Chief Program Officer

Overview

First Tee – Phoenix, founded in 2003, creates experiences that build character to empower kids through a lifetime of new challenges and continuous personal growth. By seamlessly integrating the game of golf with a life skills curriculum, First Tee – Phoenix creates active learning experiences that build inner strength, self-confidence and resilience that kids can carry to everything they do.

First Tee – Phoenix provides opportunities for all youth to achieve success in every aspect of life, though the game of golf.

The Chief Program Officer (CPO) is responsible for strategic leadership of all programmatic efforts to support the mission of First Tee – Phoenix. This role ensures that programming is mission-aligned, evidence-based, and responsive to the needs of the communities served. First Tee – Phoenix is in a period of growth; this new position is critical in realizing that expansion and meeting our overall goals.

As a member of the executive team the CPO collaborates with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) to drive innovation and impact.

• Operational thinker – ability to turn ideas and opportunity into action, pivoting and adapting as needed to reach goals.
• Servant leader – empowers, builds team, and holds their team accountable.
• Owners’ mindset – ability to see the big picture and how program pieces interplay and serve the community.

• Genuine commitment for the mission and purpose of First Tee – Phoenix – to empower and help young people succeed in life through golf.
• Passion for reaching underserved and under-resourced communities.
• Love of golf and golf knowledge required.
• Minimum 8–10 years of progressive leadership experience in program management, youth development, sports / education organizations, or nonprofit operations, preferably in a nonprofit or sports-related organization.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal relations, and organizational skills.
• Charismatic, personable, and motivational in working with team and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated success managing teams and building strong staff culture based on First Tee key commitments.
• Experience in budget management and operational efficiency.
• Strong commitment to child safety, risk management and ethical program delivery.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to work in a dynamic environment.
• Exercise high level of confidentiality, team building and cooperative approaches.
• Effective use of a CRM (Sales Force a plus)
• Ability to speak publicly and engage audiences in small groups to large events.
• Personal vehicle and ability / willingness to regularly drive around Maricopa County to site locations.
• Valid driver’s license, good driving record, and meet company required automobile insurance minimums
• Must complete and pass all background checks and child safety courses.
• Bilingual (Spanish / English) a plus

Chief Program Officer is a member of the Executive Team and reports to the CEO / Executive Director. CPO currently leads a team of seven.

Below is not intended to be an exhaustive list but a guide to the core functions.

• Lead the strategic planning, development, and execution of all First Tee – Phoenix programs across schools, facilities, and community sites.
• Ensure programs are mission-aligned, evidence-based, and positioned for sustainable growth.
• Translate organizational goals into operational plans, timelines, and measurable performance metrics.
• Oversee program expansion strategies to increase reach in underserved and under-resourced communities.
• Identify and evaluate a variety of opportunities and operationalize those that will make an impact on goals.

• Manage and mentor a growing, high-performing program team; foster a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Invest in staff development, coach leaders, and promote ongoing learning aligned with First Tee standards.