Chief Program Officer

Position Overview

The Chief Program Officer (CPO) is a critical executive role reporting directly to the CEO, tasked with executing the statewide program strategy and leading network, organizational, and quality assurance functions for California CASA Association's 44 local CASA programs across 53 counties. These programs provide vital advocacy and support for children and youth within California's dependency and juvenile justice systems. The CPO integrates program initiatives, peer learning, quality improvement, data strategies, and public policy into a unified strategy to strengthen local CASA programs, enhance organizational capacity, and improve outcomes for children and youth.

The role oversees statewide initiatives including capacity-building, training, data strategy, diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, accreditation, leadership development, grantmaking, technical assistance, annual conferences, regional meetings, and partnerships. Additionally, the CPO supervises the Director of Policy & Legislative Affairs to ensure ongoing legislative advocacy for the financial sustainability of CASA programs. Based remotely within California, this position requires regular statewide travel.

Key Responsibilities

• Participates as a member of the Executive Leadership Team helping shape organizational strategy, priorities, and long-term sustainability.
• Advises the CEO and Board on emerging trends, risks, and opportunities impacting the CASA network.
• Leads complex initiatives supporting the mission, strategic plan, funding priorities, and drives organizational effectiveness and cross-department collaboration.
• Oversees public policy, legislative affairs, and government relations to align with organizational goals.
• Directs integration of policy advocacy with program priorities to support legislation and system change benefiting CASA programs.
• Represents the organization in engagements with state agencies, judiciary, funders, and partners as an executive ambassador.
• Acts as a chief liaison and advisor to local CASA programs, supporting leadership transitions, organizational growth, and sustainability.
• Builds statewide collaborations that enhance capacity and advance the CASA mission.
• Leads efforts in technical assistance, peer learning, leadership development, and promotes collaboration across the CASA network.
• Champions inclusive practices that reflect all children and youth's identities and experiences served by CASA.
• Manages state funding, grants, contracts, and ensures compliance and impact measurement.
• Oversees educational initiatives, curriculum development, and innovative learning models.
• Incorporates evidence-based practices from related fields to enhance CASA programs.
• Promotes continuous quality improvement, accreditation, and assessment aligned with standards.
• Guides the use of data and evaluation to strengthen decision-making, demonstrate impact, and inform policy and funding priorities.
• Leads and mentors the program team, fostering a culture of high performance, accountability, and continuous learning.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, public administration, social work, public policy, or related fields; Master’s preferred.
• At least 10 years of progressive leadership in nonprofit, child welfare, justice systems, or public policy, including 5+ years in senior leadership roles.
• Proven ability to lead complex programs, strategic planning, governance, and capacity-building.
• Strong communication, facilitation, public speaking, and stakeholder relationship skills.
• Experienced in managing grants, budgets, statewide initiatives, and engaging diverse stakeholders.
• Skilled in data-driven strategy and impact communication.
• Committed to cultural responsiveness and inclusive practices to improve outcomes for children, youth, volunteers, and programs.
• Willingness to travel throughout California.
• Experience with CASA/GAL organizations, statewide associations, legislative advocacy, learning management systems, or quality improvement is advantageous.

Compensation and Benefits

This fully remote position offers a competitive salary ranging from $140,000 to $210,000 annually, based on experience and qualifications. Equipment necessary for a home office is provided. Candidates must reside in or plan to relocate to California.

Additional physical requirements include occasional bending, sitting, reaching, and frequent computer work; reasonable accommodations are available. Background checks compliant with California Rule of Court 5.655 are required. A valid driver's license, insurance, satisfactory driving record, and vehicle access for meetings are mandatory.

Employee benefits encompass medical, dental, vision coverage, group life and accidental death insurance, a 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching, flexible spending accounts, paid vacation, personal days, and sick leave.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The organization is dedicated to providing an inclusive, equitable workplace and prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.