Chief Program Officer-95014

Chief Program Officer

Easterseals Midwest | Executive Leadership

Are you a strategic leader who is passionate about creating meaningful opportunities and high-quality services for individuals with disabilities?

Easterseals Midwest is seeking an experienced Chief Program Officer (CPO) to provide strategic and operational leadership for designated program areas and help shape the future of our organization.

This is an opportunity to join our executive leadership team and translate strategy into action—strengthening programs, supporting growth and innovation, developing strong leaders, and ensuring the people we serve receive exceptional services.

What You’ll Do

As Chief Program Officer, you will:

• Partner with the CEO, executive leadership team, and Board to develop and implement organizational strategy.
• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for designated program areas, ensuring quality, consistency, compliance, and strong outcomes.
• Lead business planning and identify opportunities for program growth, innovation, and improved efficiency.
• Use data and outcomes to evaluate programs, guide decisions, and drive continuous quality improvement.
• Provide fiscal oversight and ensure programs operate within established budgets and financial expectations.
• Develop and implement policies, procedures, and systems that support organizational and program goals.
• Build strong, collaborative relationships across the organization and with external stakeholders, community partners, funders, and other key partners.
• Lead, coach, and develop senior program leaders while creating clear expectations and accountability.
• Represent and advocate for Easterseals Midwest, our mission, and the needs of individuals with disabilities.

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for a thoughtful, strategic, and collaborative leader who can balance big-picture thinking with operational execution. The ideal candidate brings:

• Significant leadership experience in nonprofit management, including budget responsibility.
• Strong knowledge of services and best practices supporting individuals with disabilities.
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing strategic initiatives.
• A track record of using data to improve programs, processes, and outcomes.
• Strong business judgment, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• The ability to build trust, collaborate across departments, and develop strong leaders.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to represent an organization effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• A commitment to creating an inclusive, positive environment where employees can grow and succeed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, human services, or a related field required; master’s degree preferred.
• At least 10 years of nonprofit management experience, including budgetary responsibility.
• Current driver’s license and proof of insurance.
• Ability to travel for meetings, conferences, and training, including overnight travel up to 30% of the time.

Why Easterseals Midwest?

At Easterseals Midwest, your leadership has the opportunity to make a meaningful difference—not only in the programs we provide, but in the lives of the individuals and families we support.

If you are an experienced nonprofit leader who is energized by strategy, innovation, operational excellence, and mission-driven leadership, we invite you to bring your experience and ideas to Easterseals Midwest.

Join us in creating a future where people with disabilities have greater opportunities to live, work, connect, and thrive.

Easterseals Midwest is an Equal Opportunity Employer.