Chief Program Officer

Position: Chief Program Officer, Founding Forward, Full-time

Reporting to the President, the Chief Program Officer leads Founding Forward’s national education efforts. These programs include immersive educational experiences for students and teachers, as well as speaker programs, exhibits, tours, and other events that advance the mission of Founding Forward. This position is critical to the success and growth of Founding Forward’s programs. The CPO is a member of the Executive Staff and the primary leader in the execution of the recently adopted strategic plan, which calls for a 300% increase in teacher and student programs, as well as development of new and innovative programs centered on the American founding, American history, and the American political tradition.

Founding Forward is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit national civic education organization, with the mission to inform and engage citizens through transformational educational experiences grounded in American history. These experiences enable students, teachers, and citizens to understand, appreciate, and practice the principles, rights, and responsibilities of American citizenship. In late 2024, Founding Forward approved a Strategic Plan, which provides goals for dramatic growth of programs and impact.

This position is in-person, primarily based in Founding Forward’s Valley Forge office. Travel is required.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead strategic implementation, evaluation, and future development of educational programs
• Maintain and develop programs, including:
• Student programs: Spirit of America, History Encounters, Good Citizen Day, Liberty Weekend, college scholarship programs, Good Citizen Day-on-the-road
• Teacher programs: Weekend seminars, week-long workshops, travelling programs
• Other programs: Speaker programs, exhibits, docent programs/tours, historic collections management and activation
• Manage staff and lead team development:
• Manage current existing professional staff of six individuals
• Work with EVP/COO and President to recruit and hire several more in coming years
• Work with leadership staff in education to manage and advance instructional design, and manage life cycle of programs from implementation, evaluated, and improved.
• Coordinate with other staff (Founding Forward and League staff) as needed for promotion, recruitment, planning and execution, including related ancillary programs.
• Serve as educational, organizational, and professional representative for Founding Forward.
  
  

The ideal candidate for this position will be able to think strategically and develop partnerships and relationships on a national level. Strong attention to detail and follow-through, good people skills, and the ability to multi-task, and manage systems is required. In a fast-paced environment, candidate should be able to exhibit good judgment under pressure. Demonstrated belief in Founding Forward’s mission and values. Strong leadership/team management skills, including negotiating and problem-solving.

Qualifications

• Education: Master’s degree required; Master’s preferred, ideally educational background in history, political science, or a related field.
• Experience: 10 years of experience in civic education, or related field. Background in K-12 curriculum development. Must have management experience.