Director of Programs (Entrepreneurial Services)

Overview

The Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC) is seeking a driven and passionate Director of Programs to support its rapid growth as the leading provider of entrepreneurial services across the state.

This position reports to the Chief Operating Officer and is responsible for ensuring the implementation and delivery of quality entrepreneurial classes and business advising services. This is a leadership role for a disciplined and action-oriented individual, who can handle multiple priorities simultaneously, and seamlessly.

WBDC is currently operating in a hybrid model, working from the office 2-3 days/week and 2-3 days remote. This position will be based in WBDC’s Waterbury or Hartford offices. Travel to our offices (Stamford, Hartford, New Haven, New London and Waterbury) and other locations across Connecticut will be required on a frequent and regular basis. The salary range for the role is $75,000 to $85,000 plus benefits.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Director of Programs will be responsible for leading the delivery of entrepreneurial classes and advising for small business clients and aspiring entrepreneurs. Responsibilities include:

• Oversee execution of our strategic program and service delivery model that meets organizational and grant/contract deliverables
• Oversee the general management of services for small businesses, including program development, delivery, and evaluation, and budget setting. Collaborate with team to develop and run organization’s curriculum of class offerings and business advising
• Collaborate with team on outreach and community partnerships across the state
• Develop and track operational metrics to ensure projects and initiatives are pushed forward
• Manage the four regional Program Managers and Spanish Language Program Manager, and team of Business Advisors to oversee work plans and ensure deliverables are achieved
• Lead, develop, manage, coach, and motivate team members to achieve individual, grant, and team goals/deliverables
• Develop and oversee approach to generate program income and reach revenue targets
• Lead management of federal government grants, including programmatic reporting
• Collaborate with CFO and COO to develop client services/programmatic budgets; oversee programmatic income/expenses in line with organizational and grant budgets; create and oversee budgets for each Program Manager
• Produce reports for Executive Management, Board of Directors and key stakeholders that demonstrate the impact of WBDC’s client services, in collaboration with the Impact Team; support the development of proposals and reports for new and existing partnerships, in collaboration with the Development Team
• Collaborate regularly with the Senior Management Team and produce reports for the Executive Team to provide updates, drive strategy and advance initiatives
• Promote a collaborative, entrepreneurial, and inclusive culture that embodies WBDC’s values
• Attend staff meetings and participate in organization-wide planning activities
• Special projects as needed
• Perform other duties as required

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years professional experience, with proven results in program and project management, community building and customer service
• MBA or undergraduate degree in accounting, finance, management, economics, business administration or entrepreneurship preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience in the entrepreneurial ecosystem (e.g., small business, banking, and/or economic development) and training and development. Consulting experience preferred
• Sales and customer-service orientation with proven skills in client outreach and engagement
• Strong interpersonal skills, and ability to build trusted relationships
• Experience working with diverse communities or underserved populations
• Sensitive to the needs of a diverse client base
• Strong interpersonal skills, and ability to build trusted relationships with individuals and organizations
• Experience in community outreach
• Experience managing people
• Commitment to results; “can-do” mindset; outstanding problem-solving ability
• Excellent communication, writing, organizational and decision-making skills
• A natural curiosity and a “big picture” mentality; passion for the organization’s mission
• Excellent presentation/public speaking skills to small groups in person and virtually
• Fluency in English required, Spanish a plus
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• Availability to work occasional evenings and/or weekends as needed
• Must have own transportation as this position requires travel between locations

About Us

Headquartered in Stamford with regional offices in New Haven, Waterbury and New London, the Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC) is the statewide leader of entrepreneurial education for women. The Women’s Business Development Council’s (WBDC) mission is to support economic prosperity for women and strengthen communities through entrepreneurial and financial education services that create and grow sustainable jobs and businesses across Connecticut. WBDC educates, motivates and empowers women to achieve economic independence and self-sufficiency. Since 1997, WBDC has educated and trained more than 18,900 clients in all of Connecticut’s 169 towns—helping women to launch, sustain and scale over 14,000 businesses, create and maintain more than 31,000 jobs in Connecticut, and access more than $57 million in capital. Visit ctwbdc.org for more information.

WBDC offers a competitive benefit package including health, dental, vision, and life insurance, a retirement plan, paid time off, and holidays, in a supportive working environment.

How We Operate

We are a team of 35 talented individuals who collectively deliver outstanding results through a high level of passion and commitment.

Please apply if you:

• Possess an Entrepreneurial Mindset – creative, motivated, enthusiastic, and energetic
• Seek to inspire and empower those around you, whether they are clients or colleagues
• Thrive in a fast-paced environment, and are comfortable with change
• Take initiative, and are willing to go above and beyond to achieve results
• Are highly detailed, and demonstrate a sense of urgency in setting and meeting deadlines
• Can work independently, and see the big picture while working in the day-to-day
• Prosper in a culture of teamwork and growth, and value collaboration
• Are passionate about supporting women entrepreneurs and small business owners

Disclaimer

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of a person in this position.

WBDC, Inc. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

WBDC is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We welcome qualified applicants to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.