Chief Program Officer

Description

Position Summary

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Program Officer will be responsible for the organizations high-level program strategy, planning, cross-functional integration between the program areas, resource allocation, and development of evaluation and learning tools and processes consistent with Keshets strategic framework. The position will be a part of the executive leadership team that drives the overall strategy for the organization and represents Keshet on a local, regional, and national basis. The Chief Program Officer will initially develop deep knowledge of each project, program operations, and business plan, and will focus on the following three areas: program leadership and management, strategic plan management, and knowledge management.

Responsibilities

Develop and operational strategies that take the programs and organization to the next stage of growth.

Provide leadership to the KESHET Nonprofit strategic planning process and will implement new programmatic strategic initiatives.

Provide coordination for the KESHET Nonprofit executive leadership team.

Partner with the ED and her peers, the Chief Financial Officer, Chief Development Officer, and Director of Human Resources, and will be responsible for developing, implementing, and managing the operational aspects of the annual budget.

Program Leadership & Management:

Enhance and implement organizational vision as established in Keshets Strategic Plan.

Provide effective and inspiring leadership by being actively involved in all programs and services, developing a broad and deep knowledge of all programs.

Identify opportunities for KESHET Nonprofit to leverage cross-program strengths to take advantage of new opportunities and/or to address organizational challenges.

Lead, coach, develop, and retain KESHET Nonprofits high-performance senior management team with an emphasis on developing capacity in strategic analysis and planning and program budgeting.

Develop and implement training programs and retreats to expand the capacity of all staff.

Foster a culture that promotes teamwork and professional growth while establishing clear performance standards.

Attract, develop, coach, and retain high-performance team members, empowering them to elevate their level of responsibility, span of control, and performance.

Work with staff to develop systems to ensure consistent, high-quality project management.

Provide leadership in development of inter-team communication and cohesiveness, sustaining culture and supporting staff during organizational growth.

Resources, Operations and Infrastructure

Work in conjunction with Chief Financial Officer, Administration, and Department Directors on the development and management of program budgets, guiding resource allocation and resource deployment.

Develop and maintain information systems and other critical aspects of infrastructure that support and improve delivery of programs.

Work with Chief Financial Officer to ensure the continued financial viability of KESHET Nonprofits operational units through sound fiscal management.

Manage relationships with partner organizations.

Strategic Plan Implementation:

Provide programmatic leadership and input for all strategic plan implementation processes with the leadership and staff. Coach program directors as they implement the strategic plan and transition program operations.

Analytic and decisive decision maker with the ability to prioritize and communicate to staff key objectives and tactics necessary to achieve organizational goals.

Ability to point to specific examples of having led organizational transformation projects and program development.

Past experience managing human resources function including personnel, compensation, and recruiting.

Unwavering commitment to quality programs and data-driven program evaluation.

Action-oriented, entrepreneurial, flexible, and innovative approach to operational management.

Oversee Program Directors to ensure the effective and efficient program delivery.

Coordinate the delivery of services among different program activities to increase effectiveness and efficiency.

Meet monthly or as needed with Program Managers and Directors.

Knowledge Management

Identify and evaluate the risks associated with program activities and take appropriate action to control the risks working with Chief Financial Officer, Chief Executive Officer, Human Resources, and any other relevant directors as needed.

Monitor the program activities on a regular basis and conduct an annual evaluation according to the program evaluation framework.

Report evaluation findings to the Chief Executive Officer and recommend changes to enhance the program, as appropriate.

General Management

Serve on the organizations executive leadership team.

In conjunction with the Chief Executive Officer, support the work of the boards by providing regular, timely and accurate information and reports to the boards for program planning and evaluation.

Take on other duties as assigned by the Chief Executive Officer.

Qualifications

Job Qualifications

Bachelors Degree Required, Master's Degree in nonprofit management or Jewish studies preferred

Minimum of four years Director level management required

Excellence in organizational management with the ability to coach senior-level staff to manage and develop high-performance teams and develop and implement program strategies.

Passion, humility, integrity, positive attitude, mission-driven, and self-directed.

Strong written and verbal communication skills; a persuasive and passionate communicator with excellent public speaking skills.

A valid Drivers license and a criminal and Motor Vehicle record which meets company standards.

Ability to use computers fluently (Internet, Word Processing).

About Keshet

From its core programs for children and adults with intellectual challenges in the Chicago area, to its international consulting work, Keshet serves over 1,000 individuals with disabilities and touches the lives of many more family members, peers, supporters, and other stakeholders around the globe. Keshet's local leadership, comprised of nearly 100 lay leaders from all walks of life, provide the inspiration, direction, and funding required to fulfill the organizations mission: to do whatever is necessary to allow individuals with disabilities to achieve their potential.

About the Program

Keshet provides highly individualized and integrated education programs at five sites throughout Chicago and the north shore from kindergarten through age 22. We believe in maximizing each students potential while fostering caring communities in which students learn and grow. Therefore, we maintain a dual focus on developing students academic and daily living skills while also integrating them into their home community. With Keshet support, kids, teens and young adults thrive at day and overnight camps. Whether learning a new swim stroke or participating in a talent show, camp provides the ideal setting for campers to continue growing, learning, socializing and, of course, having fun. Keshet sets the stage for creating lifelong memories and friendships.

Salary : $120,000 - $140,000