The Program Director (“Director”) is the second most senior role in the organization and plays a key senior leadership role at WOCE, overseeing all aspects of programming for our entrepreneur cohorts, 1:1 Technical Assistance, mentorship, other support services, and our alumni network. Working with the Executive Director, the Director will implement, improve, and expand a range of impactful support services for the entrepreneurs in our program, aimed at supporting the growth and management of their businesses. With the entrepreneurs WOCE supports, the Director will build a strong and dynamic community of peer engagement and support through 1:1 check-ins, peer to peer sessions, and community gatherings. The Director will collaborate with partner organizations to provide additional support services and introductions for our entrepreneurs. The Director will provide professional development and coaching for team members who are responsible for delivering exceptional programming; in time the Director may take on management of members of the team.
The ideal candidate for this role is an entrepreneurial thinker, a creative problem-solver, a strong collaborator, a doer, and a thoughtful leader. They operate with a sense of empathy and advocacy, and an understanding of the unique roadblocks facing women of color entrepreneurs. They understand that the role is one of empowerment, connection, community building, and support. It is relational, not transactional; WOCE truly cares about each of our entrepreneurs and works holistically to support them on their entrepreneurial journey.
This position requires several days per week in person in our office on the Boston campus of CIC, where our organization is also a part of a larger dynamic community of entrepreneurs and innovators. 1-2 days per week can be done remotely, if preferred, and in coordination with the ED. Several in-person events and meetings in the evenings and on occasional weekends are at the heart of our program delivery; typically there are 2-3 evening meetings each month on Monday evenings, scheduled and run by the Director. These meetings are a hybrid of in-person and Zoom for the participants.
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES
Cohort Program Management. Manage the full arc of the two-year entrepreneur program cycle, from the orientation and onboarding process for new entrepreneur cohorts, the design and delivery of the curriculum and educational training, peer-to-peer sessions, and partner engagement. This work includes workshops, group classes, peer mentoring sessions, coaching, 1-on-1 support (including goal setting and budget planning, introductions) and related business support services.
Foster a Caring Community. At the core of our work is a vibrant community of entrepreneurs that offers members support, camaraderie, information sharing, and connection. The Director creates and fosters this community and works closely with cohort companies, alumni, and program participants to build an engaged, active, values-aligned business ecosystem. Additionally, they serve as host for gatherings, workshops, and events, and share information and resources and similar activities to deepen connections.
Recruiting. Manage the operations of the recruiting process for new entrepreneurs to join our cohorts, including outreach to external partners, events, online marketing, interviewing potential candidates, and working closely with the Executive Director on the process and selection of the cohort companies.
Mentorship Program. Recruit, train and manage our pool of mentors and subject matter experts to better serve our entrepreneurs, including planning the mentor orientation, updating expectation setting documents, mentor matching, communications, and mentors to foster a sense of community.
Alumni Engagement. Engage WOCE alumni through workshops, all-cohort and alumni social events, networking events, contracting opportunities and our internal newsletter.
Organizational Systems. Create, update, and follow internal processes and procedures for WOCE’s services to entrepreneurs and share with the WOCE team. Develop and maintain resources for entrepreneurs, including a guidemap, a video catalogue of programming sessions, list of grant opportunities, and other helpful resources for entrepreneurs.
Data Management. Maintain performance metrics for all programming and ensure that data collection is efficient, effective, and aligned with industry best practices. Regularly review metrics and make modifications to ensure programs consistently meet or exceed targets. Coordinate with the Operations Coordinator on data collection processes and timelines, and to provide data and other materials required for grant funding and reporting.
Partnerships. Leverage partnerships with mission-aligned organizations, service provider partners, and other subject matter experts to enhance the value, impact, and scope of support offered.
Marketing. Manage internal communication with the entrepreneurs through newsletters, slack and other means and support external communications through the mailer and social media on cohort activities.
Business Operations. Maintain and update key operational materials, including orientation materials, SOPs, and other organizational documents to ensure consistency with organizational goals.
Qualifications and Qualities
- 7+ years of work experience in nonprofit business education, program management, or equivalent experience
- Experience or substantive exposure to business startups and growing businesses, as well as supporting entrepreneurs
- Demonstrated knowledge of the specific challenges faced by entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds
- Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills are a must
- Experience implementing and evaluating continuing education experiences and building, managing, and evaluating curriculum required
- Outstanding cross-cultural communication skills
- A born problem-solver with an entrepreneurial nature, who loves working in a fast-paced, innovative, iterative environment
- Love of data gathering and creating, refreshing, and utilizing standard operating procedures
- Exceptional organizational skills
- Supervisory experience a plus
- An unwavering commitment to racial and gender equity
- Proficiency with cloud-based software tools, including Google Workspace, Mailchimp, and Slack.
Salary, Benefits, Working Conditions
The annual salary range for this position is between $70-80K/year, commensurate with experience. We offer health insurance, 10 or more holidays per year and 2 weeks annual vacation benefits.
This position requires several days per week in person during regular business hours. 1-2 days per week can be done remotely, if preferred, and in coordination with the ED. Several in-person events and meetings in the evenings and on occasional weekends are at the heart of our program delivery, typically there are 2-3 of these a month on Monday evenings, and are run by the Director. These meetings are a combination of in-person and via Zoom for the participants.
We work out of CIC Boston at 50 Milk Street, where there are a range of benefits through this coworking space, enriched with fully stocked kitchens with snacks, coffee, and beverages, printing services, conference rooms, and a wide variety of shared community spaces and networking events.
How to Apply:
Please send us your resume and a one-page cover letter to jobs@woce.us telling us about yourself by answering these questions:
- Why Us: Tell us why you want to work with women of color founders and why WOCE.
- Why You: Tell us what excites you the most about this position, what skills you bring to this position, and why you.
- Tell us about a women of color-led company that inspires you and why.
Please be sure that the cover letter is no longer than one page. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. Thank you!
WOCE is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Candidates from a wide range of backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
