Chief Program Officer

Description

Organizational Overview

BUILD, Inc. (Broader Urban Involvement and Leadership Development) is a nationally respected youth development, violence intervention, and prevention organization rooted on Chicago’s West Side. For more than 50 years, BUILD has worked alongside young people and families to interrupt cycles of violence and create pathways to safety, healing, leadership, and opportunity.

Position Summary 

We are seeking a dynamic and strategic Chief Program Officer (CPO) to lead our program initiatives, ensuring they are cohesive, impactful, and aligned with our mission to support youth development from stabilization to leadership.   As the Chief Program Officer, you will serve as the executive leader responsible for shaping and executing all program strategies, integrating youth and participant/client pathways, and ensuring that our services work seamlessly as a comprehensive journey for young people and adults. Your leadership will be vital in maintaining program quality, scaling impact, and safeguarding participant outcomes through periods of change and growth.

Key Responsibilities

Program Strategy & Youth Pathways

- Develop and oversee the implementation of a cohesive program strategy that aligns with BUILD’s mission and vision

- Design, refine, and integrate youth pathways that support young people from stabilization through leadership and opportunity

- Ensure programs are sequenced effectively to create seamless, impactful experiences for youth

- Lead efforts to evaluate and improve program effectiveness, ensuring high-quality service delivery and positive youth outcomes

- Collaborate with stakeholders to adapt programs to meet evolving community needs and opportunities

Program Management & Integration

- Own the overall program design, ensuring alignment across different initiatives and services

- Foster a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and collaboration within the program team

- Oversee program staff, providing leadership, mentorship, and strategic guidance

- Monitor program performance metrics and utilize data to inform decision-making and strategic adjustments

Organizational Leadership & Impact

- Directly supervise Directors responsible for program pillars

-  Coach program leadership to be capable of managing complexity, risk and change

- Protect and advance BUILD’s mission by maintaining program integrity and youth-centered focus during organizational changes

- Lead efforts to scale impact responsibly, ensuring growth is sustainable and aligned with organizational values

- Represent BUILD Chicago in external partnerships, funding opportunities, and community engagement related to program development

Join our passionate team at BUILD Chicago, where we foster a vibrant, innovative environment committed to transforming young lives. We offer opportunities for professional growth, a collaborative culture, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the community.

Requirements

- Master’s degree in public administration, social work, education, public health, or related field

- 7+ years of senior leadership experience overseeing multiple programs in a youth-serving or community-based organization

- Proven experience in program strategy, development, and management within youth services, education, or related fields

- Strong understanding of youth development, pathways, and sequenced program design

- Exceptional leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and guide diverse teams

- Excellent communication, collaboration, and stakeholder engagement abilities

- Data-driven mindset with experience in program evaluation and continuous improvement

- Ability to adapt to change and lead organizational growth with discipline and integrity

- Demonstrated success leading integrated program models  

- Comfortable leading through change and constraint 

Benefits:

Medical & dental insurance; company-paid vision and short-term disability; voluntary long-term disability; whole life insurance; 401(k) with 2% employer match; paid vacation and wellness time; and paid parental leave.

Posting Statement

BUILD, Inc., does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, citizenship, ethnic or national origin, age, disability, medical status, military status, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, ancestry, or any legally protected status. This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits and training. 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically prohibit employment. Rather, BUILD Inc., considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

American with Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement: External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled, must be able to perform the essential job specific functions (listed within each job responsibility) either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined by the organization on a case-by-case basis.  

This organization reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.