Chief Strategy and Expansion Officer

About First Place for Youth

First Place for Youth is a prominent nonprofit dedicated to supporting foster youth as they transition into adulthood, focusing on education, employment, and housing. The organization aims to equip these young individuals with the necessary skills, confidence, and connections to thrive independently despite the unique challenges they face.

Role Overview

The Chief Strategy and Expansion Officer (CSEO) will spearhead the organization's national growth initiatives by opening new locations, securing governmental funding, and forging strategic partnerships. This role collaborates with the CEO and leadership team to shape growth strategies and represents the organization nationally as a key ambassador. The officer leads a team and works at the intersection of strategy, policy, and mission-driven impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement a detailed expansion strategy including affiliate and physical site growth into new states and markets using data and alignment with the mission.
• Evaluate and prioritize markets considering policy environments, funding availability, and potential impact.
• Collaborate with the national team to launch new programs while maintaining quality and integrity.
• Build and nurture relationships with government officials, child welfare and workforce leaders to secure public funding and advance program integration.
• Lead contracting and procurement efforts focusing on Title IV-E and workforce development funding streams.
• Partner with development teams on grant writing and philanthropy to diversify funding streams.
• Serve as a national advocate by participating in boards and task forces related to foster care reform and youth services.
• Monitor legislation to identify opportunities and threats to funding and programs.
• Lead and develop a high-performing national team fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Establish cross-department collaboration to maximize organizational expertise and support growth.
• Define and track vital KPIs related to revenue, expansion, and impact; provide transparent reporting to leadership and board.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s, JD, or advanced degrees preferred.
• Over 8 years of progressive senior leadership experience in child welfare or related sectors managing multi-level teams.
• Minimum 5 years leading business development in government contracting with proven growth across multiple states.
• In-depth understanding of foster care systems, extended foster care policies, and youth service landscapes.
• Expertise in public sector funding sources, especially Title IV-E and workforce development.
• Experience as an executive leader managing multi-site, multi-state operations.
• Excellent communication skills to advocate and simplify complex policies.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with ability to identify opportunities and act decisively.
• Previous experience managing program budgets is essential.
• Proficiency with computer software and willingness to work occasional evenings, weekends, and travel as needed.

Benefits

• 15 vacation days in the first year, 12 sick days, and 2 floating holidays.
• 15 paid holidays annually.
• Health plans (Kaiser or UCH HMO/PPO) with up to 90% premium coverage by the employer.
• Dental and vision insurance coverage with up to 90% premium support.
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
• Basic and voluntary life insurance coverage.
• Employee assistance program.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan.
• Paid sabbatical policy.

Compensation and Additional Information

The salary ranges from $178,275 to $210,875 for Northern California and $170,000 to $200,330 for Southern California, with pay determined by education and experience. Relocation support is not provided, and preference is given to local candidates. The organization cannot sponsor work visas. First Place for Youth adheres to background check and hiring laws related to criminal history, offering fair consideration per California and San Francisco ordinances.