Background : The Second Step (TSS) seeks to break the cycle of domestic violence, one family at a time, by providing services to individuals and families that enable them to remain free from abusive relationships and live successful lives. Those individuals and families who enter our program have successfully taken the first step away from domestic violence. TSS provides support and advocacy services to connect them with a broad range of services/referrals, including education and employment training, permanent housing search, mental health & addiction services, legal services, parenting support, and community advocacy support.

Mission statement: The Second Step is a community of survivors, advocates, and volunteers who foster the safety, stability, and well-being of those who have experienced domestic violence. We provide comprehensive services, including safety planning, legal advocacy, counseling, peer support, transitional housing, and other essential services to adults, youth, and children in Greater Boston and MetroWest.

Reports to : Chief Executive Officer

This is an exempt position.

Hours: Work hours 9am to 5pm, some evenings or weekends when necessary. The Chief Programs Officer is eligible to work a hybrid schedule. TSS offices are in Newton, MA. Free parking is available onsite, and the workplaces are within walking distance of public transportation.

Essential Worker : This position is considered an essential worker and may be required to report to work and/or perform duties during a declared state of emergency.

Primary Objectives: The Chief Programs Officer is responsible for ensuring the provision of high quality supports and services within the Prevention, Intervention, and Education Program (PIE); Transitional Living Program (TLP); and Steps to Justice Program (STJ). This includes the supervision of individual Program Directors, oversight of program operations and grant compliance, management of program development, budget development and accountability, and special projects related to quality improvement. The Chief Programs Officer serves on the senior administrative staff team. Other expectations include acting as an agency liaison for fundraising events and collaboration with community partner agencies.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in management roles specifically involving direct management and oversight of nonprofit programs and leadership of staff teams.
• Proven leadership skills, capable of directing and inspiring a diverse team.
• Experience starting, developing, growing, and using data to evaluate programs
• Deep knowledge of issues related to domestic violence, trauma, mental health & addiction, and facility navigating social service systems including housing, benefits, medical, legal, school systems that address these issues
• Experience providing direct service to victims and survivors of domestic violence and/or those who have experienced trauma, homelessness, poverty.
• Ability to manage competing priorities simultaneously and precisely
• Strong crisis management, problem-solving, communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively in an environment that is linguistically and culturally diverse.
• Proficiency with computers; strong writing and verbal skills
• Bachelor’s degree required. Advanced degree and experience in social work, mental health counseling strongly preferred.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

• Supervise, direct, and mentor Program Directors, fostering a culture of professional growth and accountability.
• Provide leadership and guidance to individual program teams to ensure strong team performance.
• Oversee planning, implementation, and evaluation of core programs. Ensure continuous quality improvement of PIE, TLP, and STJ programs
• Provide clinical support to advocates and direct service staff
• Make immediate decisions to support clients and staff

• Responsible for program budget development and accountability in conjunction with Program Directors
• Responsible for overseeing timely data input across programs, working with Program Directors to address data entry challenges/inconsistencies
• Develop reports that measure efficiency and effectiveness of programs to promote ongoing development
• Collaborate as needed with Development Team to write grant proposals and participate in grant site visits
• Work closely with the Chief Operations Officer to ensure compliance with terms of grants and contracts, including maintaining detailed and accurate records to track spending and ensure all deadlines are met
• Responsible for ensuring each program is appropriately staffed. Work collaboratively with Program Directors to ensure positions are filled quickly according to program need. Assist with job descriptions, recruitment, interviewing, and training of staff.
• Attends biweekly senior staff team meetings
• Convenes and leads regular meetings of all Program Directors to ensure program continuity
• Attends All Staff meetings and trainings
• Initiates and implements trainings on DV (Domestic Violence), trauma, and mentoring to volunteers and community
• Represents TSS at community engagement and development events as needed
• Other TSS priorities as needed and directed by Chief Executive Officer

Physical Demands & Work Environment: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Employee is required to operate a computer and telephone. Employee may be required to help move small items up to 25 lbs.

Salary & Benefits : TSS offers a competitive salary and benefits package to full-time employees. Salary for this position ranges between $95,000-$100,000, commensurate with experience; additional compensation for language skills, or other qualifications. Benefits include 3 weeks paid vacation, 13 paid holidays, 2 personal days, ample sick time, agency contribution to health and dental insurance, agency hosted 403(b) plan, Employee Assistance Plan, and student loan repayment contribution.

Equal Opportunity : The Second Step actively seeks cultural and linguistic diversity in all programs. The Second Step, Inc. is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, free from discrimination. The Second Step does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy and parenting status), disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, or genetic information. We encourage individuals from historically marginalized communities to apply.