Position Summary:

The Chief Program Officer (CPO) is a senior leadership role within NeighborGood Partners, responsible for guiding and enhancing day-to-day program operations, program strategy and implementation, and program leadership. This position works closely with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to advance the organization’s mission, overseeing the quality implementation and growth of programs, senior leadership professional development, and overall organizational strategy. As a key partner to the CEO, the CPO is a member of the Executive Team, assumes leadership responsibilities during the CEO’s absence, and is expected to contribute to operational efficiency, long-term planning, and organizational leadership. The CPO also plays a key role in influencing an inclusive and unified culture across departments, where robust communication and shared leadership are guiding principles.

Reports To: Chief Executive Director

Supervises: Line of Business Directors for Community Development, Consumer Services, Loan Fund, and Self-Help Housing.
Location: NeighborGood Partners, Dover, Delaware
FLSA Status: Exempt, full-time

Salary: $110,000 - $120,000

To Apply: Please send your resume, cover letter, and references to:         jobapplications@NeighborgoodPartners.org

For More Information: Visit https://www.neighborgoodpartners.org/chiefprogramofficer

Illustrative Key Responsibilities:

While this job description outlines the typical duties and responsibilities of the position, the role may also be required to perform other tasks or additional duties to support NeighborGood Partners’ mission.

Program Oversight and Operations Management

• Supervise and support the organization’s Line of Business directors, ensuring seamless delivery of services and alignment with organizational goals and mission.
•  Oversee day-to-day operations across all programs, including program strategy, delivery, and evaluation of program services.
• Ensure programs meet quality standards, compliance requirements, and financial objectives, including budget monitoring and reporting.
• Collaborate with the CEO and Board on the expansion or development of new programmatic initiatives.
• Foster cross-departmental collaboration to break down silos and improve organizational efficiency.
• Partner with the Chief Financial Officer and Director of Operations, who is responsible for human resources, network technology, and facilities, ensuring these operational areas are aligned with the organization’s strategic goals and run efficiently.
• Partner with the CEO to facilitate productive Leadership Team meetings.

Program Leadership Development

• Provide leadership to the team of Line of Business directors, fostering a collaborative, supportive, and inclusive work environment.
• Mentor and develop Line of Business director leadership knowledge, skills, and abilities, supporting their professional growth and ensuring strong team dynamics.
• Partner with the Director of Operations to align the line of business director development with all other staff development.
• Lead the effort in building a shared leadership culture and succession planning for senior leadership positions.
• Conduct regular performance reviews of direct reports, establishing clear objectives for staff development in alignment with program requirements and growth.
• Lead succession planning efforts, identifying and preparing potential leaders within the organization to transition into senior leadership roles.

Strategic Planning and Organizational Growth

• Partner with the CEO to develop, refine, and execute the strategic direction of the organization, ensuring alignment with the mission and vision.
• Lead the execution of annual business plans and initiatives, focusing on increasing efficiency, improving performance, and achieving operational objectives.
• Participate in organizational assessments and make recommendations for improvements or innovations.
• Contribute to the development and execution of the organization’s fundraising and external relationship-building strategies.

External Relations and Public Policy

• Share the responsibility with the CEO of maintaining key partner and stakeholder relationships (i.e., NeighborWorks, National Rural Housing Coalition, Delaware Affordable Housing Coalition, National Low-Income Housing Coalition, etc.)
• Represent the organization externally when the CEO is unavailable, maintaining relationships with funders, partners, and key stakeholders.
• Assist the CEO in representing the organization in industry events, speaking engagements, and advocacy opportunities.
• Track and analyze local, state, and federal policies that impact the organization’s mission, ensuring the organization remains informed and proactive in responding to policy changes.
• Collaborate with the CEO to develop strategies and share in influencing public policy advocacy for the organization’s priorities at the local, state, and federal levels.
• Support the development of advocacy campaigns that align with the organization’s mission and engage external stakeholders in policy conversations.

Financial Management and Oversight

• Support the CEO in managing the organization’s budget.
• Partner with the Line of Business Directors to ensure that all programs are operating within financial constraints and contributing to the financial health of the organization.
• Partner with the Chief Financial Officer to track expenditures, assess program impact, and recommend financial adjustments when necessary.
• Coordinate regular updates and reports from the Directors for the CEO to use in communicating to the Board on operational performance and financial status.

Personnel Management

• Act as a decision-making authority in the absence of the CEO for critical personnel, programmatic, and operational matters.
• Partner with the Director of Operations to assist with the resolution of any issues or conflicts within the organization that require senior-level attention.
• Partner with the Director of Operations to manage escalated personnel issues and complex staff situations, ensuring resolution is consistent with organizational values.

Qualifications:

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree required (Master’s degree preferred) in nonprofit management, business administration, or a related field.
• At least 7-10 years of experience in senior leadership roles, with a track record of success in program management, staff supervision and development, operations, and strategic planning.
• Experience with affordable housing and serving the public is desirable.
• Experience in nonprofit leadership, with a deep understanding of program design and oversight, organizational strategy, and leadership development.
• Proven ability to collaborate and partner successfully with diverse teams and build a positive organizational culture.

Skills and Abilities

• Strong leadership and management skills, with a demonstrated ability to inspire and motivate team members.
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present information clearly and persuasively.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to plan long-term and execute operationally.
• High level of emotional intelligence and conflict resolution skills, with the ability to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail.
• Knowledge of nonprofit operations, financial management, and program evaluation.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, taking initiative when necessary.

Work Environment

• Flexible, mission-driven work environment focused on creating a positive impact within the community.
• The position may require occasional travel and extended hours to meet the needs of the organization.