Chief Program Officer

Description

General Description: The Chief Programs Officer (CPO) is a key member of the executive leadership at MCCH and is responsible for the strategic direction, oversight, and effectiveness of all client-facing programs at Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless (MCCH). This includes all housing services, including property management, emergency shelters, case management, and other supportive services aimed at ending homelessness and promoting housing stability.

The CPO leads a dedicated team of program leaders, ensuring that services are high-quality, trauma-informed, outcomes-driven, and aligned with MCCH’s mission and values. This role is ideal for a strategic and collaborative leader who brings both a deep commitment to housing justice and strong operational and management expertise.

Requirements

Key Responsibilities:

Program Leadership & Strategy

• Provide strategic direction and oversight for all service delivery programs, including for MCCH’s subsidiary, Coalition Homes (MCCH’s affordable housing property management and property development company). 
• Working alongside the Deputy Chief of Information and Compliance, lead program development, implementation, and      evaluation to ensure impact, innovation, and alignment with best practices, including overall guidance to electronic file systems (Apricot      360 and HMIS). 
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and client-centered care.
• Monitor key program metrics and adjust strategies to improve performance and outcomes.

Team Management & Supervision

• Provides strategic supervision and support to the Deputy Chief of Housing and Deputy Chief of Emergency Services, ensuring programs operate efficiently, meet performance goals, and maintain full compliance with government regulations and funder requirements.
• Supervises the Deputy Chief of Information and Compliance and key management staff at Coalition Homes, providing leadership, supporting professional growth, and promoting multi-team coordination to ensure cohesive, mission-driven service delivery and operations. 
• Oversees staffing structure and performance, including assigning responsibilities, partnering with the Deputy Chief of Emergency Services to develop annual training plans, and conducting regular performance evaluations for direct reports.
• Foster an inclusive and supportive team culture grounded in equity, transparency, and shared values.
• Ensure staff have the tools, training, and guidance needed to succeed in their roles.

Cross-Sector Collaboration & Systems Engagement

• Represent the organization in key community coalitions, government working groups, and advocacy initiatives.
• Collaborate with local and regional partners to strengthen coordinated entry systems and community-wide responses to homelessness.
• Engage with funders, evaluators, and stakeholders to promote shared goals and system alignment.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure programs comply with all regulatory, contract, and funding requirements (e.g., HUD, CoC, county/state and foundation grants).
• Maintain strong internal systems for documentation, reporting, and quality assurance.
• Collaborate with Finance, Development, and Compliance teams on audits, budgets, grant writing and reporting.

Organizational Leadership

• Partner with the CEO and other executive team members to set organizational priorities and shape strategic direction.
• Serve as a thought partner to the CEO in identifying new opportunities for impact and growth.
• Contribute to a strong, mission-aligned organizational culture across all departments.
• Identifies service gaps across homeless programs and works closely with the Development team to shape funding strategies and proposals.
• Leads the development and management of program budgets, aligning financial planning with program goals, service capacity, and funding requirements.
• Provides programmatic input for public-facing materials, media interviews, events, and key stakeholder meetings to ensure alignment with client needs and service realities.
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of homelessness and housing best practices, including Housing First, trauma-informed care, and national and local trends—using this insight to guide program design and continuous improvement.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 8–10 years of progressive leadership experience in social services, housing, or homelessness-related programs.
• Proven track record in program strategy, budgeting, operations, and staff management.
• Deep understanding of homelessness, housing first, harm reduction, and trauma-informed care.
• Experience with government contracts and funding streams (e.g., HUD, ESG, HHS, CoC).
• Strong data literacy and ability to use metrics to inform program design and evaluation.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and leadership skills.
• Lived experience of homelessness or housing instability is highly valued.
• Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s in Non-Profit Management, Public Administration, Social Work, Housing Policy, or related      field preferred.