About CHOOSE 180

CHOOSE 180 transforms systems of injustice and supports young people in choosing a path toward their greatest potential. We work to decriminalize youth and emerging adults by providing them with supportive, community-based alternatives that disrupt cycles of harm.

As a values-driven organization, we center equity, accountability, and transformational change in all aspects of our work—including how we design, deliver, and evaluate our programs. We seek a Chief of Programs (COP) to lead our programmatic strategy, ensuring excellence and innovation while aligning our practices with our mission and long-term vision.

Position Overview:

The Chief of Programs (COP) is a strategic, experienced, and visionary leader responsible for overseeing, assessing, and scaling CHOOSE 180’s statewide programmatic work. This role is ideal for a mission-aligned executive who thrives in complexity, builds strong teams, and leads with both strategic foresight and cultural humility.

The COP will assess and refine existing programs to ensure impact, consistency, and quality, while identifying bold new opportunities for innovation and expansion. This role requires deep nonprofit leadership experience, strong understanding of community-centered program development, and the ability to position CHOOSE 180’s programming for long-term growth and sustainability. The COP reports directly to the CEO and is a core member of the executive leadership team. 

Duties and Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Planning:

●      Assess the current state of all program areas to ensure alignment with CHOOSE 180’s mission, strategic plan, and community needs.

●      Oversee the design, implementation, and evaluation of programs to ensure consistency, quality, and alignment with organizational goals.

●      Foster innovation by exploring new services, partnerships, and funding opportunities.

●      Ensure programs meet the needs of impacted communities, prioritizing equity, inclusion, and anti-racist practices.

●      Develop and implement program policies, procedures, and best practices to drive operational excellence and program sustainability.

●      Lead ongoing assessments of program effectiveness, leveraging data to refine and enhance program delivery.

●      Collaborate with program directors and other leaders to identify emerging community needs and adapt services accordingly.

●      Cultivate strategic relationships with community partners, government agencies, and other stakeholders to enhance program impact.

●      Support capacity-building efforts for staff, providing coaching, mentorship, and professional development opportunities. 

Program Development & Oversight:

●      Foster innovation by exploring new services, partnerships, and funding opportunities that align with CHOOSE 180’s mission and vision, ensuring programs remain relevant and adaptive to community needs.

●      Develop and implement tools and processes for ongoing program evaluation, using data to drive decision-making and continuous improvement.

●      Lead the strategic planning and execution of program expansion across the state of Washington, identifying opportunities for growth while maintaining high-quality service delivery.

●      Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with community partners, funders, and other stakeholders to support program success and sustainability.

●      Ensure direct reports receive the necessary training and professional development to deliver high-impact, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive services.

●      Oversee program documentation to ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and funding requirements, maintaining accurate records and reports.

●      Collaborate with other departments, including Communications, Finance, and HR, to ensure program alignment and organizational cohesion.

●      Proactively identify and mitigate program risks while ensuring the safety and well-being of participants and staff.

Leadership & Team Development:

●      Provide direct supervision, mentorship, and coaching to the Directors of Programs, supporting their professional growth and leadership development.

●      Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and high performance that aligns with CHOOSE 180’s mission, vision, and values.

●      Promote leadership development and succession planning within program teams by identifying and nurturing high-potential talent.

●      Develop and implement training programs that enhance skills in trauma-informed care, and community-centered approaches.

●      Set clear performance expectations, conduct regular evaluations, and provide constructive feedback to promote individual and team growth.

●      Serve as a resource for resolving conflicts and navigating challenges within program teams, fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment.

●      Lead with a focus on equity, inclusion, and cultural humility, ensuring that leadership practices reflect the diversity and lived experiences of impacted communities.

●      Implement strategies for recognizing and celebrating team achievements, contributions, and milestones.

●      Create opportunities for emerging leaders to engage in stretch assignments, leadership projects, and professional growth opportunities.

Community Engagement & Advocacy:

●      Build and strengthen relationships with community partners, stakeholders, and funders.

●      Serve as an advocate for impacted communities and drive systemic change efforts.

Operational Excellence & Impact Measurement:

●      Implement data-driven decision-making and program evaluation processes.

●      Drive continuous improvement and ensure impactful, evidence-based services.

●      Oversee budget management and resource allocation for programmatic areas.

Qualifications:

●      At least 7-10 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, with a demonstrated history of successfully growing and expanding programs.

●      Proven experience in program leadership, strategic planning, and community engagement.

●      Deep understanding of restorative justice, youth development, and systems change.

●      Strong commitment to equity, inclusion, and anti-racist practices.

●      Exceptional leadership, management, and interpersonal skills.

●      Ability to drive large-scale initiatives and inspire teams to achieve ambitious goals.

The pay range for this position is $97,000 - $110,000 Annually.

CHOOSE 180 is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from people of all backgrounds, including those with lived experience in the justice system or impacted communities.