The Chief Programs Officer (CPO) is a senior executive responsible for leading all aspects of NFRC’s certification programs. The role is outcomes focused with direct accountability for program execution, technical delivery, team performance, and vendor oversight. The CPO is a key member of the executive team required to work collaboratively with the COO and CMO. The CPO is responsible for ensuring the operational excellence and financial sustainability of NFRC’s industry-leading certification programs.

Reporting to the CEO, core responsibilities are as follows:

Program Oversight

• Lead the design, implementation, and execution of NFRC’s certification programs across residential and commercial sectors.
• Ensure all programs operate with efficiency, consistency, and technical rigor.
• Ensure all programs maintain alignment with NFRC's strategic plan as well as the evolving industry needs and regulatory requirements.

Execution & Accountability

• Own end-to-end delivery of certification outputs across all channels, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and timeliness in support of the organization’s mission.
• Establish and uphold performance standards for internal teams and external partners, promoting accountability, collaboration, and responsible use of resources.
• Align certification operations with organizational objectives, including financial sustainability, participant experience, and public trust.
• Identify and eliminate operational inefficiencies by streamlining workflows, reducing turnaround times, and improving service to stakeholders.
• Monitor and report on key operational metrics, such as throughput, backlog, and service-level commitments, to ensure transparency and continuous improvement.
• Provide timely, data-informed reporting to the CEO to support mission-driven decision-making and organizational impact.

Team & Vendor Leadership

• Lead cross-functional teams including technical staff, program managers, and analysts.
• Build a high-performance culture with clear accountability and continuous feedback.
• Manage third-party vendors (labs, inspection agencies, software providers) for cost, performance, and compliance.

Technology Oversight

• Oversee NFRC’s proprietary certification-related software platforms.
• Act as the liaison between subject matter experts and developers to ensure functionality and usability.
• Lead vendor management and budget oversight related to software development.

Strategic Intelligence & Partnerships

• Monitor industry trends— (e.g. regulatory requirements, market consolidations) and assess their impact on NFRC’s certification strategy.
• Lead oversight of licensee relationships
• Lead evaluation and negotiation of partnerships (e.g. national laboratories) that enhance program capabilities and/or expand market relevance.

Represent NFRC with stakeholders, customers, and industry leaders to build influence and strengthen positioning.

• Minimum 10 years of executive-level experience in fenestration, certification, or a related technical field.
• Proven track record managing programs, teams, and vendor relationships in a complex technical or regulatory environment.
• MBA or technical master’s preferred; equivalent experience in the industry will be considered.
• Exemplary writing, editing, presentation, and public speaking skills.
• Non-profit or association work experience preferred.