with senior leadership to align impact storytelling with fundraising and communications goals.
• Craft and lead teamwork to submit funding proposals and funder reports to execute on programmatic priorities.
• Participate in required training sessions and ongoing professional development.
• Perform other duties or special projects as assigned by supervisor or leadership.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

The ideal candidate for the Chief Impact Officer position is,

• An experienced leader who is passionate about criminal justice reform, gender equity, and racial justice.
• Aligned with WPA’s values of teamwork, integrity, excellence, accountability, humility, and impact.
• Has a deep passion for WPA's mission to make the incarceration of women obsolete and to provide the services and support justice-impacted women need to thrive in their communities.
• Has strong critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and interpersonal skills
• Has excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Has experience aligning evaluation with organizational goals, driving continuous learning, and mentoring team members.
• Strong organizational and project management skills to manage multiple projects, timelines, and budgets.
• Has experience with development, fundraising, or grant-making.
• Has a sense of humor and brings joy to the work.

Additional qualifications and experience

• Advanced degree in social sciences, public policy, evaluation, or related field; or lived experience equivalent to the level of knowledge, skills, and experience at the master's or PhD level.
• 10 years+ of senior management experience, preferably in the nonprofit sector, building, leading, and supporting high-performing teams through organizational restructuring.
• Strong change management and emotional intelligence skills.
• Experience in mixed-methods research, data analysis (i.e., SPSS), strategic evaluation, and Salesforce or other CRM or HER.

Perks & Benefits*:

WPA offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package designed to support the well-being, growth, and success of our staff. Our benefits reflect our commitment to creating a workplace where people feel valued and supported.

Health & Wellness

• Health & Vision insurance
• Employer-paid dental coverage
• 100% premium paid Short- and Long-Term Disability
• Paid family and medical leave
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Companywide Wellness Challenges

Time Off & Flexibility

• 12 paid holidays, including a paid holiday week between Christmas and New Year’s
• Floating holidays and Personal days
• Hybrid work options for various roles

Financial Benefits

• 403(b) retirement plan
• Credit union membership options
• Direct deposit and Brinks MoneyCard option
• Tax-deferred commuting benefits via ThrivePass
• 529 college savings plan
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• “Aspiring Professionals” Scholarship Program

Growth & Development

• WPA University ~ Learning Management System (LMS) for on-demand learning
• Internal & External training opportunities
• CUNY sponsored scholarship to HSCAS for employee education

Extra Perks

• Access to the “Alcott HR Marketplace” employee discount program
• Milestone Celebrations & Awards
• Benefits eligibility may vary based on the number of hours worked.

Why Work with Us

At WPA, you’re not just joining a team—you’re joining a mission. As the nation’s oldest organization serving women impacted by incarceration, we’ve built a legacy of compassion, advocacy, and change.

We are a community of professionals who lead with purpose and care deeply about the individuals and families we support. Our staff bring integrity, empathy, and drive to their work—and we support them in return with a collaborative culture, strong benefits, and opportunities to grow.

If you're looking for meaningful work in a supportive, equity-focused environment, WPA is the place for you.

How to Apply

Please send your resume, cover letter, and salary requirements to: jobs@wpaonline.org. Please include "Chief Impact Officer" in the subject line of your email.

To learn more about WPA’s mission and programs, visit www.wpaonline.org.

WPA offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package designed to support the well-being, growth, and success of our staff. Our benefits reflect our commitment to creating a workplace where people feel valued and supported.

Health & Wellness

• Health & Vision insurance
• Employer-paid dental coverage
• 100% premium paid Short- and Long-Term Disability
• Paid family and medical leave
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Companywide Wellness Challenges

Time Off & Flexibility

• 12 paid holidays, including a paid holiday week between Christmas and New Year’s
• Floating holidays and Personal days
• Hybrid work options for various roles

Financial Benefits

• 403(b) retirement plan
• Credit union membership options
• Direct deposit and Brinks MoneyCard option
• Tax-deferred commuting benefits via ThrivePass
• 529 college savings plan
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• “Aspiring Professionals” Scholarship Program

Growth & Development

• WPA University ~ Learning Management System (LMS) for on-demand learning
• Internal & External training opportunities
• CUNY sponsored scholarship to HSCAS for employee education

Extra Perks

• Access to the “Alcott HR Marketplace” employee discount program
• Milestone Celebrations & Awards

Benefits eligibility may vary based on the number of hours worked.