Job Description

General Summary

The Associate Program Director will provide strategic leadership, program oversight, and direct support to advance inclusive entrepreneurship initiatives. This role will co-lead the development and execution of programs that serve small and minority-owned businesses, promote access to capital and contracting, and strengthen local entrepreneurial ecosystems. The Associate Program Director will ensure program impact through data-driven evaluation, partner engagement, and high-quality technical assistance delivery.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

According to the ADA 1990, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Program Strategy & Leadership

• Co-lead the design, implementation, and evaluation of entrepreneurship programs aligned with organizational goals.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to drive innovation, equity, and community impact.
• Develop strategic plans, workstreams, and performance metrics for new and existing entrepreneurial initiatives.
• Represent the organization at regional economic development and business support forums.

Business Advisory & Client Services

• Deliver expert one-on-one and group counseling to entrepreneurs on business planning, growth strategy, and financial readiness.
• Conduct diagnostic assessments to identify client needs and develop action plans.
• Support business access to capital, including preparation for grants, loans, and procurement opportunities.

Training & Curriculum Development

• Design and deliver capacity-building workshops on topics such as marketing, financial literacy, and scaling operations.
• Lead the creation of customized training materials, toolkits, and resources for entrepreneurs at varying stages.
• Oversee peer learning cohorts, mentor-protégé programs, and contractor readiness tracks.

Partnership & Ecosystem Development

• Build and maintain relationships with community-based organizations, small business support providers, and government agencies.
• Lead collaborative initiatives to expand resources and opportunities for underserved business owners.
• Co-develop funding proposals and reports in collaboration with the development team.
• Conduct research and grant writing for funding opportunities.

Qualifications

• A master’s degree in Business Administration, Public Policy, Economic Development, Entrepreneurship, or a related field is required.
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in small business development, program management, or consulting.
• Proven experience with entrepreneurial program delivery, technical assistance, and public/private partnerships.
• Strong knowledge of small business finance, planning, and ecosystem support models.
• Experience working with minority-owned businesses and equity-focused initiatives.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and leadership skills.
• MBA or equivalent degree preferred; certifications.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, and other office and scheduling software.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and maintain attention to detail in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
• Comfortable in a dynamic environment with frequent interaction with entrepreneurs and community partners.
• Must be able to work legally within the United States.
• Must successfully complete a criminal background investigation.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; leadership and team-building skills are a must.
• Must be detail-oriented and possess organization and critical thinking skills.

Working Conditions

The employee will be working in a normal office setting to include a hybrid schedule. **Subject to change**

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this job, the employee will frequently sit, stand, walk, and reach. May need to lift files or packages periodically.

Other Duties

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and work performed by employees, but is not a complete list of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of personnel. Furthermore, other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at the discretion of the employer.

Direct Reports

The incumbent will supervise the Administrative Assistant, Business Coach, and the Event Project Manager. **Subject to change**

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