Chief Program Officer

Position Overview

The Chief Program Officer (CPO) is a senior executive leader responsible for the overall quality, implementation, and continuous improvement of all early learning programs, including infant, toddler, and preschool services. The CPO provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for a multi-site program serving children and families, ensuring excellence in teaching, learning, and family engagement.

This role supervises the administrative leadership team, Center Directors, and the Teaching & Learning team, supporting approximately 80 teachers across 22 classrooms in three sites. The CPO plays a critical role in advancing organizational effectiveness, driving innovation, and leading change management efforts to elevate program quality and outcomes.

Program Leadership & Strategy

• Develop and implement a clear vision for high-quality early childhood programming aligned with the organization’s mission and strategic plan.
• Lead continuous quality improvement efforts across all programs, ensuring strong child outcomes and family engagement.
• Drive innovation and organizational growth by identifying opportunities to enhance program design, delivery, and impact.
• Serve as a key member of the executive leadership team, contributing to organizational strategy and decision-making.
• Champion a culture of continuous learning and growth, encouraging teams to embrace challenges, reflect on practice, and strive for ongoing improvement.

Supervision & Team Leadership

• Supervise and coach Center Directors, ensuring strong site leadership and consistent program quality across locations.
• Oversee the Teaching & Learning team, including curriculum, coaching, and professional development functions.
• Build a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning among program staff.
• Foster a positive, inclusive work environment where staff feel supported, valued, and motivated to grow.
• Align teams around shared goals and outcomes in service of children and families, ensuring clarity of purpose and collective ownership.
• Support leadership development and succession planning for program staff.

Program Quality & Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with all applicable regulations, including Massachusetts EEC licensing requirements.
• Lead and maintain NAEYC accreditation efforts across programs.
• Establish systems for monitoring program quality, including classroom observations, data analysis, and staff evaluation.
• Use data to inform decision-making and drive measurable improvements in teaching and learning.

Change Management & Organizational Growth

• Lead change management initiatives to strengthen systems, practices, and culture across programs.
• Partner with the CEO and leadership team to scale and refine program operations as the organization grows.
• Model adaptability, resilience, and a growth mindset in navigating change and supporting teams through transitions.
• Champion equity-focused practices that support diverse children, families, and staff.
• Foster a forward-thinking, adaptive organization prepared for future opportunities and challenges.

Family & Community Engagement

• Ensure programs are culturally responsive and inclusive of diverse and low-income populations.
• Strengthen family partnerships and engagement strategies.
• Represent the organization with external stakeholders, including funders, community partners, and regulatory bodies.

Qualifications

• Required:
• Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education Leadership, or a related field.
• Significant leadership experience in early childhood education, including prior experience as a Center Director.
• Demonstrated experience supervising leaders (e.g., vice presidents, directors, instructional coaches).
• Deep knowledge of Massachusetts EEC regulations and NAEYC accreditation standards.
• Proven experience working with diverse and low-income populations.
• Strong track record of improving program quality and outcomes.
• PREFERRED:
• Experience leading multi-site early childhood programs.
• Experience managing large teams (50+ staff).
• Familiarity with data systems and continuous quality improvement frameworks.

Leadership Competencies

• Visionary Leadership: Ability to set and communicate a compelling vision for program excellence.
• Change Management & Growth Mindset: Demonstrates optimism, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous improvement; able to lead others through change with clarity and purpose.
• Team Alignment & Collaboration: Skilled at bringing diverse teams together around shared goals in service of children and families.
• Equity & Inclusion: Deep commitment to culturally responsive practices and serving diverse communities.
• People Leadership: Strong coaching, supervision, and team development skills.
• Operational Excellence: Ability to balance strategic thinking with strong execution.

Work Environment & Scope

• Oversees programs serving infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children.
• Supervises administrative leadership, Center Directors, and Teaching & Learning team.
• Supports approximately 80 teachers across 22 classrooms in three sites.
• Requires weekly travel between South End and Jamaica Plain.

To Apply

Please email your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your interest to HR@EllisEarlyLearning.org.