Chief Program Officer (Volunteer)

About the role

The Chief Program Officer (CPO) is responsible for ensuring that MAP’s programs are youth-centered, trauma-informed, equitable, and operationally sound. This role exists to protect program quality as MAP grows—making sure expansion never comes at the expense of care, consistency, or integrity.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight across all MAP programs and initiatives.
• Ensure programs are aligned with MAP’s mission, values, and long-term vision.
• Support program design that is trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and developmentally appropriate.
• Oversee program planning, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with Program Directors, Coordinators, and Leads to ensure clarity, support, and accountability.
• Establish clear program standards, outcomes, and quality assurance practices.
• Partner with Policy, Advocacy, HR, and Operations teams to ensure compliance, safety, and sustainability.
• Support data-informed decision-making while honoring lived experience and qualitative outcomes.
• Represent MAP programs in conversations with schools, shelters, funders, and community partners.
• Mentor program leaders and contribute to leadership development across teams.
• Check and respond to emails daily, with responses within 48 hours.
• Take responsibility for performance improvement by integrating feedback and strengthening systems over time.

Qualifications

• Senior experience in program leadership, education, youth development, nonprofit management, or related fields.
• Strong understanding of trauma-informed and equity-centered program design.
• Experience managing complex, multi-program initiatives.
• Ability to lead with empathy, clarity, and accountability.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and systems-thinking skills.
• Commitment to youth dignity, volunteer care, and ethical leadership.

Bonus (Not Required)

• Experience working with housing-insecure or system-impacted youth
• Familiarity with NYC education, shelter, or youth-serving systems
• Background in evaluation, policy, or advocacy
• Bilingual or multilingual abilities (Spanish or Haitian Creole preferred)

Commitment & Boundaries

• Volunteer role, approximately 8–12 hours per week
• Minimum 6–12 month commitment preferred
• Hybrid: New York City and/or remote via Google Meet
• We prioritize sustainability over burnout