Job Description

The Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) serves as a key member of the executive leadership team and is responsible for developing, guiding, and implementing the organization's strategic vision and long-term growth objectives. The CSO works closely with the Chief Executive Officer, Board of Directors, senior leadership team, community partners, funders, and stakeholders to ensure the agency's programs, operations, and resources align with its mission and strategic priorities.

The CSO leads organizational growth planning, performance measurement, quality improvement initiatives, partnership development, and partners on enterprise-wide change efforts that strengthen the agency's impact on the communities it serves.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Planning and Organizational Development

• Monitor emerging trends, policy developments, community needs, and funding opportunities that may impact the organization.
• Regularly provide feedback on impact on the organization and on appropriateness of making public comment regarding potential legislative or regulatory changes.
• Identify and assess opportunities for program expansion, service innovation, and organizational growth.
• Support organizational change initiatives and ensure alignment with strategic goals.
• Coordinate the development of the agency strategic plan, report annually on progress towards implementation, and evaluate success of the organization's strategic plan.
• Facilitate strategic planning processes involving leadership, staff, board members, clients, and community stakeholders.

Performance Measurement and Management

• Develop and oversee systems to measure organizational performance, outcomes, and community impact.
• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and dashboards to track strategic objectives.
• Analyze data and organizational metrics to inform executive decision-making.
• Promote a culture of continuous quality improvement and evidence-based practice.

Partnership and Community Engagement

• Cultivate strategic partnerships with government agencies, nonprofit organizations, healthcare providers, educational institutions, businesses, and community stakeholders.
• Represent the organization in collaborative initiatives, coalitions, and community forums.
• Identify opportunities for collective impact and cross-sector collaboration.
• Support advocacy efforts that advance the organization's mission and strategic priorities.

Business Development and Resource Growth

• Collaborate with development, finance, and program leadership to identify and pursue sustainable funding opportunities.
• Support grant strategy, program development, and strategic investments.
• Evaluate potential partnerships, mergers, affiliations, and new business opportunities.
• Assist in developing strategies to diversify revenue streams and strengthen organizational sustainability.

Executive Leadership

• Serve as a strategic advisor to the CEO and Board of Directors.
• Partner with senior leaders to align departmental goals with organizational priorities.
• Prepare strategic reports, presentations, and recommendations for executive management and the board.
• Foster collaboration, innovation, and accountability across the organization.
• Lead special projects and strategic initiatives as assigned by the CEO.
• Supervise Data Management, Research and Evaluation, Quality Improvement, and Special Projects teams.
• Serves as primary coordinator for start up planning and execution of new projects and programs. Board Relations
• Support the Board of Directors in strategic planning, governance, and organizational oversight.
• Provide regular updates on strategic initiatives, performance outcomes, and organizational opportunities.
• Assist in preparing board materials and facilitating strategic discussions.

Qualifications

Education

• Master's degree required in Public Administration, Social Work, Business Administration, Public Policy, Nonprofit Management, or a related field.

Experience

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in nonprofit, social service, healthcare, government, or related sectors.
• Demonstrated success leading organizational change initiatives.
• Experience managing cross-functional projects and partnerships.
• Strong understanding of nonprofit funding models, program evaluation, and community-based services.
• Experience working with boards of directors and executive leadership teams.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Exceptional strategic thinking and analytical skills.
• Strong leadership, facilitation, and relationship-building abilities.
• Expertise in organizational performance measurement and data-driven decision-making.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Ability to navigate complex organizational and regulatory environments.
• Strong project management and change management capabilities.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and community-centered practice.

Core Competencies

• Strategic Leadership
• Systems Thinking
• Organizational Development
• Data and Impact Analysis
• Change Management
• Community Partnership Development
• Executive Communication
• Collaboration and Team Leadership
• Innovation and Problem Solving
• Mission-Driven Leadership

Reporting Relationship

Reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer and serves as a member of the Executive Management Team.