Chief Strategy and Expansion Officer

About First Place for Youth, We’re a leading non-profit organization dedicated to supporting foster youth in their transition to adulthood, with a focus on education, employment, and housing. We believe that all young people deserve the opportunity to thrive and lead successful, independent lives. Our comprehensive programs empower foster youth to overcome the unique challenges they face and build the skills, confidence, and connections they need to succeed. 

Why Work at First Place For Youth:

• Meaningful Impact:  Help to transform the lives of foster youth on the cusp of adulthood. Your role will support them in their journey to conquer challenges, achieve independence, and fulfill their aspirations.
• Innovative Approach: We thrive on innovation, pushing the boundaries of foster care support. Your voice here matters, and you’ll contribute to programs that redefine the futures of these young lives.
• Collaborative and Supportive Environment: Embrace a dynamic and supportive workplace, where every team member is valued. Together, we're a force dedicated to uplifting youth. Expect professional growth, fueled by teamwork and collaboration.
• Comprehensive Benefits: We value the well-being of our employees and offer a comprehensive benefits package. From health and wellness benefits to retirement plans, we ensure that our team members are taken care of so they can focus on their important work supporting foster youth.
• Culture of Diversity and Inclusion: We celebrate diversity in every form. At First Place for Youth, inclusivity reigns, creating a workplace where all voices are heard, respected, and empowered.

POSITION SUMMARY: As Chief Strategy and Expansion Officer (CSEO), you will lead First Place for Youth’s national growth strategy — opening new markets, securing public funding, building powerful partnerships, and ensuring that more foster youth across the country have access to the support that changes lives. You will work alongside the CEO and executive team as a true thought partner, shaping not just where FPFY grows but how. You will have an opportunity to build a talented team, cultivate relationships with government officials and community champions, and serve as one of our most visible ambassadors nationally. This is a builder’s role for a leader who thrives at the intersection of strategy, policy, and purpose.

DUTIES + RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Drive National Expansion

• Develop and execute a comprehensive expansion strategy — including affiliate and brick-and-mortar growth — into new states and regions, grounded in data, market analysis, and mission alignment.
• Identify and prioritize new markets based on policy environment, funding landscape, and potential for impact.
• Collaborate with the national team to launch My First Place programs with quality and fidelity.

Build Strategic Partnerships & Secure Public Funding

• Cultivate relationships with senior government officials, child welfare leaders, workforce development champions, and legislative allies to secure public funding and advance program integration at state and county levels.
• Lead government contracting and procurement strategy, with deep expertise in Title IV-E and workforce development funding streams.
• Partner with Development on grant proposals and philanthropic strategies that diversify and grow revenue.

Advance Policy & Advocacy

• Represent First Place for Youth on key national boards, coalitions, task forces, and working groups focused on foster care reform, child welfare, and transitional-age youth.
• Monitor and translate federal, state, and local legislation to identify opportunities and risks for our programs and funding.
• Serve as a credible, compelling voice for systems change on behalf of transition-age foster youth.

Lead & Develop the National Team

• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing national and policy team, building capacity in strategic analysis, scaling operations, and implementation excellence.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and deep commitment to the young people we serve.
• Establish cross-departmental collaboration that maximizes organizational expertise and accelerates growth.

Measure What Matters

• Define and track KPIs for revenue, expansion, and impact — providing regular, transparent reporting to the CEO, executive team, and Board.
• Leverage data to drive decisions: prioritizing markets, evaluating partnerships, and adapting strategy in response to a changing landscape.
• Other duties as assigned.

• A bachelor’s degree (required); Master’s, JD, or advanced degree preferred.
• 8+ years of progressive senior leadership in child welfare, human services, or a related field — with experience managing multi-level teams and driving organizational growth.
• A strong dedication to cultural competency that creates conditions that remove barriers
• 5+ years leading business development for a government-contracting organization, with demonstrated success in revenue growth and program expansion across multiple states required.
• Deep knowledge of the foster care system, extended foster care policy, and the landscape of services for transition-age youth.
• Strong command of public sector funding mechanisms, particularly Title IV-E and workforce development streams.
• Experience as a member of an executive leadership team, with a proven ability to manage multi-site, multi-state operations.
• Exceptional communication skills — you can move a room, articulate a compelling case for First Place for Youth, and simplify complex policies for any audience.
• An entrepreneurial mindset: you see opportunity, take initiative, and execute with both urgency and care.
• Prior program budget management experience is required for this role
• Computer/Software skills.
• Availability for occasional evening and weekend work and some travel as needed.

 Benefits

• 15 days of vacation time in the first year
• 12 days of sick time
• 2 floating holidays
• 15 paid holidays
• Employee’s choice of Kaiser or UCH HMO/PPO with up to 90% of the premium covered by First Place on certain plans
• Principal dental and vision coverage with up to 90% of the premium covered by First Place
• Healthcare and Dependent care FSA plans
• Principal basic life and voluntary life insurance coverage
• Employee Assistance Program
• 401(k) retirement savings plan 
• Paid sabbatical

Northern California Salary: $178,275- $210,875

Southern California Salary: $170,000-$200,330 

*We do not offer relocation assistance. Local candidates preferred.

*Pay will be determined based on Education and Experience. 

If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of transition age foster youth and want to join a dynamic and impactful organization, we invite you to apply. Together, let's empower transition age foster youth to achieve their dreams and build a brighter future. To learn more about First Place For Youth and view our current job openings, please visit our website at www.firstplaceforyouth.org/careers.

We are unable to sponsor work visas now or in the future. 

First Place will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and applicable law. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting the California Civil Rights Department Fair Chance Act webpage or reviewing this guidance provide by the City of San Francisco. For additional information regarding your rights, please also review the Summary of Your Rights Under the FCRA.