Chief Program Officer

Scouting America, Greater New York Councils

New York, New York

Job Description

About Greater New York Councils

Since its founding in 1927, the Greater New York Councils have helped over five million young people become “Prepared for Life.” The Greater New York Councils serves the five boroughs of Manhattan, Queens, the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Staten Island; it is one of the few remaining purely urban Scout Councils in the United States.

Greater New York Councils (GNYC) serves nearly 9,000 young people a year by fostering healthy habits and personal fitness, with the safety of our youth being paramount; encouraging environmental stewardship; age-appropriate career exposure, after school programming, leadership development life and emergency preparedness skills, and STEM Education.

GNYC’s major programs are Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing, Sea Scouts, and Exploring. Additionally, we also offer a Cub Scout-based afterschool program, called Scoutreach, to 14 New York City public elementary schools situated in high poverty communities and serving predominately low-income families. Whether joining a Scouting or Exploring program at age five or age 20, participants are part of a community of volunteers and members, taking part in activities that build character, leadership, civic engagement, career exposure, community, camaraderie, and fitness.

With three incredible camp properties — Alpine Scout Camp, William H. Pouch Camp, and Ten Mile River Camp —GNYC provides scouts and their families with the opportunity to connect with nature, while developing the self-reliance that brings confidence and self-worth into all other aspects of life.

Reports to: CEO

Supervises: Directors of Field Services, One Assistant Directors of Field Services. and a Field Director. Provide overall support to a team of over 40 full-time and 30 part-time employees.

Position Summary

This is a position for a highly motivated, energetic person with strong leadership and project management skills who enjoys revamping, growing and operating programs. This person will drive innovation, new programs, staff development, outcome measurement, and carefully monitor the progress toward those efforts. The CPO will be excited about the opportunity to make a significant contribution to a historical organization- with deep New York City roots- at the precipice of major transformation. The CPO will join a four-member senior management team that is excited about expanding its capacity to offer Scouting and outdoor adventure to all New York City families, regardless of neighborhood and ability to pay for programs.

The Chief Program Officer (CPO) will have overall responsibility for all (services delivered to youth, volunteers, and Charter Organizations). The CPO will directly oversee field services operations and activities, including partnerships with charter and community-based organizations; core programs include cub scouts, Scouts BSA, Exploring, Venturing, Sea Scouts, and Scoutreach.

The CPO will evaluate program outcomes and is expected to have a vision for program development and strategies for ensuring safe, high-quality experiences for the youth and families that we serve. The CPO will work closely with the CEO to develop a Strategic Plan for the organization that includes key metrics for success in field services.

Leadership, Management and Administration

•Promote and maintain the standards of Scouting America, with the safety of our youth being paramount.

•The CPO has overall responsibility for all field services staff.

•The CPO is expected to attract, hire, retain, train, supervise, coach, and be committed to the professional development of his/her staff, and to hold self and others accountable for high quality work, goal achievement, and maintaining the safety of children and youth in GNYC programs.

•Develop work performance goals for all Directors and District Executives related to expected program outcomes for supporting the nearly 3,000 volunteers.

•Work closely with the Development department, collaborating to identify and pursue government and private foundation grant opportunities.

•Work closely with the Chief Financial Officer to develop program budgets and to monitor program revenue and spending.

•While reporting directly to the CEO, work effectively with Executive Board members (volunteer Board members), supporting appropriate Board committees and providing periodic reporting to the Board.

Program Management

•Develop and implement procedures for monitoring the quality and quantity of programs being delivered for adherence to outputs, outcomes, goals, expected unit health, and to meet any grant deliverables.

•Monitor and report monthly on program outcomes against membership plan. Analyze and modify interventions as necessary to ensure Field Services team achieves desired impact on safety, unit health and youth membership growth and expansion.

•Develop program metrics (in addition to the “outcomes” mentioned).

•Develop new programs and/or reengineer programs with the goal of increasing membership and improving program quality.

Develop new programs and/or reengineer current programs aimed at promoting the Scouting brand.

•Drive greater collaboration of field services and camping division, resulting in greater program participation.

•Promote increased utilization of camp properties as part of overall Scouting “program experience.”

External Relations and Collaboration

•Build external relationships, collaborations, and partnerships with other organizations in order to broaden Scouting to areas with limited participation.

•Develop and nurture relationships with government partners, including the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD), Department of Education (DOE), the Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) and the NYS Office of Children and Family Services.

•Collaborate with volunteers; maintaining and building relationships with volunteers; and recruiting new volunteers.

•Manage relationships with key funders and partner organizations. Develop new partnerships with schools and community-based organizations.

•Support fund development efforts through site visits, program presentations, events, and participation in grant writing and fundraising efforts.

•Develop and implement policies that ensure units receive support as defined by the BSA national program model, pilot programs, existing contracts, other grants, and as otherwise required by the organization.

Qualifications:

•Masters in Social Work, Mental Health Counseling, Public Administration, Education, or other relevant advanced degree strongly preferred.

•Proven leader with excellent communication and relationship building skills.

•Ten years or more experience in program management, supervision, and budgeting.

•Knowledgeable of the New York City Youth Development landscape; previous experience running New York City youth programs preferred.

•Experience in establishing goals, prioritizing projects, creating standards, and monitoring quality and outcome.

Personal Characteristics:

•A sophisticated diplomat who can motivate and inspire staff, donors, community leaders and volunteers.

•A conscientious and disciplined self-starter.

•Possess gravitas and presence to effectively represent Scouting America -GNYC to the public.

•Espouse the qualities of a servant leader.

•Alignment and commitment to values, mission, model, and vision of GNYC.

Commitment to equity and inclusion within the agency and with partner agencies.

•Competence and confidence in building transparent, positive partnerships that will further the Scouting mission.

•Strong written and verbal skills.

•Demonstrated experience with data-informed decision-making.

Compensation

The Greater New York Councils offers a competitive benefits package. Our plan includes major medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage in addition to disability, accident, life insurance, and a retirement savings plan.

Salary range: $165,000 to $175,000

Submissions of Interest

Candidates should submit, in confidence, a resume and cover letter. Communications, nominations, applications, and inquiries concerning this search should be directed hrspecialist@nycscouting.org

Scouting America Greater New York Councils jobs

Chief Program Officer