The Chief Program Officer (CPO) provides executive leadership and accountability for Welcome House’s full program portfolio, overseeing approximately 31 programs across 40 counties in Kentucky. The CPO is responsible for program quality, compliance, performance, and alignment with organizational strategy, funder requirements, and evidence-based practices.
This role serves as the organization’s senior authority on program operations, compliance, HMIS and data quality, program policies and procedures, and training, ensuring consistent service delivery and measurable impact across all regions. The CPO oversees program design, performance, and service delivery outcomes, ensuring programs operate effectively and align with Welcome House’s strategic and financial framework.
The Chief Program Officer is a member of the Senior Leadership Team and collaborates with executive and management staff to ensure integrated, high-quality client services across the agency and community. This position performs duties in accordance with Welcome House Core Values: Compassion, Advocacy, Integrity, Quality, Leadership, and Community.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Program Strategy & Operational Oversight
• Provide executive leadership for all program operations across multiple service models and geographic regions
• Translate organizational mission, strategic priorities, and board direction into high-performing programs
• Ensure consistent service standards, eligibility determination, and client pathways across all regions
• Oversee implementation of evidence-based practices and effective case management frameworks
• Evaluate program effectiveness and recommend improvements aligned with community need and organizational priorities
• Ensure coordinated participation in system-level initiatives (including K-Count and Continuum of Care activities)
• Support strategic planning related to program growth, service delivery models, and geographic expansion
2. Program Performance & Outcomes
• Establish and monitor program performance metrics, utilization targets, and outcome benchmarks
• Ensure programs achieve measurable participant outcomes including housing stability, income growth, and reduced returns to homelessness
• Utilize HMIS and internal reporting to drive continuous quality improvement
• Monitor trends related to exits, utilization, returns to homelessness, and service effectiveness
• Implement corrective action and performance improvement plans when outcomes fall below expectations
• Partner with executive leadership to proactively address performance risks
• Participate in system performance and coordinated entry committees
3. Program Compliance & Quality Assurance
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local requirements including HUD, ESG, CoC, HOME-TBRA, ARC, HOME-ARP, GPD, and KHC
• Maintain oversight of program documentation standards, eligibility determination, and contract compliance
• Oversee program-specific policies and procedures (excluding agency-wide HR policies)
• Lead responses to monitoring reviews, audits, and corrective action plans
• Maintain readiness for funder reviews and compliance monitoring
• Identify and mitigate programmatic risk and liability concerns in partnership with executive leadership
4. HMIS, Data Oversight & Required Reporting
Provide executive oversight and accountability for program data integrity and required reporting, including:
• K-Count Sub-Assessment (January)
• Housing Inventory Chart (HIC)
• Weekly HMIS API transfers
• Year-end program outcomes and reporting
• HMIS committee participation
• System Performance Measures committee participation
Ensure reporting is accurate, timely, and reflective of program practice by:
• Supervising the Director of Compliance & Training
• Establishing data quality expectations and corrective action protocols
• Aligning program practice with HMIS configuration and reporting outputs
5. Program Training & Capacity Building
• Establish agency-wide program training strategy and standards
• Ensure consistent onboarding and ongoing training across all regions
• Promote a culture of accountability, learning, and continuous improvement
• Support leadership development for program directors and supervisors
6. Program Development & Innovation
• Lead development and evaluation of new programs, service models, and pilot initiatives
• Recommend program enhancements, redesigns, or sunsetting of services based on performance data and funding environment
• Collaborate with CEO, CFO, and senior leadership to align program growth with financial sustainability
• Support development of program design, narratives, and outcomes for grant applications and funding proposals
7. Program Leadership & Staff Development
• Directly supervise and support Program Directors
• Establish clear expectations, performance standards, and accountability structures
• Coach leaders to build strong teams and effective service delivery systems
• Foster cross-program collaboration and reduce operational silos
8. Cross-Department Collaboration
• Partner with CEO on program strategy, organizational growth, and risk management
• Collaborate with CFO/Finance to ensure program compliance aligns with fiscal controls and sustainability
• Coordinate with HR and Grant Administration on staffing models and training needs
• Support Marketing & Development with program data, outcomes, and impact narratives
• Participate in long-range strategic and operational planning
9. Community Engagement & Public Relations
• Represent Welcome House through speaking engagements, media, conferences, and community meetings
• Build partnerships and collaborations that strengthen service delivery and community impact
• Support advocacy efforts aligned with the organization’s mission
• Negotiate program-related contracts and partnerships as needed
10. Other duties as specified by the CEO.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required
• Bachelor’s degree in social services, public administration, or related field (Master’s preferred)
• Senior leadership experience in human services, housing, or nonprofit program management
• Experience overseeing multiple programs across regions
• Strong knowledge of HUD and federally funded program requirements
• Demonstrated ability to use data to drive program performance and improvement
Preferred
• Advanced experience with HMIS and data-driven performance management
• Experience with multi-region or statewide program oversight
• Familiarity with Housing First, Continuum of Care systems, and coordinated entry
• Strong executive leadership and change-management skills
Skills & Core Competencies
• Knowledge of government and grant regulations
• Strong leadership and supervision skills
• Strategic planning and program evaluation
• Advanced communication and collaboration skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and complex initiatives
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making ability
• Commitment to equity, quality, and client-centered services
Key Performance Indicators
• Achievement of program outcomes and utilization targets
• Compliance with all funding and regulatory requirements
• Effective leadership and development of program staff
• Data-driven decision making and program improvement
• Strong community partnerships and system engagement
• Alignment of program operations with agency strategic and financial goals
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Working Hours/Environment
• Work typically performed in an indoor, 3-floor office building
Tools and Equipment Used
• Personal computer, copier, fax/scanner, phone, and other typical office equipment
Travel
• Minimal-less than 10% of the time
Physical and Mental Demands
• Frequently required to sit at a desk/workstation for long period of time
• Ability to work at a computer terminal for extended periods of time
• Digital dexterity and hand/eye coordination in operation of office equipment
• Ability to speak to and hear employees/clients via phone or in person
• Body motor skills sufficient to enable incumbent to move between 3 floors
• Additional Mental Requirements: compare, decide, direct, problem solve, analyze, instruct, interpret
• Moderate lifting up to 50 pounds: office supplies
Interested parties should submit a cover letter and resume via e-mail to: humanresources@welcomehouseky.org
Welcome House is an equal opportunity employer. Employment selection and related decisions are made without regard to gender, race, age, disability, religion, national origin, color, gender identity, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other protected class.
