The Chief Program Officer (CPO) position is an executive leadership role within SAL Community Services designated as the early education & care subject matter expert within the organization and oversees activities of four bi-state early childhood education centers, the Home Child Care Network program, the Early Head Start Child Care Partnership, the Illinois State Board of Education Prevention Initiative, IDHS Home Visiting, the Illinois Smart Start Apprenticeship Pilot Program, and the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) site-based contract. Oversight responsibilities include direct supervision of early childhood center directors and program directors.
Providing dynamic leadership, this position will work to accomplish best practices and compliance of administrative, educational, operational, financial, and logistical functions in accordance with state licensing regulations, federal program performance standards, and contract deliverables in addition to Skip-a-Long/SAL Community Services (SALCS) operating policies and strategic direction to elevate day-to-day operations, personnel, and financial health and growth. The position will define objectives, priorities, and deadlines, and assist employees to enhance their leadership and positive contributions to SAL Community Services.
We are passionate about building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable working and learning environments for all children, families, staff, and our communities. We believe every member on our team enriches our diversity by exposing us to a broad range of ways to understand and engage with the world, identify challenges, and to discover, design and deliver solutions.
As SAL Community Services' Chief Program Officer, you will have the opportunity for meaningful work including:
Program Leadership and Management
- Provide senior leadership and day-to-day operational management to ensure effective and timely delivery high-quality services of all four early childhood education centers, the Home Child Care Network program, the Early Head Start Child Care Partnership, IDHS Home Visiting, the Illinois State Board of Education Prevention Initiative and the Smart Start Apprenticeship Pilot Program.
- Develop, monitor, and lead program evaluation framework providing programs with strategic direction for alignment and utilization of evaluation and reflective practices to ensure ongoing assessment of program strengths, areas for growth, and alignment with agency direction.
- Implement and oversee research-based quality measurements and other applicable quality initiatives based on state licensure and requirements.
Strategic Direction and Development
- Collaborate with the CEO, Board of Directors, and senior administrative team to develop long-term strategic plans for program growth and sustainability.
- Provide best-practice research and development on trends, training and implementation, licensing, accreditation, quality systems compliance, and strategic development of long-term practice changes that improve the quality of early education and care.
- Research, lead, design, and implement new initiatives and service expansion to support the strategic direction through collaborative internal and external partnerships to identify funding, including grants, contracts, and other revenue-generating opportunities.
- Serve as a key representative of the organization in the community, advocating for the needs and interests of children and families and maintaining relationships within the community to advance the organization’s mission and goals.
Staff Leadership and Development
- Responsible for overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of early childhood education centers, the Home Child Care Network program, the Early Head Start Child Care Partnership, the Illinois State Board of Education Prevention Initiative, IDHS Home Visiting, Illinois Smart Start Apprenticeship Pilot Program, and Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) site-based contract.
- Provide direct supervision, coaching, mentoring and support to team of management staff fostering growth, development, collaboration, and high-performing teams and programs.
- Ensure the responsibilities, authorities and accountabilities of all subordinates in accordance with organization policies and applicable laws.
Compliance and Quality Assurance
- Provide program leadership and oversight within quality and improvement standards as early education and care subject matter expert.
- Oversee the implementation of quality assurance systems and processes, including regular program reviews, audits, and evaluations. Ensure all programs comply with federal, state, and local regulations, including agency contracts and grants and other relevant guidelines.
- Monitor employee and customer satisfaction and initiate program improvements to maintain and build demand for services.
- Adhere to all policies and procedures to ensure the health and safety of children, parents, and staff while holding direct reports to the same expectations.
Required: Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, Social Work, Non-Profit Administration, or related field with a minimum of three years' experience in human/social service administration and/or early education and care. Preferred: Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, Social Work, Non-Profit Administration, or related field. Preference will be given to those with a minimum of one year of early education and care/school aged classroom experience and three years or more years of administrative experience in an early education and care/school aged program with direct responsibility for licensure or regulatory compliance.
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