Chief Program Officer na Nourishing Hope

Organization Overview

Nourishing Hope, formerly known as Lakeview Pantry, is a dynamic Chicago nonprofit providing food and social services for anyone in need. Founded in 1970, we’re one of the largest and longest operating hunger relief organizations in Chicago. We also provide free, trauma-informed mental health counseling and other social services, such as job and housing assistance. We strive to serve the needs of the whole person — with respect and dignity, always.

Nourishing Hope offers our neighbors nutritious food using a choice-based distribution model and access to life-changing social services including:

• Monthly food distribution and additional produce pickup through five different food access programs;
• Home delivery services for older adults, homebound neighbors and neighbors living with disabilities;
• Social services including case management, mental health counseling, job search support, domestic violence intervention, referrals and public benefits assistance (SNAP, healthcare, government forms) for anyone in need.

Nourishing Hope serves tens of thousands of people each year, providing more than 4 million meals through our programs, in addition to partnerships with other community organizations. This year, Nourishing Hope will provide about 200,000 food and social services to our Chicago neighbors.

Position Summary

The Chief Program Officer (CPO) is a transformational leader who will oversee all programmatic operations and strategy for Nourishing Hope. Reporting directly to the CEO and serving as a key member of the executive leadership team, the CPO will lead our multi-faceted service delivery model, ensuring excellence in food distribution, social services, community partnerships, and clinical mental health services, including a mental health internship program. This role requires a visionary leader who can balance operational excellence with innovation and managing current programs while developing new initiatives to meet evolving community needs. 

Locations

This position primarily works out of Nourishing Hope headquarters, 1716 W. Hubbard in Chicago and goes to all other sights as needed.

Essential Job Functions

• Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive program strategy across all service lines (food access, mental health, and social services), ensuring alignment with Nourishing Hope's Strategic Plan. 
• Foster innovation in service delivery models, partnership development, and systems-change initiatives that address root causes of food insecurity.
• Evaluate and oversee the operational excellence of all NH-owned and partner-operated distribution sites, ensuring each location effectively serves client needs while maintaining compliance, efficiency, and quality standards; manage relationships with 50+ community partner organizations to optimize service delivery across Chicago.
• Lead, inspire, and develop a diverse team of 28 program staff, including food program managers and the Director of Mental Wellness & Social Services; foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and client-centered service while implementing succession planning and professional development initiatives across the department.
• Champion the integration of food access, mental health, and social services into a cohesive, trauma-informed service model that addresses the holistic needs of clients; ensure culturally responsive approaches are embedded throughout all programs.
• Ensure the clinical excellence and operational readiness of all mental health services, maintaining strict HIPAA compliance, clinical documentation standards, and professional licensing requirements; oversee quality assurance protocols, clinical supervision structures, and evidence-based treatment modalities while fostering integration between behavioral health and food access programs to address the interconnected nature of trauma, mental health, and food insecurity.
• Oversee and continually improve robust evaluation systems and annual KPIs aligned with strategic goals; implement continuous quality improvement processes using data to drive program decisions, resource allocation, and compelling impact narratives for funders and stakeholders.
• Develop and monitor program budgets totaling $5 million annually; ensure fiscal responsibility while maximizing resources through strategic partnerships, government contracts, and collaborative funding opportunities; maintain compliance with all regulatory and funder requirements.
• Oversee strategies for recruiting, training, and retaining 7,000+ volunteers annually; ensure meaningful volunteer experiences that build community engagement while supporting program operations effectively.
• Cultivate and maintain strategic partnerships with healthcare systems, educational institutions, government agencies, and community organizations to expand service reach and create collective impact; negotiate partnership agreements that advance mutual goals.
• Research and implement evidence-based practices from local and national models; participate in professional networks and conferences to ensure NH remains at the forefront of innovation in food security and integrated service delivery.
• Lead diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within programs and teams; ensure services are culturally appropriate and accessible to all communities; center client voice and lived experience in program design and evaluation.
• Maintain organizational readiness to respond to community crises and emergencies; adapt programs quickly to meet changing community needs while ensuring continuity of essential services during disruptions.
• Partner closely with the Development team to secure funding through grant proposals and donor engagement; collaborate with CEO and Board on strategic initiatives; work with Communications to share program impact stories that inspire support.
• Lead organizational efforts to address systemic barriers to food security through policy advocacy and participation in coalitions; leverage program data and client stories to influence public policy and resource allocation.
• Act as an ambassador for the work of Nourishing Hope to the larger community with the goal of increasing our visibility and securing necessary resources to operate our programs effectively and efficiently.

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s degree in Public Administration, Social Work, Public Health, Counseling, Nonprofit Management or related field strongly preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive leadership experience in non-profit programs with at least 5 years in senior management.
• Experience in managing multiple projects at a time, as well as setting, managing budgets and KPIs.
• Deep understanding of food insecurity, poverty, and related social determinants of health
• Preferred experience in Salesforce.
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills. 
• Proven ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
• Strong understanding of food insecurity, poverty, and social determinants of health, with commitment to food security and accessible mental healthcare.

Pay and Benefits

$120,000 to $150,000 based on experience

Full-time benefits include:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance coverage
• Employer-paid life and disability insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer contribution
• Generous paid time off
• Paid birthday holiday
• Parental leave
• Language pay (Spanish, Russian, Polish)
• $250 employee referral bonus
• Free subscription to mental wellness app

Background Check

Because we are a Medicaid provider all applicants who are offered employment with Nourishing Hope will be subject to a background screening. Offers of employment are contingent on the successful completion of a background screening conducted in accordance with Nourishing Hope policy and federal, state and local law.