8 answers
Lahela
Student
Honolulu, Hawaii
1
Question
Updated
1962 views
What should I say in an interview to be a Chief Program Officer?
I’m interviewing for a Chief Program Officer position soon. The highest role I’ve held is Executive Director. Can you share advice on how to convey I’m ready for a higher level position? Are there key items to highlight or phrases to use?
Login to comment
7 answers
Michelle M.
Actress
2657
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Lahela !
I understand that you have concerns at this time and they are centered around your communication skills as well as the work. The most ineffective thing that a person can do is to tell someone what to say in an interview. No one knows what the interviewer will ask, what the interviewer's personality and demeanor will be, and interviews are not scripted purposely because they are observing your communication skills and you'll want to come off as authentic, able to respond comfortably to spontaneous questions and have strong knowledge of the work.
I would not advise rehearsing for the interview. I would advise applying for jobs that you feel 100% comfortable for and ones that do not prompt you to overthink or over plan the interview. Make sure that you are able to do all the work that appears in the job description, that you've learned a bit about the company or non-profit organization, use good listening skills as well as maintain eye contact with the interviewer. I am not sure that you do not know how to convey that you're ready for the position, that is something you're going to sincerely know and evaluate based on your skills and experienced.
Keep in mind that at every company/agency, the role of Chief Program Officer takes on different meanings depending on what service or product they're involved with. Again, no one can tell you what to say. I am not sure why the trend is that people starting out want to know things like this. I am old, so back in my day, when we went on an interview, we just went and the interview took on the content led by the interviewer. If one isn't sure how to communicate that they're ready for a position, perhaps one needs more time and experience. Also be aware that it's not up to you to convince the interviewer that you're ready for the position, the interviewer will speak with you and come to their own conclusion. So it pays to be yourself and only apply for jobs that you are qualified for.
You more or less have to go with the flow. The last interview I had was for an acting job (which I obtained) and it was in person. I got there and was told that the interviewer is late and her assistant sat with me in a different room and we just chatted about general things. The interviewer was half an hour late. When she finally arrived and we were in her office for the interview, I picked up on her personality which was sweet but preoccupied and I adjusted my energy to that. I wouldn't have applied for this gig unless I knew I was qualified and all of her questions were appropriate and fit my qualifications. I waited about two months to find out that I obtained the gig ! So, you more or less have to interview, go home, go on with life and wait to hear back. It doesn't pay to think too much about it, just go on to the next thing.
Be honest. It's perfectly fine if during the interview terms or situations are asked that you've never heard of before. Be in control, avoid being flustered and just think of how you didn't use that in your previous jobs and you can convey that to the interviewer. We do not pass every interview we go on and that's okay because there are lots more out there yet to come. Chances are, you're thinking about this a lot and have nothing to worry about.
I hope this helps and I know that you can be in charge of that interview! Give it all you have !
I understand that you have concerns at this time and they are centered around your communication skills as well as the work. The most ineffective thing that a person can do is to tell someone what to say in an interview. No one knows what the interviewer will ask, what the interviewer's personality and demeanor will be, and interviews are not scripted purposely because they are observing your communication skills and you'll want to come off as authentic, able to respond comfortably to spontaneous questions and have strong knowledge of the work.
I would not advise rehearsing for the interview. I would advise applying for jobs that you feel 100% comfortable for and ones that do not prompt you to overthink or over plan the interview. Make sure that you are able to do all the work that appears in the job description, that you've learned a bit about the company or non-profit organization, use good listening skills as well as maintain eye contact with the interviewer. I am not sure that you do not know how to convey that you're ready for the position, that is something you're going to sincerely know and evaluate based on your skills and experienced.
Keep in mind that at every company/agency, the role of Chief Program Officer takes on different meanings depending on what service or product they're involved with. Again, no one can tell you what to say. I am not sure why the trend is that people starting out want to know things like this. I am old, so back in my day, when we went on an interview, we just went and the interview took on the content led by the interviewer. If one isn't sure how to communicate that they're ready for a position, perhaps one needs more time and experience. Also be aware that it's not up to you to convince the interviewer that you're ready for the position, the interviewer will speak with you and come to their own conclusion. So it pays to be yourself and only apply for jobs that you are qualified for.
You more or less have to go with the flow. The last interview I had was for an acting job (which I obtained) and it was in person. I got there and was told that the interviewer is late and her assistant sat with me in a different room and we just chatted about general things. The interviewer was half an hour late. When she finally arrived and we were in her office for the interview, I picked up on her personality which was sweet but preoccupied and I adjusted my energy to that. I wouldn't have applied for this gig unless I knew I was qualified and all of her questions were appropriate and fit my qualifications. I waited about two months to find out that I obtained the gig ! So, you more or less have to interview, go home, go on with life and wait to hear back. It doesn't pay to think too much about it, just go on to the next thing.
Be honest. It's perfectly fine if during the interview terms or situations are asked that you've never heard of before. Be in control, avoid being flustered and just think of how you didn't use that in your previous jobs and you can convey that to the interviewer. We do not pass every interview we go on and that's okay because there are lots more out there yet to come. Chances are, you're thinking about this a lot and have nothing to worry about.
I hope this helps and I know that you can be in charge of that interview! Give it all you have !
Wyatt .
Retired Corporate Executive
37
Answers
United States
Updated
Wyatt’s Answer
Hello Lahela,
With over 25 years of experience in the corporate business world at the executive management level, I’ve interviewed a wide range of candidates for numerous strategic roles, giving me a clear understanding of what makes a candidate truly stand out.
Interviewing for this role presents a valuable opportunity to frame your experience and leadership trajectory in a way that demonstrates both readiness and strategic vision. While I understand the highest title you’ve held to date is Executive Director, the scope and complexity of that role likely required many of the same competencies expected of a CPO, namely, cross-functional leadership, strategic planning, program alignment, and measurable impact. The key in the interview is to translate your operational experience into executive-level insight and to clearly communicate your capacity to scale systems, influence organizational direction, and lead programmatic excellence at the enterprise level.
Start with a strategic leadership frame. You’ll want to open by communicating your leadership philosophy and how it has evolved. Consider a statement like: “As Executive Director, I’ve led mission-driven teams through growth, restructuring, and strategic pivots experiences that have shaped my systems-level thinking and deepened my commitment to building program infrastructure that delivers both impact and scalability.” This positions you as a strategic thinker, not just a strong operator. It also signals you’ve already been functioning at an enterprise level, even if your title didn’t say “Chief.”
Bridge the gap between roles. Address the step up to the CPO role directly, without sounding defensive or apologetic. A confident, forward-looking statement could be: “While my title has been Executive Director, I’ve functioned in a capacity that aligns closely with the Chief Program Officer role developing organization-wide strategies, overseeing multiple program portfolios, mentoring senior staff, and aligning programs with funder and stakeholder priorities. I see this role as a natural extension of the leadership I’ve already been practicing, but with the added opportunity to shape impact at an even broader level.” This kind of framing signals self-awareness, humility, and readiness. You’re not claiming to have already “been there,” but you are articulating a clear and credible bridge from where you’ve been to where you’re headed. Highlight key competencies expected of a CPO. Use the interview to demonstrate that you understand what it takes to succeed in the role. Use future focused language employ language that looks forward, showing you’re not only ready but already thinking at the next level. Close with vision and values you feel strongly about. End by reinforcing your alignment with the organization’s mission and how your leadership will contribute to its future.
If you communicate that you’ve already been operating with enterprise level awareness, leading teams through complexity, and aligning programs with strategic vision, the interview becomes less about proving you’re ready and more about showing them they need you in the role.
Best Wishes,
Wyatt
With over 25 years of experience in the corporate business world at the executive management level, I’ve interviewed a wide range of candidates for numerous strategic roles, giving me a clear understanding of what makes a candidate truly stand out.
Interviewing for this role presents a valuable opportunity to frame your experience and leadership trajectory in a way that demonstrates both readiness and strategic vision. While I understand the highest title you’ve held to date is Executive Director, the scope and complexity of that role likely required many of the same competencies expected of a CPO, namely, cross-functional leadership, strategic planning, program alignment, and measurable impact. The key in the interview is to translate your operational experience into executive-level insight and to clearly communicate your capacity to scale systems, influence organizational direction, and lead programmatic excellence at the enterprise level.
Start with a strategic leadership frame. You’ll want to open by communicating your leadership philosophy and how it has evolved. Consider a statement like: “As Executive Director, I’ve led mission-driven teams through growth, restructuring, and strategic pivots experiences that have shaped my systems-level thinking and deepened my commitment to building program infrastructure that delivers both impact and scalability.” This positions you as a strategic thinker, not just a strong operator. It also signals you’ve already been functioning at an enterprise level, even if your title didn’t say “Chief.”
Bridge the gap between roles. Address the step up to the CPO role directly, without sounding defensive or apologetic. A confident, forward-looking statement could be: “While my title has been Executive Director, I’ve functioned in a capacity that aligns closely with the Chief Program Officer role developing organization-wide strategies, overseeing multiple program portfolios, mentoring senior staff, and aligning programs with funder and stakeholder priorities. I see this role as a natural extension of the leadership I’ve already been practicing, but with the added opportunity to shape impact at an even broader level.” This kind of framing signals self-awareness, humility, and readiness. You’re not claiming to have already “been there,” but you are articulating a clear and credible bridge from where you’ve been to where you’re headed. Highlight key competencies expected of a CPO. Use the interview to demonstrate that you understand what it takes to succeed in the role. Use future focused language employ language that looks forward, showing you’re not only ready but already thinking at the next level. Close with vision and values you feel strongly about. End by reinforcing your alignment with the organization’s mission and how your leadership will contribute to its future.
If you communicate that you’ve already been operating with enterprise level awareness, leading teams through complexity, and aligning programs with strategic vision, the interview becomes less about proving you’re ready and more about showing them they need you in the role.
Best Wishes,
Wyatt
Thank you so much, this is really helpful. I am going to incorporate your suggestions into my prep!
Lahela
You’re very welcome! I’m glad I could help, and it’s great to hear you’re putting the suggestions to use. Best of luck with your interview. If you have any more questions along the way, feel free to reach out!
Wyatt .
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach
735
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Lahela,
I am sure the job description detailed what the job responsibilities would be and what qualifications and experiences they expect? You can take it from there.
You find Chief Program Officers in the non-profit/philantropic world not in the business world. Obviously, research the organization thoroughly so you know what they do, how they do it and where they might have problems. Would this be a move from a smaller to a larger organisation?
As Chief Program Officer you would likely plan, design, implement and oversee the different programs of the organization. So, they are likely looking for vision, ideas and leadership.
Something told you that you can do this job and that you should apply. Apparently, they see the potential or they would not interview you.
In the interview you need to draw the line from your previous experiences and responsibilities to this new position. Use successful programs and initiatives in your previous position to demonstrate your value. Also be prepared to discuss any areas where you might lack experience and convince them that you can catch on quickly.
I hope this helps! Good luck for your interview!
KP
https://www.ziprecruiter.com/career/Chief-Program-Officer/What-Is-How-to-Become
I am sure the job description detailed what the job responsibilities would be and what qualifications and experiences they expect? You can take it from there.
You find Chief Program Officers in the non-profit/philantropic world not in the business world. Obviously, research the organization thoroughly so you know what they do, how they do it and where they might have problems. Would this be a move from a smaller to a larger organisation?
As Chief Program Officer you would likely plan, design, implement and oversee the different programs of the organization. So, they are likely looking for vision, ideas and leadership.
Something told you that you can do this job and that you should apply. Apparently, they see the potential or they would not interview you.
In the interview you need to draw the line from your previous experiences and responsibilities to this new position. Use successful programs and initiatives in your previous position to demonstrate your value. Also be prepared to discuss any areas where you might lack experience and convince them that you can catch on quickly.
I hope this helps! Good luck for your interview!
KP
Karin recommends the following next steps:
Steve J
Manager
17
Answers
Manhattan, Kansas
Updated
Steve’s Answer
That’s an exciting step forward—congrats on landing the interview! Since you’ve already been an Executive Director, you likely have experience overseeing teams, strategy, and outcomes, which sets a strong foundation for a Chief Program Officer role.
To convey that you’re ready for this higher-level position, focus on these key points:
Strategic Vision: Talk about how you've led long-term planning, not just day-to-day operations. Use phrases like “scaling impact,” “cross-functional alignment,” or “driving mission outcomes.”
Leadership Beyond Your Department: Share examples of how you’ve influenced organization-wide change or built collaboration across multiple departments.
Outcomes and Metrics: Highlight programmatic success through data—show how your leadership directly impacted KPIs, funding, growth, or efficiency.
Readiness for Systems-Level Thinking: CPOs think in terms of ecosystem and sustainability. Use language like “systems improvement,” “interdepartmental integration,” or “enterprise-wide program strategy.”
Using AI Interview Tools can help you refine your messaging. These tools simulate high-stakes interviews and give you feedback on how you sound—whether you’re speaking too vaguely or need to show more executive-level thinking. Practicing with them allows you to polish your leadership narrative, tighten your language, and build the presence expected at the C-suite level.
Finally, close your responses with forward-looking statements like, “I’m excited to bring my strategic program experience into a role where I can influence organizational direction and impact at scale.”
Best of luck—you’ve got this!
To convey that you’re ready for this higher-level position, focus on these key points:
Strategic Vision: Talk about how you've led long-term planning, not just day-to-day operations. Use phrases like “scaling impact,” “cross-functional alignment,” or “driving mission outcomes.”
Leadership Beyond Your Department: Share examples of how you’ve influenced organization-wide change or built collaboration across multiple departments.
Outcomes and Metrics: Highlight programmatic success through data—show how your leadership directly impacted KPIs, funding, growth, or efficiency.
Readiness for Systems-Level Thinking: CPOs think in terms of ecosystem and sustainability. Use language like “systems improvement,” “interdepartmental integration,” or “enterprise-wide program strategy.”
Using AI Interview Tools can help you refine your messaging. These tools simulate high-stakes interviews and give you feedback on how you sound—whether you’re speaking too vaguely or need to show more executive-level thinking. Practicing with them allows you to polish your leadership narrative, tighten your language, and build the presence expected at the C-suite level.
Finally, close your responses with forward-looking statements like, “I’m excited to bring my strategic program experience into a role where I can influence organizational direction and impact at scale.”
Best of luck—you’ve got this!
Thanks, can't wait to put this advice into action!
Lahela
Jerome Dees Jr.
Sales Professional and Networking Expert
687
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
I think the best thing you can do is to review the job description and have stories available that tie your actual experience to the task that need to be done. If you can use data and fax to show that you are more than capable of the position, you can put yourself in a great position to find success.
Make sure you have at least three quality questions to ask them about the role.
Make sure you have at least three quality questions to ask them about the role.
Leo Hermosillo
Recruiting & Staffing - Talent Acquisition
5
Answers
Guadalajara
Updated
Leo’s Answer
Start by sharing your leadership experience as an Executive Director and how it has set you up for success as a Chief Program Officer. Talk about how you manage teams, create strategies, and achieve great results. This background has sharpened your leadership skills, getting you ready for the bigger tasks of a CPO.
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1791
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Lahela,
As Executive Director, or in other positions, have you interviewed applicants? Are you familiar with the "STAR" format for answering questions? If not, look it up, or let me know, and I'll expound on my answer. Use your knowledge from sitting where you sit, to your advantage!
How do you convey that you are ready for increased responsibility?
You talk about relevant things you've done in other jobs, how it came "natural" to you, how you enjoyed it, how your team worked well for you, how it benefited the company, etc.
Now then, let me ask you this, since I don't know what you are applying for. If you will be going from a hands-on position to an "overseer" position, are you sure this is what you want? Are you ready to crunch numbers and shuffle papers while other people do the "work?" If this is the type of position you are applying for, will you have any say in who your "team" is? If not, you might want to meet them at some point (not the first interview).
Prepare yourself mentally for several interviews. A neighbor made it to the 5th interview, but was not hired! If you have subsequent interviews, be sure you research any questions that you missed, because, you might hear them again!
You want to be prepared, but, be yourself. If they don't like "the real you" it's best to part ways early! And remember, this is just as much about you interviewing them as it is them interviewing you. You may decide it's not a good fit. Move on.
Best of luck to you! Please come back and let us know how it went.
Kim
As Executive Director, or in other positions, have you interviewed applicants? Are you familiar with the "STAR" format for answering questions? If not, look it up, or let me know, and I'll expound on my answer. Use your knowledge from sitting where you sit, to your advantage!
How do you convey that you are ready for increased responsibility?
You talk about relevant things you've done in other jobs, how it came "natural" to you, how you enjoyed it, how your team worked well for you, how it benefited the company, etc.
Now then, let me ask you this, since I don't know what you are applying for. If you will be going from a hands-on position to an "overseer" position, are you sure this is what you want? Are you ready to crunch numbers and shuffle papers while other people do the "work?" If this is the type of position you are applying for, will you have any say in who your "team" is? If not, you might want to meet them at some point (not the first interview).
Prepare yourself mentally for several interviews. A neighbor made it to the 5th interview, but was not hired! If you have subsequent interviews, be sure you research any questions that you missed, because, you might hear them again!
You want to be prepared, but, be yourself. If they don't like "the real you" it's best to part ways early! And remember, this is just as much about you interviewing them as it is them interviewing you. You may decide it's not a good fit. Move on.
Best of luck to you! Please come back and let us know how it went.
Kim