Chief Strategy Officer

About CORA Services

CORA Services is a well-established not-for-profit organization in Philadelphia dedicated to supporting children and families facing emotional, academic, and social challenges that affect their development and productivity. With over 50 years of service, our mission is to empower young people and families to flourish through compassionate and high-quality services.

Role Overview

We are looking for an experienced and dedicated Chief Strategy Officer to work closely with the CEO. This role focuses on formulating, communicating, and implementing long-term organizational vision, growth strategies, and expansion efforts. The position involves leading corporate strategy, ensuring organizational effectiveness, compliance oversight, and driving program and talent growth initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct and monitor progress against organizational priorities, including yearly goals and key performance indicators.
• Redesign the nonprofit’s business and governance frameworks to improve mission impact, operational efficiency, and sustainable growth.
• Identify, analyze, and execute strategic opportunities such as mergers, acquisitions, or program expansions aligned with mission objectives.
• Facilitate partnerships across sectors to integrate clinical behavioral health with education and out-of-school time services to optimize family outcomes.
• Represent the CEO in meetings and decision-making processes as appropriate.
• Assist the data team in creating data-driven frameworks to assess client outcomes over time and develop analytical tools for program evaluation and operational performance.
• Present data-informed insights to the Board of Directors concerning program trends and outcomes, suggesting strategies to enhance impact and quality.
• Collaborate with IT and program teams to ensure databases effectively capture social data that supports executive decisions.
• Work with the Vice President of Talent and Culture to craft innovative talent acquisition solutions promoting workforce sustainability and addressing burnout.
• Provide executive coaching to build leadership capabilities, foster an adaptive and psychologically safe culture, and mentor directors.
• Guide the organization through significant operational changes, including workflow and structural improvements.
• Serve as the organization's representative on regional advocacy boards influencing policies related to behavioral health, youth development, early childhood, and education.
• Collaborate with the Advancement department to translate complex data and compliance information into compelling narratives for funders and stakeholders.
• Support all staff by providing strong daily leadership, ensuring transparent communication, and maintaining an open-door culture.
• Facilitate executive meetings and strategic planning sessions as delegated by the CEO.
• Support Board of Directors engagement through agenda planning, preparation of materials, and follow-up on actions.
• Work with the Board Governance Committee Chair to ensure effective governance, board development, and alignment of board composition with strategic needs.
• Lead urgent or high-priority initiatives assigned by the CEO and manage ongoing strategic planning and reporting.
• Develop workflows to enhance cross-department collaboration and organizational effectiveness.
• Promote an organizational culture rooted in accountability, equity, and mission alignment.
• Carry out additional duties assigned by the CEO.

Educational Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) or an equivalent advanced degree focusing on Nonprofit Management, Macro Social Work, or Organizational Dynamics.

Experience and Competencies

• A minimum of 10 to 12 years of progressive leadership experience within social impact, behavioral health, or education sectors.
• At least five years in senior executive roles such as Chief Operating Officer, Chief Transformation Officer, or Vice President overseeing multiple departments including HR, Compliance, and Strategy.
• Strong background in nonprofit organizational development, governance, and capacity building.
• Hands-on experience managing or working with frontline clinical, youth services, academic, or out-of-school time programming.
• Proven ability to build effective relationships with colleagues, board members, contractors, and external agency personnel.
• Capacity to maintain strict confidentiality.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

Benefits and Company Culture

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance with competitive company contributions, effective the first of the month following hire.
• Company-paid life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D), and long-term disability coverage.
• Optional supplemental voluntary benefits including short-term disability, accident, and critical illness insurance.
• 403b retirement plan with generous company contributions after one year of service.
• Paid time off along with agency holidays.
• Employee Assistance Program to support well-being.
• Family planning benefits including cash assistance for IVF, egg freezing, adoption, or surrogacy.
• A welcoming, inclusive workplace culture that values diversity and individual growth.

Equal Employment Opportunity

CORA Services is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics.