Since 1933, Rancho’s mission has been to provide strength-based, trauma-informed, culturally relevant therapeutic services to youth and families in order to instill hope, foster resiliency, and create pathways for future success.

Rancho San Antonio is a $24.3 million organization based in Chatsworth, California. In 2025, its 248 staff served 742 youth and delivered 27,757 sessions across its programs. For more information, visit ranchosanantonio.org.

THE OPPORTUNITY
Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, the Chief Program Officer (CPO) will provide strategic, clinical, and operational leadership across Rancho’s full range of programs. As a member of the executive leadership team, the CPO will partner with the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Campus Officer, and Human Resources to advance program quality, strengthen coordination, and ensure consistent implementation of best practices, policies, and procedures.

The CPO will directly supervise the Director of Outpatient and Community Programs, Director of STRTP Services and Operations, and Director of ORR Services and Operations. The position also encompasses oversight of creative healing arts, medical services, transitional housing, activities, and training. The CPO will establish clear expectations and accountability across these programs while recognizing their distinct populations, service models, and regulatory requirements.

Providing leadership and oversight of trauma-informed, culturally sensitive therapeutic services, the CPO will promote consistent application of Rancho’s Attachment, Regulation, and Competency (ARC) model and all applicable clinical interventions. The CPO will also ensure adherence to program statements, government contracts, and regulatory requirements while maintaining readiness for clinical and program audits. This is an opportunity for an experienced, engaged leader to strengthen program operations, develop and support staff, and foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement. The CPO will translate organizational priorities into clear expectations and measurable outcomes while maintaining a visible presence across Rancho’s programs.   

CAREER TRACK LEADING TO THIS POSITION

Progressively responsible leadership experience in behavioral health, youth services, or a related human services setting is preferred. The ideal candidate will bring experience leading multidisciplinary program teams, developing supervisors, strengthening service quality, and overseeing multiple programs. Experience implementing best practices, ensuring regulatory compliance, managing program budgets, and overseeing government contracts is also preferred.

Experience serving youth with significant emotional and behavioral health needs, including transition-age youth, is preferred. Familiarity with residential treatment, Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Programs (STRTP), Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) services, outpatient mental health, substance use treatment, or community-based services would be valuable. California or Los Angeles County experience is preferred. Candidates should demonstrate the ability and willingness to learn new service models and government contract requirements.