Chief Program Officer

Pave HER Way is a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower women to make the world a better place for all women. Pave HER Way provides women with funding, mentorship, network access, and community – to remove barriers for them, and to sponsor them, so that they can make the world more equitable for other women and girls.

Launched in 2025, Pave HER Way is a fast‑growing startup nonprofit led by our Founding CEO Irene Shih, Co-Founders Jamie Mohn and Joe Blackstone, and a dedicated Board of Directors. We are seeking a Chief Program Officer – our second staff hire – who can hit the ground running and thrive in a build‑as‑we‑go environment. We’re looking for a rare blend of strategist and doer – someone who can design high‑impact programs, manage complex timelines, and roll up their sleeves to execute the work alongside a small, passionate team. This leader will bring the discipline of a strong project manager, the problem-solving agility of a builder, and the drive to meet ambitious benchmarks that directly advance our mission.

Program Planning & Execution

• Manage annual program calendars and milestones.

• Maintain project plans and workflows for efficient, scalable operations.

• Track progress, address risks, and keep workstreams on schedule.

• Implement systems and tools that improve communication and data tracking.

• Partner with the Selection Committee and refine a fair, values‑aligned selection process.

• Oversee volunteer and recipient onboarding and engagement.

• Ensure clear, timely communication with recipients.

Partnerships, Engagement & Support

• Build and manage partnerships that enhance the recipient experience.

• Identify new partners to expand offerings and deepen community impact.

• Serve as the primary liaison to ensure alignment and follow‑through.

• Recruit, train, and support Volunteer Mentors and Connectors.

• Develop onboarding and training resources to strengthen volunteer engagement.

• Foster a positive, mission‑aligned volunteer community.

Collaboration

• Prepare program reports and insights for leadership, funders, and stakeholders.

• Provide program data and stories for fundraising, communications, and engagement.

• Establish and track KPIs to measure effectiveness and outcomes.

• Gather and analyze feedback to drive program improvements.

• Bachelor’s degree required

• Experience designing and managing service programs in a startup environment (nonprofit preferred)

• Strong project management and organizational skills

• Ability to manage up and across teams with clear, firm communication

• Experience with volunteers, mentorship programs, or community initiatives

• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and the empowerment of women