Chief Impact

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Position Title: Chief Impact & Programs Officer (CIPO)

Reports to: President & CEO

Location: Remote

About the Organization

Student Veterans of America (SVA) is a 501(c)(3) higher education non-profit, headquartered in Washington, DC. With a mission focused on empowering student veterans, SVA is committed to providing an educational experience that goes beyond the classroom. Through a dedicated network of more than 1,600 on-campus chapters, SVA aims to inspire veterans by connecting student veterans with a community of dedicated chapter leaders. Every day these passionate leaders work to provide the necessary resources, network support, and advocacy to ensure student veterans can effectively connect, expand their skills, and ultimately achieve their greatest potential. For more information, visit us at

The Opportunity

The Chief Impact & Programs Officer (CIPO) is a newly created executive role designed to unify SVA's mission delivery across Programs & Chapter Services, Government Affairs, Research & Insights, and digital program experiences (mySVA, Advising Center, Career Center).

This leader will assess SVA's current structure, identify opportunities to strengthen alignment and performance, and ensure every initiative connects back to measurable mission outcomes and sustainable funding. Working closely with the President & CEO, the Chief Development Officer, and the Chief Operating & Finance Officer, the CIPO will guide strategy, ensure fiscal responsibility, and help demonstrate the impact of SVA's programs to partners, funders, and the veteran community.

The right candidate is a systems thinker with a product mindset, experienced in scaling programs and policy influence while maintaining clarity of purpose and mission.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Impact Leadership

• Develop and implement a multi-year impact strategy that integrates programs, research, and policy under a shared vision of success.
• Conduct an initial assessment of existing structures and teams, recommending changes to maximize mission alignment and operational efficiency.
• Serve as a strategic partner to the CEO and executive peers in shaping SVA's long-term direction and organizational priorities.

Programs & Chapter Services

• Lead the design, evolution, and scaling of SVA's national programs and chapter-support services.
• Ensure all offerings align with SVA's mission and create clear, fundable pathways that demonstrate impact to donors and partners.
• Work in close partnership with Development and Finance to identify funding opportunities, guide program investments, and ensure long-term sustainability.
• Build strong relationships with campus leaders, employers, and partner organizations to extend reach and relevance.

Government Affairs & Policy

• Direct SVA's nonpartisan policy agenda and ensure advocacy is grounded in data, research, and the lived experiences of student veterans.
• Maintain relationships with Congress, federal agencies, and higher-education partners to advance key education and workforce issues.
• Provide thought leadership through briefings, testimony, and coalition engagement that elevate SVA's credibility and influence.

Research & Insights

• Oversee research initiatives that identify emerging needs, test new approaches, and strengthen program and policy decisions.
• Translate insights into practical recommendations for partners and policymakers, ensuring that evidence directly informs SVA's strategic priorities.

Digital Experience & Innovation

• Guide the development and integration of digital experiences that improve the chapter and student journey, including mySVA, the SVA Advising Center, and the SVA Career Center.
• Partner with technology and content teams to deliver intuitive, secure, and impactful tools that extend program reach.

People & Culture

• Lead a multidisciplinary team across Programs, Government Affairs, and Research.
• Build a high-performing, collaborative culture that values learning, inclusion, and accountability.
• Recruit, develop, and retain talent to support both near-term initiatives and long-term growth.

Candidate Profile

Experience & Education

• 12+ years of progressive leadership in program, policy, or research roles, ideally at national or multi-state scale.
• Proven success assessing and restructuring teams or portfolios for greater impact and mission alignment.
• Strong understanding of how to connect program design, policy influence, and fundraising strategy.
• Demonstrated collaboration with development and finance functions to align funding, reporting, and impact storytelling.
• Experience leading or partnering on digital service or content initiatives preferred.
• Advanced degree required; PhD strongly preferred in public policy, education, social science, or related field.

Competencies

• Strategic thinker with the courage to reimagine systems.
• Collaborative partner who aligns impact with fiscal discipline and funding opportunity.
• Clear communicator who can distill complexity into action and inspire confidence across stakeholders.
• Skilled coalition builder with a track record of results through partnership.
• Committed mentor and team developer.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary: $170,000–$210,000

SVA offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, generous PTO, plus a 401(k) plan with employer match. Employees also enjoy the opportunity to grow professionally within a collaborative and mission-driven team.

Work Environment

This is a remote role within the U.S. with regular travel (estimated 20–30%) to campuses, partner convenings, and policy engagement.