Chief Program Officer

About the Organization

The St. Louis Jewish Community Center is committed to comprehensive, vibrant and high-quality programming to serve the St. Louis Jewish and surrounding community.  With three dynamic campuses, including a resident camp, our programs are designed to engage, educate, and inspire individuals and families across all ages and backgrounds.

The Chief Program Officer (CPO) is a key member of the Executive Team and is responsible for the vision, development, implementation, and evaluation of several programs across the agency’s campuses. The CPO will supervise Program Directors for several of the agency’s core programming areas and lead the expansion of our reach into the broader community.    This position will provide leadership and direction, and the CPO will sit on the agency’s Executive Team.

Position Summary

The CPO leads the development, implementation and evaluation of core programs and services.  The CPO is responsible for the successful outcome of their programs by ensuring that their staff execute their programs at a high level.  The CPO will have accountability for developing programming strategy, program evaluation, ROI, and the development of programming staff.  Program evaluation will be based upon quantitative and qualitative measures.  The CPO will be accountable for the development of partnerships across the community with other Jewish professionals, lay leaders, and community leaders.  The successful CPO will mentor and inspire future programming leadership.  The CPO may also represent the Center and CEO and participate with board activities as appropriate.

The Chief Program Officer (CPO) is a key executive leader responsible for the strategic oversight and performance of The J’s core programmatic areas of:

• Early Childhood Education
• Day Camp
• Resident Camp (Camp Sabra)
• Sports &
• Aquatics

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Vision and Strategy:
  Create and articulate a compelling programming vision that expands the agency’s reach within the St. Louis Jewish and broader community, including the development of innovative community programming and strategic partnerships with other agencies.
• Program Development & Improvement:
  Develop and implement strategies to enhance program participation, financial outcomes, and overall impact. Identify and execute improvements to ensure effective and efficient use of organizational resources.
• Organizational Planning:
  In collaboration with the CEO and board members, participate in strategic planning and organizational development activities to include presentation of information related to resource management, internal capacity, timelines for implementation and organizational direction.
• Leadership & Supervision:
  Supervise, mentor, inspire and hold Program Directors accountable for successful financial and program outcomes at the Staenberg Family Complex, Marilyn Fox Building, and Camp Sabra. Provide ongoing performance feedback and coaching.
• Customer Service & Experience:
  Deliver and promote a culture of excellent customer service to internal and external stakeholders. Develop and monitor performance measures to evaluate service outcomes against goals.
• Staff Development:
  Support the professional growth of staff through performance evaluations, mentoring, and tailored development plans.
• Program Evaluation:
  Lead the development and implementation of evaluation tools to assess program alignment with mission, goals, and desired outcomes using both qualitative and quantitative measures.
• Board & Committee Engagement:
  Coordinate effectively with lay leadership and board committees. Present program outcomes and insights to the Board of Directors and participate in key governance activities.
• Reporting & Communication:
  Oversee the preparation of program participation and impact reports. Collaborate with the Marketing Director to ensure clear, effective communication to members, the Jewish community, and the broader St. Louis area.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree (MBA, MPA, MSW, or related) preferred.
• 10+ years of progressively responsible leadership experience in nonprofit, educational, community service, or for profit organizations.
• Proven track record of developing for profit or mission-driven programs.
• Expertise with program design, project management and project implementation.  Contract negotiation skills with demonstrated ability to effectively manage multiple processes, programs and projects.
• Relevant computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite. Experience with Salesforce is a plus.
• Proficiency in evaluation tools, performance metrics, and data-driven management.
• Prefer experience in board and lay committee interface.

Skills & Competencies

• Strategic thinker with strong analytical, planning, and budgeting skills.
• Outstanding interpersonal, communication, and presentation abilities.
• Adept in program innovation, change management, and stakeholder engagement.
• An ability to anticipate and solve practical problems or resolve issues
• Excellent communication skills – both written and oral – along with strong leadership, interpersonal, and supervisory abilities
• Strong background in staff supervision, budget management, and program evaluation.
• Demonstrated success managing diverse program portfolios and large teams.
• Knowledge of Jewish culture, traditions, and community dynamics is highly desirable.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize appropriately.

Equal Opportunity Employer
The J celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and community members.