About

• Description
• JOB TITLE: Deputy Chief Program Officer
• REPORTS TO: Chief Program Officer
• SCHEDULE: Monday-Friday (9:00am-5:30pm) [Some nights and weekends required]
• LOCATION: Santa Monica, CA
• STATUS: Full-Time, 40 hrs/wk, Exempt
• CELL PHONE: Reimbursement for use
• DRIVER POSITION: Yes [if yes, please reference driving policy]
• SALARY RANGE: $110,000 - $120,000 Annually

• Safe Place for Youth (SPY) is growing! We’re excited to expand our programs and services, creating new opportunities to support youth experiencing homelessness.

• ABOUT US

• Safe Place for Youth (SPY) is the leading service provider for youth experiencing or at-risk of homelessness in West Los Angeles. Founded in 2011, our agency offers trauma-informed, low barrier programs that support young people in exiting the streets and achieving stability so that they can thrive, not just survive. Our robust continuum of care includes street outreach, drop-in services, health and wellness programming, case management, education and employment services, and housing programs.

• SPY is a unique social impact agency that is committed to overcoming structural barriers to equity, community collaboration, and innovative youth-focused programming. If you have the skills, passion and collaborative spirit, join our growing team of over 100 employees.

• SPY strives to attract and develop individuals who reflect a broad spectrum of diversity, including (but by no means limited to) racial, ethnic, gender identity and socioeconomic dimensions. We believe that inclusion of diverse perspectives is essential to achieving long-term, systemic change. We explicitly seek applications from those who self-identify as coming from historically marginalized populations to enrich and elevate our equity-centered approach to problem-solving.

• ABOUT THE ROLE
• Under the direction of the Chief Program Officer (CPO), the Deputy Chief of Programs (DCOP) provides leadership, management, and strategic support across SPY’s program portfolio. The DCOP oversees the daily operations of all program departments under their purview, supports Senior Directors in achieving program goals, and ensures quality, compliance, and consistency across sites.
• The DCOP works in partnership with the CPO to implement SPY’s strategic plan, manage program expansions, and drive innovation and performance improvement. This role strengthens internal systems, enhances partnerships with community and county agencies, and ensures high-quality, data-informed services for youth. The DCOP acts as the operational backbone of the Programs division—translating strategy into execution, supporting staff development, and ensuring programs meet contractual, regulatory, and funder expectations.

• WHAT YOU’LL DO
• Under the direction of the Chief Program Officer (CPO), the Deputy Chief of Programs (DCOP) provides leadership, management, and strategic support across SPY’s program portfolio. The DCOP oversees the daily operations of all program departments under their purview, supports senior directors in achieving program goals, and ensures quality, compliance, and consistency across sites.
• The DCOP works in partnership with the CPO to implement SPY’s strategic plan, manage program expansions (including the opening of new housing sites), and drive innovation and performance improvement. This role strengthens internal systems, enhances partnerships with community and county agencies, and ensures high-quality, data-informed services for youth.
• The DCOP acts as the operational backbone of the Programs division—translating strategy into execution, supporting staff development, and ensuring programs meet contractual, regulatory, and funder expectations.
• Participate in the strategic growth of the organization, identifying mission aligned opportunities to increase Safe Place for Youth’s impact
• Engage with Safe Place for Youth’s Board of Directors, facilitating committees, participating in meetings, producing reports and conducting presentations
• Participate in fund development activities and donor engagement
• Partner with the CPO to operationalize SPY’s strategic plan within program operations.
• Lead implementation of new initiatives, pilots, and service innovations that improve client outcomes and system alignment.
• Support growth and expansion efforts, including needs assessments, service design, and program launch coordination.
• Oversee quality assurance, internal audits, contract compliance, and performance improvement across program departments.
• Ensure programs use data to drive decision-making, track progress, and meet funder and organizational expectations.
• Monitor documentation, reporting, and adherence to policy and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with the Programs & QA Coordinator to ensure accurate QA processes across departments.
• Stand in for Chief Program Officer as needed
• Other duties as assigned to support the mission and needs of the organization.

• Requirements
• WHAT YOU’LL NEED
• Bachelor’s degree is Social Work, Psychology, or any related field is required.
• Master’s degree in social work or marriage and family therapy is required.
• Clinical licensure, active license and in good standing with the Board of Behavioral Sciences is required.
• Two years post licensure, with the ability to supervise licensure hours is required.
• 3-4 years of experience in a supervisory role is required.
• 2-3 years of experience in the non-profit sector working with diverse groups is required.
• Strong program and operational experience, experience overseeing residential services and programing at multiple locations is preferred.
• Experience with public speaking and providing training
• Experience with and knowledge of homeless services and youth services
• Understanding of homeless services and housing programs at a senior management level
• Experience managing multi-million-dollar budgets and complex funding sources
• Experience in designing and delivering program services
• Understanding of various non-profit funding sources
• Experience supervising and managing large teams, strong leadership skills, and the ability to cultivate staff
• Skilled in organizational development, personnel management, budget and resource development, and strategic planning
• Excellent people skills, with an ability to partner with a dynamic leadership team
• Strategic and innovative thinking; an entrepreneurial leader oriented toward impact and sustainability
• Possess personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and commitment to agency mission
• Strong community awareness with demonstrated commitment to the values of diversity, racial equity, inclusiveness, and empowerment
• Exceptionally organization skills, attention to detail, and ability to meet deadlines
• Flexible and able to multitask; can work with an ambiguous, fast-moving environment, while also driving toward clarity and solutions; demonstrated resourcefulness in setting priorities and guiding investment in people and systems
• Valid CA drivers license, personal vehicle and adequate insurance

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Changes in the environment, such as the office or outdoors.
• Physical effort/lifting, such as sedentary- up to 15-20 pounds at times.
• Some night and weekend hours may be required

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Mandated Reporting Requirements: The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 Revised July 21, 2017 as a condition of employment.

• COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements: Effective August 9, 2021, the State Health Officer has mandated that all workers, paid or unpaid, in homeless services organizations must provide proof of vaccination. If eligible for a booster shot, proof of booster is also required. If not fully vaccinated, weekly COVID-19 testing is necessary depending on the program. Please submit proof of vaccination to HR@safeplaceforyouth.org. To request a reasonable accommodation or exemption, please get in touch with HR at the same email address. It's important to note that these accommodations are limited.

Driver Positions

Applicants are required to provide a copy of their driving record from the Department of Motor Vehicles, along with a copy of their valid driver’s license and proof of insurance. Job offers are contingent upon a satisfactory driving record. Examples of an unsatisfactory driving record include

• Suspended or revoked license
• Three or more moving violations in the past 36 months
• Any violations, including drugs, alcohol, controlled substances, within the past 24 months
• Reckless driving, including hit and runs, within the past 24 months
• At fault accidents, resulting in fatality or serious injury, within the past 5 years

The motor vehicle record will need to include a review of all states listed on the individual's employment application and resume. See instructions on obtaining your driving record below

• https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/customer-service/request-vehicle-or-driver-records/online-driver-record-request/
• For driver positions, driving is an essential job function and cannot be reasonably accommodated, employment may be discontinued.
• NOTE: All staff members will be considered introductory employees for the first three months of employment and will not be considered regular employees until the conclusion of this period. SPY reserves the right to extend an employee’s introductory period. In no way does the expiration of this introductory period change the fact that all employees are at-will. It is the supervisor’s responsibility to orient the employee and to communicate the expectations of the supervisor and SPY, as well as to evaluate whether the employee has the necessary level of skill, job knowledge, motivation, and attitude to become a regular member of the SPY staff. New employees are also encouraged to seek guidance and assistance during this period. Employees who fail to demonstrate the expected commitment, performance and attitude may be terminated at any time during the introductory period. However, completion of the introductory period does not change or alter the “at-will” employment status. Employees continue to have the right to terminate their employment/business relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, and SPY has the same right. The organization, in its sole discretion, may change the job duties, responsibilities and assignments of any position, at any time.

BENEFITS & PERKS

• Safe Place for Youth offers a competitive benefit package including comprehensive health coverage, 403b with agency contribution, and vacation/sick time. We also offer unique perks including weekly meditation/mindfulness and professional development opportunities that are tailored to your individual career growth.

EEO STATEMENT

• All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. Safe Place for Youth does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status under federal, state, or local law.

• Safe Place for Youth is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. In addition, the organization will consider employment-qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.

• Please include references in your application