Chief Program Officer

Company Description

Family Education & Support Services (FESS), established in 2000, is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to fostering healthy child development through quality training and support services. The organization helps families develop parenting skills, build confidence, improve early childhood outcomes, strengthen relationships, and access community support networks. FESS is committed to providing evidence-based services that are collaborative, accountable, and externally evaluated. Focused on underserved families facing challenges such as isolation, health disparities, financial stress, and other barriers, FESS aims to empower families in urgent need of assistance.

Job Description: Chief Program Officer (CPO)

Family Education and Support Services, Tumwater, WA 98501

Chief Program Officer (CPO)

Family Education and Support Services (FESS) | Tumwater, WA

Department: Programs / Executive Leadership

Reports To: Executive Director

Classification: Full-Time, Exempt

About the Position

Family Education and Support Services (FESS) is seeking a dynamic and strategic Chief Program Officer (CPO) to lead the vision, quality, and impact of our program services.

As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, the CPO oversees a portfolio of program leaders and drives excellence across all service areas—ensuring programs are trauma-informed, delivered with fidelity, and responsive to evolving community needs.

This role currently provides leadership to eight program leaders and contributes to an organization of 36 staff, serving more than 24,000 individuals annually across a growing multi-county region (currently five counties).

FESS is in a period of growth and systems strengthening, making this an exciting opportunity for a leader who is energized by building strong teams, refining infrastructure, and deepening community impact.

What You’ll Do

Lead with Strategy & Impact

·        Set and execute a clear program strategy that strengthens service quality, expands reach, and improves outcomes for children and families

·        Ensure all services are delivered with fidelity to contracts, evidence-based practices, and community need

Build & Retain Strong Teams

·        Lead, coach, and develop a team of program leaders to strengthen performance, accountability, and staff retention

·        Foster a culture of trust, inclusion, and continuous learning where staff feel supported and stay engaged

Strengthen Community Impact & Partnerships

·        Serve as a visible ambassador for FESS, building and sustaining trusted partnerships across systems and communities

·        Engage funders, partners, and stakeholders to expand access, strengthen collaboration, and deepen impact

Ensure Operational Excellence

·        Oversee program systems, quality assurance, and continuous improvement efforts across all service areas

·        Partner with executive leadership on budgeting, sustainability, and data-informed decision-making to ensure programs are effective, resilient, and aligned with community need

What You Bring

·        7 years of progressive leadership experience in human services, including oversight of multi-program teams and complex service delivery systems

·        Demonstrated success in staff retention, leadership development, and building healthy organizational culture

·        Strong experience managing contracts, program performance, and community partnerships with a focus on quality, outcomes, and fidelity

·        Skilled relationship builder with a deep commitment to community engagement, equity, and strengths-based leadership

·        Excellent communication, strategic thinking, and problem-solving abilities

·        Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred (or equivalent experience)

Why FESS

At FESS, we believe strong families build strong communities. Our work is grounded in:

·        Trauma-informed, relational practice

·        Equity, inclusion, and staff wellbeing

·        Data-driven impact and continuous learning

·        A leadership culture that values collaboration, transparency, and accountability

We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, wellness leave, retirement, and medical benefits—along with a mission-driven workplace that prioritizes people, purpose, and sustainability.

Compensation

Salary Range: $95,000 – $120,000 annually (DOE)

Hiring Process

·        Step 1: Resume and Cover Letter Submission

·        Step 2: Panel Interview and Problem-Solving Exercise

·        Step 3: Final Interview (references requested at this stage)

Send to: Shelly Willis, Chief Executive Officer

PO Box 14907

Tumwater, WA 98511

or email to: Shelly@Familyess.org

Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. Priority screening begins May 6th.

Send to : Shelly Willis, Chief Executive Officer

PO Box 14907, Tumwater, WA 98511 or email to: Shelly@Familyess.org

Join us in leading programs that make a lasting difference for children, families, and communities.