Chief Program Officer

Chief Program Officer

Job Description

The below job description is not meant to encompass every task, skill, or situation that may be encountered in this

role. It is meant to give an overview of the necessary functions, skills and experiences needed to successfully

perform the job. Each employee is expected to use the organization's mission to guide their

performance. This job description may be modified as organizational needs dictate and changes will be discussed and documented.

Department & Purpose

Responsible for fulfilling the organization's mission to empower adults with developmental

disabilities to live, work and connect; engages directly with developmentally

disabled adults and their families based on their prescribed individual needs.

Reports To

Stakeholders Internal:

• People Served
• Program Staff
• Department Heads

External:

• Parents
• Peer agencies
• County Boards
• Ohio DODD

Employee Classification Exempt

Summary

The Chief Program Officer (CPO) is a key member of the organization's executive leadership

team and is responsible for leading the design, delivery, and strategic growth of the

organization’s programs. The CPO ensures that all programmatic efforts are mission-

aligned, person-centered, data-informed, and in compliance with applicable regulations.

This leader will supervise program directors and staff across service areas, drive

innovation and quality improvement, and partner with Executive Leadership to shape the future of inclusive services.

Essential Functions Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement program strategies that advance the organization's mission and strategic

plan.

• Lead and mentor program leadership, fostering a collaborative, high-performance

culture.

• Analyze trends, community needs, and funding landscapes to inform service

innovation.

• Lead Program Growth

Program Oversight - Quality Assurance

• Oversee daily operations of all service programs, ensuring alignment with best practices

and regulatory standards (e.g., Medicaid, DODD, CARF).

• Monitor and evaluate program effectiveness using qualitative and quantitative metrics.
• Promote continuous quality improvement and service excellence.

Staff Development and Supervision

• Supervise program directors and senior managers, ensuring accountability and

professional development.

• Cultivate an inclusive and mission-driven team environment.
• Ensure appropriate training, onboarding, and compliance of program personnel.

Partnerships & Advocacy

Strengthen community partnerships and represent the organization in public forums,

coalitions, and stakeholder meetings as needed.

Strengthen community partnerships and represent the organization in public forums,

coalitions, and stakeholder meetings as needed.

Advocate for policies that advance the rights and opportunities of people with

developmental disabilities.

Represent our program interests to government entities as needed.

Budget & Resource Management

Partner with the Executive Team on program budgeting and financial planning.

Ensure efficient allocation of resources and adherence to grant and funder

requirements

Additional Qualifications Education & Experience

Bachelor’s degree in: Human Services, Social Work, Public

Administration, or a related field required;

Minimum 5 years (10 years preferred) DIRECT IDD experience in OHIO

Proven experience managing multi-site programs and leading teams.

Experience working with people with developmental disabilities in

residential settings preferred.

Relationships with regional board of developmental disabilities preferred.

Skills & Competencies

• Visionary and strategic thinker with a deep commitment to inclusion and

person-centered practices

• Strong leadership, interpersonal, and team-building skills
• Knowledge of state and federal funding, compliance, and regulatory

systems.

• Excellent written, verbal, and public communication skills.
• Data-driven, analytical mindset with the ability to manage performance

metrics

Work Environment & Physical Demands

Required

• Have a valid social security number
• Be able to read, write, and understand English
• Be able to effectively communicate in English and be easily understood

by the person served and other professionals in one-on-one and small

group settings

• Have and maintain a valid Driver’s License with less than five points
• Must be able to pass all applicable background checks
• Obtain the Hepatitis B Series or complete a waiver