Chief Program Officer

JOB SUMMARY:

Oversees the design, implementation, and evaluation of all programs for the Early Learning Coalition of Southwest Florida's (ELC) Program Service area. Work involves ensuring a high level of services are provided to families and providers, increasing productivity and efficiencies, and participating in overall leadership of the ELC. Administers the School Readiness (SR) and Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) Programs in several counties with specific focus on program eligibility, enrollment, referrals, and matches.

Position is primarily focused on directing, coaching, developing, and evaluating other people. Position requires extensive depth of expertise and knowledge in specialized functions or business areas that can be used to develop policies and procedures as well as determining efficient and innovative ways to accomplish the organization's business strategies.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The essential functions listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

• Directs, provides guidance to, and reviews the work of individual contributors and supervisory employees in order to accomplish operational plans and results
• Directs, plans, and implements policies, objectives, and activities for the ELC to maximize efficiencies and effectiveness of organizational operations
• Facilitates and implements approved work and strategic plans; develops and maintains a high-quality customer service program, ensuring staff is effectively trained in related procedures and practices
• Develops and ensures implementation of best practice standards and assures compliance with all regulatory and funding agencies; compiles and submits data for trend analysis and regulatory reporting
• Develops, recommends, and presents to the CEO resolutions and/or plans related to funding, monitoring, quality improvement, and general ELC business; proposes area policies per new directives from funders; implements approved policies in collaboration with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
• Provides assigned Directors with guidance for budget administration, resource allocation and utilization of department fiscal and personnel resources
• Reviews and/or approves financial reports to ensure accurate allocation to charged budgets for assigned department
• Produces and analyzes complex data and reports for the assigned area/s and associated programs
• Audits documents, records, and reports generated by assigned staff; ensures all assigned staff understand and consistently apply established procedures and regulatory or contracted guidelines to their activities
• Manages the services for School Readiness (SR) eligibility in-takes, re-determinations, and terminations
• Implements and/or advises the CEO on SR strategies to maximize usage of direct services (childcare)
• Coordinates SR Match, working with external SR Match participant donors
• Enacts recruitment plans for ensuring proper enrollment for SR and Voluntary Pre-kindergarten (VPK) programs
• Manages Child Care Resource and Referral (CCRR) activities to increase parental choice
• Coordinates activities and initiatives to ensure families and providers receive efficient and effective support
• Procures commodities and services in compliance with state and federal statutes
• Designs and plans short-term and long-range internal and external training plans aligned with the organization's strategy, goals, and identified needs
• Ensures that the organization's communications and marketing plan is in alignment with approved strategies and objectives
• Ensures that all suspicions of fraud or abuse are reported to the Chief Compliance Officer when infractions are discovered
• Informs and advises the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) on matters pertaining to engagement of new employees, termination of existing employees, and all other pertinent employment actions
• Interacts regularly and cooperatively with all ELC staff and external organizations
• Establishes/develops and maintains collaboration, trust, and cohesion with colleagues; demonstrates and fosters a commitment to the mission, goals, and organizational culture of the Coalition
• Maintains the ability to travel on a flexible schedule per organizational responsibilities and requirements
• May serve on advisory boards and committees and participate in other activities that promote the ELC and early learning programs and activities

SUPERVISION:

• Reviews and evaluates work methods and procedures and meets with management staff to identify and resolve problems
• Assesses and monitors workload; identifies opportunities for improvement and implements changes
• Selects, trains, motivates, and evaluates personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline and termination procedures
• Oversees and participates in the development and administration of the departmental budget; informs the School Readiness forecasting process in collaboration with the Chief Financial Officer; approves expenditures and implements budgetary adjustments for approved and assigned budget
• Receives claims or reports of unlawful harassment and discrimination and reports same to superiors, assists in the investigation process of relevant claims, and takes corrective measures to ensure a workplace free of harassment or discrimination

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in social work, public or business administration, or related field; supplemented by ten (10) years of closely related experience, including three (3) years of supervisory or management experience; or an equivalent combination of education, certification, training, and/or experience.
• Must have or obtain within four (4) months of employment, a Child Care Resource and Referral (CCRR) Specialist Evaluation certificate
• A valid State of Florida Driver License, proof of auto insurance, and eligibility to secure a car via authorized car rental agency is required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• At least five (5) years of program management work in a nonprofit or human services organization, including coordinating services for external parties and leading staff
• Familiarity with the State of Florida's School Readiness (SR) and Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) programs

OTHER EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:

Employment in this position is contingent on authorizing, submitting, and maintaining satisfactory:

• Per State of Florida Statutes, Level 2 Criminal History Record Checks
• Per State of Florida Statues, E-Verify system for employment eligibility verification
• Drug testing
• Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) with no record of criminal driving offense or license suspension

EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK:

Hours of operation are Wednesday through Tuesday (weekdays), 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (40-hours); evening and weekend hours may be required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Advanced knowledge of Florida School Readiness and Voluntary Prekindergarten programs including, but not limited to, state and federal statute, and Florida Rule and Guidance
• Advanced knowledge of the statewide data system, including Enhanced Field System Modernization (EFS MOD), Tableau, or related systems
• Knowledge of principles, practices, methodologies, and techniques utilized to effectively manage and motivate a diverse workforce
• Skill in the use of Microsoft Office products (Word, Outlook, and Excel) and applicable department / organization specific software and ability to learn and become proficient in the use of other specialized software as may be required
• Skill in identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions
• Skill in adapting to a changing work environment, competing demands and ability to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events
• Skill in developing, managing, and interpreting budgets, contracts, and fiscal and financial reports
• Skill in effectively presenting and sharing information to a variety of audiences and adjusting delivery based on the nature of the information
• Skill in resolving conflicts, confrontations, or disagreements in a constructive manner to minimize negative personal impact
• Ability to relate well with people from varied backgrounds and situations and be sensitive to cultural diversity, race, gender, disabilities, and other individual differences
• Ability to clearly communicate and understand information in English, both orally and in writing
• Ability to lead and motivate others to achieve goals
• Ability to formulate, initiate, and administer policies and procedures for effective fiscal control
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret program related laws and regulations and establish necessary work processes, procedures and where necessary, recommend policies to the CEO for Board approval
• Ability to manage multiple priorities to ensure that deadlines are met and to set priorities that move projects through efficiently to achieve customer and quality objectives
• Ability to analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations and action plans in support of goals
• Ability to evaluate and implement new technologies and develop related processes and systems
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those interacted with during work regardless of race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, disability, political affiliation, military service, or diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds
• Ability to regularly attend work and arrive punctually for designated work schedule
• Ability and means to travel independently and as needed for work related matters, including nights and/or weekends as required by organizational and/or job obligations

Job Type: Full-time

Base Pay: $100, $150,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person