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Program Officer Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

The Chief Program Officer (CPO) serves as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team and provides strategic leadership for the YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg's full program portfolio. This ...

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Program Officer information

See Florida salary details

$25K

$75K

$116.2K

How much do program officer jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for program officer in Florida is $75,002.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,400.00 and $98,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is a Program Officer?

A program officer works for a non-profit organization or foundation to oversee the development of programs and learning activities and seek out grants to fund these programs. In this job, you oversee projects, manage budgets, and develop proposals to grantees as some of your duties. You need experience aligning these programs with the overall mission of the foundation or non-profit. Throughout your career, you work with a variety of people and organizations. Important qualifications include strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Program Officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Program Officer, you need strong project management, analytical, and grant-writing skills, usually supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with program evaluation tools, budgeting software, and donor management systems is often required. Exceptional communication, organizational abilities, and stakeholder engagement are key soft skills that distinguish top candidates. These skills are critical for effectively designing, implementing, and monitoring programs that meet organizational goals and deliver meaningful impact.

How does a Program Officer typically collaborate with stakeholders to ensure program success?

Program Officers work closely with a variety of stakeholders, including grantees, partner organizations, internal teams, and sometimes beneficiaries. Regular communication and relationship-building are crucial to understanding needs, monitoring progress, and addressing challenges as they arise. Program Officers often facilitate meetings, coordinate reporting, and provide technical assistance to ensure that all parties are aligned on program objectives and deliverables. This collaborative approach not only supports the successful implementation of programs but also fosters a learning environment for continuous improvement.

What are Program Officers?

Program Officers are professionals who manage and oversee specific projects or programs within an organization, often in the nonprofit, government, or philanthropic sectors. Their responsibilities typically include developing program goals, monitoring progress, evaluating outcomes, managing budgets, and serving as liaisons between stakeholders. They ensure that programs align with organizational objectives and have a meaningful impact. Program Officers also help with grant management and reporting, and often work closely with partners, grantees, or community members to achieve project success.

What is the difference between Program Officer vs Project Coordinator?

AspectProgram OfficerProject Coordinator
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree; often a master's in a related fieldBachelor's degree; relevant certifications optional
Work EnvironmentNonprofit, government, or international organizations managing multiple projectsProject-specific tasks within organizations, supporting project execution
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in NGOs, government agencies, and foundationsCommon in corporate, nonprofit, and government sectors

While both roles involve managing projects, a Program Officer oversees multiple projects or programs, focusing on strategic goals and stakeholder engagement. A Project Coordinator handles specific project tasks, ensuring timely execution. The Program Officer's role is broader and more strategic, whereas the Project Coordinator's role is more operational and task-focused.

What are the most commonly searched types of Program Officer jobs in Florida? The most popular types of Program Officer jobs in Florida are:
What are popular job titles related to Program Officer jobs in Florida? For Program Officer jobs in Florida, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Florida are hiring for Program Officer jobs? Cities in Florida with the most Program Officer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Program Officer jobs in FL? For Program Officer jobs in FL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Program Officer job openings in Florida as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 82% In-person, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,002 per year, or $36.1 per hour.

Chief Program Officer

Easter Seals Florida Inc

Daytona Beach, FL • On-site

Other

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

Description

Chief Program Officer (CPO)

Mission-Driven Leadership | Human-First Culture | Transforming Lives Across Communities


Are you a leader who believes people come first-always?

Do you lead with both strategy and heart?

Are you driven by a deep commitment to serving individuals and strengthening communities?


We are seeking a Chief Program Officer (CPO) to join our Executive Leadership Team-someone who is not only a strong, experienced leader, but also deeply connected to our mission of supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, mental health challenges, and related conditions.


This is more than an executive role. It's an opportunity to shape lives, empower teams, and build systems of care that truly meet people where they are.


About the Role

As Chief Program Officer, you will serve as both a strategic architect and operational leader, guiding the vision, quality, and growth of a diverse portfolio of programs across the state. 


You will oversee a full continuum of services-from early childhood and clinical care to residential supports, employment programs, and community integration-ensuring each service is person-centered, innovative, and impactful.


This role calls for a human-first leader-someone who values relationships as much as results, and who understands that behind every metric is a person, a family, and a story.


What You'll Do

Lead with Vision & Purpose

  • Set and drive a unified, statewide vision for high-quality, mission-aligned services 
  • Partner with the CEO, Board, and executive team to expand programs and deepen impact 
  • Translate big-picture strategy into meaningful, measurable outcomes 

Drive Innovation & Program Excellence

  • Design and scale forward-thinking, person-centered service models 
  • Anticipate emerging needs in disability and behavioral health services 
  • Ensure programs are outcomes-driven, inclusive, and responsive to community needs 

?? Strengthen Operations & Impact

  • Oversee day-to-day operations across clinical and non-clinical services 
  • Improve systems, workflows, and service delivery to enhance quality and access 
  • Monitor performance, outcomes, and program effectiveness 

? Champion Quality & Compliance

  • Ensure excellence in regulatory compliance, safety, and ethical practices 
  • Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and learning 

Build and Inspire Teams

  • Lead, mentor, and develop multidisciplinary teams across the organization 
  • Create an environment where staff feel valued, supported, and empowered 

Ensure Financial Stewardship

  • Collaborate on budgets, forecasting, and financial performance 
  • Support sustainable growth while maintaining a strong commitment to quality care 

Engage the Community

  • Build meaningful partnerships with agencies, providers, and advocacy groups 
  • Represent the organization in community, policy, and stakeholder spaces 
  • Advocate for access, inclusion, and equity in services


Who You Are

  • You are a servant leader who brings both head and heart to your work.
  • You believe in mission over ego and people over process 
  • You have a deep respect for the individuals and communities you serve 
  • You are as comfortable in strategy conversations as you are connecting with frontline teams 
  • You lead with authenticity, compassion, and accountability 
  • You inspire trust and bring out the best in others 


Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree required; Master's preferred in a related field 
  • 10+ years of progressive leadership in disability services, behavioral health, healthcare, or nonprofit programs 
  • Experience leading complex, multidisciplinary teams 
  • Strong knowledge of Medicaid, HCBS, CMS, CARF, HIPAA, and regulatory environments 
  • Proven success in strategic planning, program development, and operational leadership 


Why Join Us?

  • Because here, your work matters-every single day.
  • You'll be part of an organization that is:
  • Mission-driven and deeply committed to the communities we serve 
  • People-centered, valuing both clients and team members 
  • Forward-thinking, embracing innovation and growth 
  • Impact-focused, measuring success by lives changed-not just numbers


Easterseals Florida has been rated a Great Place to Work (2020 - 2025) by our employees! We provide services daily that are leading the way to 100% equity, inclusion and access for people living with disabilities, families and communities. Working at Easterseals is more than just a job - it's an opportunity to be part of something bigger! If you want to translate your talent, your passion, and your commitment to help people with disabilities, families and the community, you might be exactly what we are looking for.


Easterseals Florida is a Drug Free Workplace (DFWP).


Easterseals Florida is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information.


Easterseals Florida is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact our HR department at (407) 629-7881, hr@fl.easterseals.com, 2010 Crosby Way, Winter Park, FL 32792.


 Under the directive of Florida House Bill 531, our organization utilizes the Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse. More information regarding the background screening requirements for this position can be found on the Florida HealthSource Background Screening website or at this specific link: https://info.flclearinghouse.com.