Onward We Learn · 1 day ago
Chief Program Officer
Providence, RI
Full-time
Hybrid
Director/Executive
$100K/yr - $150K/yr
10+ years expOnward We Learn is dedicated to preparing and inspiring young people in Rhode Island to attend and complete college. The Chief Program Officer (CPO) plays a crucial role in strategic direction, program delivery, and quality assurance, overseeing program directors and ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
CommunitiesHigher EducationPrimary Education
Responsibilities
Set direction for all programming components within and across the organization while maintaining alignment with Onward’s mission, vision, and values
Lead the design, implementation, and scaling of programs that support college readiness, access, and success, ensuring all programming reflects evidence-based practices from the field
Develop metrics on program effectiveness and use data to continuously improve college success systems and outcomes across the organization
Collaborate with colleagues on the executive team on processes and controls that support effective program monitoring and evaluation, ensuring that program goals and objectives are consistently met
Supervise, support, develop, and evaluate the Program Directors, providing strong team leadership to all program team members, ensuring they are positioned to deliver high-quality programs and services
Conduct regular one-on-one and team meetings, offering coaching, mentorship, and professional development focused on student engagement, data analysis, and program evaluation
Determine, implement, and oversee staffing plans that support achievement of program goals and objectives, and refine as necessary
Foster a high-performing, collaborative culture; ensure a positive work environment and coordinate professional development for program staff
Promote Onward’s mission, vision, and programmatic offerings with critical external stakeholders, including government officials, funders, school partners, higher-education institutions, parents/families, and national partners, serving as a senior spokesperson who builds, sustains, and elevates strategic relationships that expand reach, impact, and service opportunities
Negotiate, manage, and maintain MOUs with school districts; align services and delivery plans to district college access and preparedness priorities; convey program impact and outcomes; and proactively troubleshoot issues with district leaders to safeguard partnership health and performance
Collaborate with executive team colleagues in reporting program success and milestones to funders, key stakeholders, and the public
Serve as an organizational representative on committees, task forces, and at external events, including conferences, panels, and training sessions
Collaborate and communicate across the entire Executive and Program Leadership, made up of Chiefs, Directors, and individual contributors
Serve as a key representative of Onward’s work broadly, and the Programming team’s efforts specifically, in a variety of settings from one-on-one meetings to large presentations at professional conferences
Foster a healthy culture for the Programming team, and, alongside the rest of the Leadership Team, to positively influence culture across the entire organization
Serve as an active member of the organizational Executive Team, supporting that team’s ability to implement Onward’s strategic plan and deliver on organization-wide goals and initiatives, and report to the Board of Directors, along with the CEO and other team members, on the impact, success, and challenges of the program
Partner with Onward colleagues, as needed, to support fundraising, messaging, and organizational storytelling
Lead and manage direct report(s) by setting clear expectations, establishing goals and objectives, conducting regular check-ins, and conducting performance evaluations
Collaborate with the Senior Director of People and Culture to identify, recruit, and hire additional staff as needed to fulfill job responsibilities
Support professional growth and development of direct report(s), including the identification of training and development opportunities in partnership with the Senior Director of People and Culture
Provide support and guidance to all staff members in the organization regarding development strategies, messaging, and best practices
Qualification
Required
Master's degree and background in youth development, education, or a similar field
A minimum of ten years of leadership experience overseeing programs serving youth or communities in a nonprofit, government, or philanthropy environment
Demonstrated experience building and managing a high-performing team responsible for delivering multiple programs
Exceptional written, oral, and presentation skills with the ability to effectively communicate with senior management, staff, and external stakeholders
Proven ability to be an analytic and decisive decision-maker with the ability to prioritize and communicate to staff key objectives and tactics necessary to achieve organizational goals
Strong relationship builder and facilitator who can find common ground, build consensus, and strengthen collaboration among diverse stakeholders both within and external to the organization
Preferred
Comprehensive working knowledge of program planning, budgeting, administration, and grant development
Familiarity with the latest trends in the field of college access and success for first-generation students
Experience with the legislative and policymaking process in Rhode Island
Benefits
Medical
Dental
Vision
Disability
Life insurance
Flex spending accounts
Generous paid time off
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
403(b) retirement plan with organizational match
Company
Onward We Learn
Formerly the College Crusade of Rhode Island, we prepare and inspire students to become the first in their families to attend and complete college.
51-200 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageLeadership Team
Andrew Bramson
President and CEO
Susan Mansolillo
Chief Finance & Administration Officer
Company data provided by crunchbase