Program Director, Capital Region Women's Business Center

Job Description

Job Description

The Washington Area Community Investment Fund (Wacif) is currently seeking a full-time Program Director to lead the Capital Region Women’s Business Center (WBC). Dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs in the Washington, DC metropolitan area, the Center offers a comprehensive suite of business services, including financial capital, expert advisory support, and networking opportunities. As an integral component of Wacif, which has been serving the community since 1987, the WBC is committed to fostering the growth and resilience of its clientele.

Wacif’s mission and overarching goal is to promote equity and economic empowerment in underserved communities throughout the greater Washington, DC region. This mission is fueled by a strategic approach centered on inclusive entrepreneurship, community wealth building, and equitable economic development.

In this pivotal role, the Program Director will spearhead the operations of the Capital Region WBC, overseeing a dynamic array of initiatives aimed at bolstering the development, expansion, and acceleration of women-owned enterprises. Key responsibilities include providing personalized one-on-one assistance, delivering expert coaching, curating tailored trainings and workshops, organizing cohort-based learning opportunities, and orchestrating a blend of virtual and in-person educational and networking events.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage daily operations of the Wacif’s Capital Region Women’s Business Center (WBC);
• Work with Wacif’s CEO, Chief Program Officer (CPO), executive leadership team, Advisory Council, and Wacif’s Board of Directors to set direction for the Center’s strategies, work plans, and program objectives;
• Provide day-to-day program leadership and implementation, communicating with Wacif staff and SBA colleagues to ensure that program outcomes are met, and compliance is maintained.
• Help foster an organizational culture that encourages collaboration and accountability;
• Collaborate with program and training and events coordinators to ensure grant requirements and outcomes are achieved;

Program Management/Partnerships

• Establish programs focused on many of the following key focus areas: one-on-one advisory services and strategic growth assessments, capital and loan readiness, professional services consulting, contract financing and bonding assistance, and government and corporate certification assistance, among others;
• Work with Wacif colleagues to leverage Wacif’s signature programs and offerings to the center’s clients;
• Manage programs and activities to elevate the executive and entrepreneurial experience of women entrepreneurs with programs such as fireside chats, networking events, and others to promote stories of inspiration, grit, tenacity, and success to be featured over the course of the Center’s programming;
• In partnership with key funding partners and stakeholders, host programs to elevate opportunities to promote the financial capability and success of women entrepreneurs;
• Provide business counseling, workshop trainings, and other programs to support women entrepreneurs as needed;
• Track technical assistance through CRM system and analyze data for reporting purposes.

Marketing & Relationship Management

• Collaborate with the Development and Communications department to publicize the WBC and its programs through a variety of mechanisms including media opportunities, website, social media, print channels and trade shows;
• Develop and manage relationships with diverse stakeholders, including funders, business owners, community members, nonprofits, entrepreneur support organizations, businesses, and government entities.

Financial Management

• Oversee fiscal management of programs in collaboration with the finance team, including creating programmatic budgets and amending procedures to respond to changes in external fiscal policies and to ensure programs/resources meet financial targets;
• Responsible for grants management for the Center, including proposals and applications, reporting and invoicing, etc.;
• Manage annual program department budget, and complete regular quarterly and annual reports required by the SBA;
• Ensure essential data is collected, maintained, and reported properly as required by funders.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field or equivalent years of related experience required, with a demonstrated track record in disciplines pertinent to Wacif’s mission;
• Minimum 5 years’ proven experience in leadership roles; preferably within the nonprofit sector;
• Minimum of 4-5 years of experience in program/project management, and small business direct assistance;
• Must be a team player, able to work within a team structure, and collaborate with a diverse set of stakeholders to develop effective partnerships;
• Demonstrated experience with comprehensive and dynamic program management while building and managing high-performing, innovative teams;
• Experience managing program budgets from multiple sources including government (federal, state, and local), philanthropic, private, corporate, and financial institutions;
• Proven track record of developing and managing through a results-based framework by delivering high-quality programs and leveraging data to drive continuous learning and program improvement;
• Proven ability to establish and execute a Program’s strategic vision from inception to completion;
• Demonstrated skills at building and cultivating strong relationships with key stakeholders, including staff, Board members, funders, partners, government officials;
• Entrepreneurship and/or small business experience preferred;
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with precision and attention to detail while continually finding ways to improve processes to produce higher quality events with more effective results;
• Experience developing and managing budgets of $300,000 or higher;
• Exceptional managerial experience, with an inclusive leadership style, skill in giving and receiving feedback, the ability to hold staff accountable, and drive continuous improvement;
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills;
• Excellent public speaking, organizational, and problem-solving skills, and abilities;
• Experience with customer relationship management (CRM) systems, preferred;
• Availability to work occasional evening and weekend hours, in addition to travel, is required.

Company Description

About the Washington Area Community Investment Fund (Wacif)
The Washington Area Community Investment Fund (Wacif) advances equity and opportunity in the Washington, D.C. area’s underserved communities by providing financial capital, business advisory services, and strategic networking support to underinvested entrepreneurs. Since its inception in 1987, Wacif has deployed more than $100 million in capital, served more than 4,500 entrepreneurs with business advisory services, and helped create or retain more than 44,000 local jobs. To learn more about Wacif’s work, visit

Wacif is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds. Wacif provides a flexible and hybrid working environment with the opportunity to work remotely. Company Description

About the Washington Area Community Investment Fund (Wacif) \rThe Washington Area Community Investment Fund (Wacif) advances equity and opportunity in the Washington, D.C. area’s underserved communities by providing financial capital, business advisory services, and strategic networking support to underinvested entrepreneurs. Since its inception in 1987, Wacif has deployed more than $100 million in capital, served more than 4,500 entrepreneurs with business advisory services, and helped create or retain more than 44,000 local jobs. To learn more about Wacif’s work, visit is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds. Wacif provides a flexible and hybrid working environment with the opportunity to work remotely.

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