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