Chief Program Officer at California CASA Association California

POSITION OVERVIEW

Seeking a f ull-time Chief Program Officer (CPO) , reporting to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), CPO is a key executive leader responsible for implementing statewide program strategy as well as network leadership, organizational effectiveness, and quality assurance efforts that strengthen CA CASA’s network of 44 local CASA programs. These programs, which serve 53 of the state’s 58 counties, are providing transformative advocacy and support for children and youth in California’s dependency and juvenile justice systems.

CPO integrates CA CASA’s statewide program initiatives, peer learning, quality assurance and improvement, data collection and analysis, and public policy functions into a cohesive strategy that strengthens local CASA programs, expands their organizational capacities, and advances systems that improve outcomes for children and youth. They oversee a range of statewide initiatives including capacity-building, training systems, data and outcomes strategy, DEI, quality and accreditation support, leadership development, statewide grantmaking, technical assistance, program site reviews, annual conferences, regional meetings, and cross-sector partnerships.

CPO is accountable for ensuring this overall strategy translates into measurable improvements across the network. In addition, they supervise the Dir. of Policy & Legislative Affairs, ensuring a robust ongoing legislative advocacy in Sacramento to build long-term financial stability for the CASA network and CA CASA. As a visible statewide leader, the CPO helps position CA CASA as a responsive and forward-thinking organization that identifies emerging opportunities and challenges impacting local CASA programs and the broader child welfare and juvenile justice systems.

The CPO fosters innovation, alignment, and impact, and collaborates with the CA CASA Executive Leadership Team, the local program Executive Directors/CEOs, Boards of Directors, judges, state agencies, consultants, funders, and statewide/national partners. This position is remote, California – works from home with routine statewide travel required.

Executive Leadership & Organizational Strategy Reporting to the CEO, the CPO is a member of the Executive Leadership Team (CPO, Chief Financial & Operating Officer, and Chief Philanthropy Officer) and helps to shape CA CASA’s strategy, priorities, and long-term sustainability, partnering closely with them on organizational planning, systems-change efforts, and statewide initiatives. Provides strategic counsel to the CEO and Board of Directors regarding emerging trends, risks, and opportunities affecting the statewide CASA network.

Leads and implements complex initiatives aligned with the mission, strategic plan, and funding priorities, and supports organizational effectiveness, change management, and cross-departmental coordination. Provides executive oversight for public policy, legislative affairs, and government relations strategy, ensuring alignment with the organization’s mission, strategic plan, and statewide program priorities. Oversees Policy & Legislative Affairs activities and integrates them with statewide program priorities, legislative advocacy, public policy, research, and systems change efforts into a unified organizational legislative strategy.

Advises on the programmatic implications of proposed legislation, state budget investments, and public policy initiatives affecting the local CASA network. Represents CA CASA with state agencies, judicial leaders, philanthropic partners, statewide associations, and national organizations, and serve as an executive ambassador as assigned by the CEO. Statewide Network Leadership & Capacity-Building Serves as a primary liaison and trusted advisor to the 44 local CASA programs, and builds collaborative relationships with Executive Directors/CEOs, Board leaders, judges, and statewide stakeholders.

Supports local programs through organizational/leadership transitions, growth opportunities, and operational challenges, including succession planning, governance development, and organizational sustainability. Cultivates statewide strategic…