Chief Programs Officer

YESS is a not-for-profit agency working with youth facing difficult realities. Based in Edmonton, our Youth Support Centre provides immediate and low-barrier 24/7 sleep support and individualized wrap-around supports for young people aged

We work collaboratively within a network of care focused on the prevention of youth homelessness by providing youth with the necessary supports to stabilize their housing, improve their wellbeing, build life skills, connect with community, and avoid re-entry into homelessness.

At YESS, we care about the well-being of our team. Our onsite dedicated Wellness Practitioner supports staff through challenges, provide guidance on stress management, and promote overall health and balance. Whether it's a quick check-in, a confidential conversation, or resources to help you thrive, our Wellness Practitioner is here to ensure you feel supported both personally and professionally.

Job Summary

The Chief Programs Officer (CPO) is a hands-on executive leader who drives the design, delivery, and evolution of YESS' youth-serving programs. Reporting directly to the President & CEO and serving as a key member of the Executive Team, the CPO leads the strategic direction, integration, and performance of all YESS youth focused programming.

Rooted in a deep understanding of youth work and community systems, the CPO ensures that every YESS service is trauma-informed, evidence-based, and responsive to the voices and needs of youth. This role is both strategic and relational, shaping the future of youth services while fostering authentic partnerships with staff, government, and the broader community.

The CPO plays a critical role in building a culture of learning, accountability, and connection, ensuring that YESS continues to be a leader and collaborator in supporting youth in crisis and creating pathways to healing and independence.

Reports to: President & Chief Executive Officer

Direct Reports: Director of Programs, Director of Facilities, Wellness Practitioner

Hybrid: Four days on-site at YSC (9310–82 Ave) and Amin Office (17511–108 Ave NW), Edmonton.

Work Hours:

Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with flexibility to work outside these hours as needed to visit YSC as the Programs Department Lead or attend external meetings.

Strategic Leadership and Planning

• Lead the strategic design and evolution of all YESS youth focuses programing to align with the organization's mission and five-year roadmap.

• Translate vision into clear, measurable strategies that deliver meaningful outcomes for youth and families.

• Champion program innovation and continuous improvement, ensuring all initiatives reflect leading practices in trauma-informed care, prevention, and supporting youth in crisis.

• Advise the President & CEO on service trends, system change opportunities, and risk mitigation related to program delivery.

• Serve as a senior thought partner in shaping the organization's strategy, culture, and long-term sustainability.

Program Excellence and Youth Impact

• Hold executive accountability for all program design, implementation, and evaluation across YESS sites, ensuring alignment with accreditation standards, values, and youth voice.

• Foster a culture of data-informed decision-making, using key performance indicators (KPIs) and outcomes to improve service quality and demonstrate community impact.

• Ensure programs are responsive to the diversity of youth experiences, including identity, trauma history, and systemic barriers.

• Encourage and support frontline innovation; empowering teams to test, learn, and implement promising practices.

• Lead and empower a multidisciplinary team that supports youth in crisis through coordinated, evidence-informed, and relationship-centered programming that strengthens outcomes and community connections.

• Cultivate cross-sector partnerships to co-design and pilot cutting-edge initiatives that address emerging needs and expand YESS' reach and impact.

• Embed continuous learning and professional development within program teams to strengthen expertise, adaptability, and excellence in youth engagement and outcomes.

Fiscal Management and Risk Oversight

• Maintain oversight of annual budget for programs ensuring fiscal responsibility, transparency, and sustainability.

• Partner with Finance and Marketing & Development teams to align funding opportunities with program goals.

• Oversee safe and effective management of all YESS programming, ensuring compliance with legal, regulatory, and accreditation requirements.

• Anticipate, assess, and mitigate organizational risks related to service delivery, safety, and operational continuity.

• Support the President & CEO in stewarding resources to maximize impact and long-term organizational resilience.

Organizational Culture and Leadership Development

• Model collaborative, transparent, and inclusive leadership that embodies YESS's values of Courage, Commitment, and Connection.

• Mentor and develop emerging leaders, building organizational capacity and shared accountability across departments.

• Work effectively across departments to build alignment, share expertise, and model cooperative leadership that strengthens organizational unity and performance.

• Champion a culture that values youth voice, staff well-being, equity, and psychological safety.

• Lead through change with clarity and compassion; inspiring teams to adapt, innovate, and thrive in a dynamic environment.

External Relations and Sector Leadership

• Serve as a primary ambassador for YESS with funders, government, community agencies, and youth-serving networks.

• Build and sustain strong, collaborative partnerships that expand access, improve coordination, and amplify collective impact across Edmonton's youth-serving ecosystem.

• Represent YESS as a trusted sector leader, participating in policy development, advocacy tables, and community planning processes that shape the future of youth services.

• Engage youth, families, and community partners as co-creators in program design and evaluation.

• Strengthen YESS' reputation as a connector, convener, and innovator within the community.

Qualifications, Skills, and Abilities

• Degree or equivalent senior leadership experience in social services, public administration, psychology, or a related human services field.

• Minimum years of progressive leadership in youth-serving, social impact, or not-for-profit organizations, including executive-level responsibility for multi-department operations and budgets.

• Deep understanding of youth in crisis, mental health, trauma-informed practice, and community-based care models.

• Proven success in system-level collaboration, policy influence, and multi-stakeholder partnership development.

• Strong financial acumen and experience managing complex programs.

• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences; from youth to policymakers.

• Recognized for strategic thinking, integrity, and the ability to lead with empathy and purpose.

Core Competencies

• Visionary Leadership: Inspires shared purpose and innovation across teams and sectors.

• Community Partnership: Builds trust and alignment with funders, governments, and community partners.

• Strategic Execution: Translates vision into actionable, measurable plans.

• Youth-Centered Approach: Ensures youth voice and lived experience guide decisions.

• Accountability:
  
  Leads with integrity and transparency, modeling responsible behavior and fostering a culture where trust, feedback, and learning from mistakes are encouraged.

• Change Management: Leads transformation with transparency, resilience, and clarity.

• Financial Stewardship: Balances mission-driven goals with fiscal discipline.

• Cultural Leadership: Fosters belonging, learning, and shared accountability.

Other Requirements

• Can obtain a clear police information check (PIC) and a Child and Youth Intervention (CYIM) chec

• Government Issued Photo I

• Include driving requirements as applicable

Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and cover letter.

YESS is an equal opportunity employer, committed to an inclusive and safe work environment for people of all backgrounds.