Description

Chief Programs Officer

Housing Matters partners with individuals and families to create pathways out of their homelessness into permanent housing. We are a leader in working to end homelessness – and we want you to be part of our team! We are looking for individuals eager to make a difference and willing to enthusiastically commit to join in our vision that homelessness in Santa Cruz County should be rare, brief, and non-recurring.

Working under the direction of the Housing Matters Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Programs Officer will be a partner to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), and will develop and lead an internal team of program professionals in both on-campus and community-based supportive services roles.   

Hours and Benefits

Chief Programs Officer is a full-time, salaried exempt position. Occasional evenings and weekends required. 

Wages (Offer DOE):

$156,000.00      $160,680.00    $165,505.60    $170,476.80    $175,593.60      c

• 6 Medical plans - 100% employee coverage for select plans
• Dental - 100% employee coverage
• Vision - 100% employee coverage
• Life insurance (UNUM) - 100% employee coverage
• Chiropractic and Acupuncture (for those who elect medical insurance) - 100% employee coverage
• 403b Retirement Savings matched up to 3% dollar-for-dollar with no vesting period
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Travel Assistance
• PTO: 20 days annually, 1 paid floating holiday, 9 paid holidays

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILL REQUIREMENTS:

• 3-5 years of senior management experience, preferably in a non-profit or similar social service
• A minimum of a B.A. or equivalent relevant experience is required
• At least 7-10 years of overall professional experience; ideally 6+ years of broad operations management experience
• Experience in program development, program evaluation, and measuring impact
• Experience in grant administration and reporting
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
• Experience in budgeting and finance management preferred
• Excellent skills in supervision, coaching, evaluation, and team building
• Detail-oriented, highly organized, and able to set and meet goals and deadlines
• Strong computer skills including all G-Suite, and Microsoft Office applications. HMIS experience is a plus
• Demonstrated record as a successful team player, including the ability to develop and maintain a goal-oriented, positive attitude; must be able to interface equally well with the Board of Directors, staff, donors, volunteers, and the general Housing Matters community
   

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Leadership & Organizational Planning

• Lead and implement organizational strategic plan initiatives to strengthen programs, adapt to changing service landscapes, and respond to evolving housing, healthcare and reimbursement environments
• Partner with the CEO and executive leadership to develop, communicate, and execute strategies, business models, and revenue diversification plans that enhance program effectiveness and long-term sustainability
  Plan and execute special projects related to program expansion—including launching, consolidating, or closing programs—and securing new program locations
• Set comprehensive metrics based performance goals across departments; lead system-wide planning to standardize quality and operations
  Demonstrate strong analytical and critical-thinking skills by using data, research, and trends to inform strategy, service development, and decision-making
  

Program Oversight & Quality Assurance

• Provide executive oversight of all residential services, case management, and supportive housing programs, ensuring delivery of high-quality, person-centered, accessible services
• Lead program management teams to develop systems of care that incorporate measurement-based support, evidence-based practices, and culturally responsive approaches.
• Ensure all programs align with regulatory standards, best practices, organizational policies, and CARF accreditation requirements
• Oversee program evaluations, implement improvements based on outcomes and experience data, and manage systems for measuring and tracking program performance.
• Develop and sustain operational linkages across programs to increase efficiency, reduce waste, and improve client outcomes
  Ensure staffing models meet contractual guidelines, and client safety needs

Staff Leadership, Supervision & Development

• Directly supervise senior program managers, directors, and program managers, establishing a culture of accountability, professional growth, and high performance
• Oversee hiring, development, training, and performance management to ensure effective operations and staff alignment with organizational culture and values
• Promote strong communication, mentorship, and collaboration across program teams
• Financial Management & Operational Stewardship
• Develop, manage, and monitor program budgets to ensure fiscal responsibility and alignment with funding requirements
• Conduct variance analyses, implement corrective actions, and identify cost-saving opportunities across programs
• Work closely with finance staff to set financial goals, navigate diverse funding streams (county, state, federal, managed care, grants), and maximize reimbursement and revenue cycle efficiency
• Maintain strong understanding of billing processes, and revenue cycle management to ensure compliance and optimize performance
• Assist executive leadership in developing and implementing financial strategies that support broader organizational objectives
• Prepare and submit timely, accurate reports to the CEO on program performance, issues, outcomes, and strategic priorities
• Contract Management, Compliance & Accreditation
• Participate in developing, negotiating, and strengthening funding contracts and relationships with payers and funders
• Ensure full compliance with federal, state, and local regulations governing contracted services and reimbursement
• Lead teams through audits, accreditation reviews (including CARF), and ongoing regulatory monitoring
• Collaborate with executive and grant-writing teams to conceptualize, design, and operationalize new programs that meet community needs and advance organizational goals
• Review, monitor, and interpret legislation and regulations that impact service delivery, advising leadership on necessary adjustments
• Community Engagement, Partnerships & Advocacy
• Attend community meetings, coalitions, and planning groups to represent the organization, strengthen cross-agency collaboration, and advance program objectives
• Build and sustain strong relationships with funders, community partners, and stakeholders to enhance service delivery and ensure contract alignment
• Support the organization’s public profile, advocacy efforts, and philanthropic initiatives in partnership with leadership
• Gather and disseminate information on trends, best practices, and policy developments in homelessness, behavioral health, and social services to inform organizational strategy

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment at Housing Matters without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer-related and genetic characteristics), marital status, sexual orientation, age (over 18), veteran status, gender, pregnancy, or any other non-merit factor unrelated to job duties. Such action shall include, but not be limited to, the following: recruitment, advertising, layoff or termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation, selection for training (including apprenticeship), employment, upgrading, demotion, or transfer.

Requirements

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILL REQUIREMENTS:

• 3-5 years of senior management experience, preferably in a non-profit or similar social service
• A minimum of a B.A. or equivalent relevant experience is required
• At least 7-10 years of overall professional experience; ideally 6+ years of broad operations management experience
• Experience in program development, program evaluation, and measuring impact
• Experience in grant administration and reporting
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
• Experience in budgeting and finance management preferred
• Excellent skills in supervision, coaching, evaluation, and team building
• Detail-oriented, highly organized, and able to set and meet goals and deadlines
• Strong computer skills including all G-Suite, and Microsoft Office applications. HMIS experience is a plus
• Demonstrated record as a successful team player, including the ability to develop and maintain a goal-oriented, positive attitude; must be able to interface equally well with the Board of Directors, staff, donors, volunteers, and the general Housing Matters community