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First Place for Youth
First Place for Youth
51 – 200 Employees
EducationNon-profitSocial Impact
First Place for Youth is a nonprofit social-impact organization that helps young people transition from foster care toward stable, independent adulthood. Its programs combine housing, case management, education and employment counseling, life-skills training, and youth empowerment. Founded in 1998, the organization pioneered scattered-site housing for former foster youth in Northern California, placing participants in community-based living environments while providing support tailored to their goals. Its work spans nonprofit services, education, and poverty and homelessness prevention, offering opportunities for people interested in mission-driven careers supporting youth and community wellbeing.
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Chief Program Officer, Youth Services

Lead trauma-informed services for homeless youth, overseeing programs, staff, funding, quality improvement, and community partnerships.

USUnited StatesCACalifornia
$160,000 / year
HybridFull-timeLeadEnglish RequiredGeneralProgram Officer

Description

  • Set strategy and provide executive oversight for service delivery and organizational programs
  • Ensure program operations and service culture reflect the agency’s mission
  • Lead the hiring, onboarding, training, motivation, and support of program staff
  • Coordinate and oversee programs, contracts, and related services across the organization
  • Foster collaboration across program areas while meeting expectations of funders, partners, clients, constituents, and stakeholders
  • Support strategic growth and identify mission-aligned opportunities to expand organizational impact
  • Engage the Board of Directors through committee facilitation, meetings, reports, and presentations
  • Contribute to fund development and cultivate donor engagement
  • Help develop budgets and monitor program operations with the finance team
  • Work with grants and contracts staff on applications, reporting, staff allocation, and grant optimization
  • Ensure programs achieve performance outcomes, contractual obligations, and key performance indicators
  • Participate in performance and quality improvement efforts to drive ongoing program enhancement
  • Apply data, research, and analysis to program design and effective service delivery
  • Lead and develop staff while building a collaborative, innovative workplace culture
  • Integrate safety practices into programs and oversee risk management
  • Ensure effective crisis intervention, de-escalation, and mandated reporting practices
  • Represent the organization in speaking engagements, share its work, and deliver staff development training
  • Set annual short- and long-term departmental and program goals aligned with the strategic plan and quality improvement process
  • Represent the organization with community partners and funders while developing relationships with community leaders, institutions, elected officials, businesses, and organizations
  • Create regular opportunities for staff, clients, and partners to provide feedback
  • Carry out additional duties that advance the program and organizational mission

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or a related field
  • Master’s degree in social work or marriage and family therapy
  • Active clinical license in good standing with the Board of Behavioral Sciences
  • At least two years of post-licensure experience and the ability to supervise licensure hours
  • Three to four years of supervisory experience
  • Two to three years of nonprofit experience serving diverse groups
  • Strong program and operations experience; residential services and multi-site programming experience preferred
  • Experience with public speaking and delivering training
  • Knowledge of homeless services and youth services
  • Senior-management understanding of homeless services and housing programs
  • Experience managing multimillion-dollar budgets and complex funding sources
  • Experience designing and delivering program services
  • Knowledge of nonprofit funding sources
  • Experience supervising and managing large teams
  • Strong leadership skills and the ability to develop staff
  • Skills in organizational development, personnel management, budget and resource development, and strategic planning
  • Ability to collaborate with a dynamic leadership team
  • Strategic, innovative, and entrepreneurial approach to impact and sustainability
  • Integrity, credibility, and dedication to the agency’s mission
  • Commitment to diversity, racial equity, inclusion, and empowerment
  • Exceptional organization, attention to detail, and deadline management
  • Flexibility and multitasking ability in an ambiguous, fast-moving environment
  • Valid California driver’s license, personal vehicle, and adequate insurance
  • Ability to fulfill mandated reporting obligations
  • Proof of COVID-19 vaccination and booster when eligible
  • Ability to provide a satisfactory driving record, valid license, and proof of insurance

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health insurance coverage
  • 403(b) retirement plan with an agency contribution
  • Generous paid time off
  • Professional development opportunities aligned with individual career goals

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