Director of Social Enterprise

Join to apply for the Director of Social Enterprise role at Project Place Base pay range $95,000.00/yr - $110,000.00/yr About Project Place Project Place promotes a community of hope and opportunity for homeless and low‑income individuals by providing the skills, education and resources needed to obtain and sustain employment and housing. For over 50 years, Project Place has been a resource for individuals who are experiencing homelessness in Boston. Through innovative programming, including social enterprises, we facilitate individuals' successful transition to economic self‑sufficiency. Comprehensive programming consists of classroom instruction, credentialing, case management services, housing and job placement, retention, and employment services. About This Role As Director of Social Enterprise, you will hold one of the most mission‑critical roles at Project Place—serving as both a business leader and a champion for client transformation. This position sits at the very heart of our work: creating dignified pathways to employment for individuals facing homelessness and barriers to opportunity. Every day, you will witness firsthand how meaningful work changes lives, as our clients build confidence, develop professional skills, and take steps toward economic stability through our employment social enterprise. Your success in this role will directly determine the futures of dozens of individuals each year. You will lead businesses that are not just revenue generators, but transformational spaces where people who have been excluded from the workplace discover their own capability and worth. The relationships you build with corporate and government partners will create opportunities for our clients. The operational decisions you make will ensure quality training experiences. The team you develop will include graduates of our programs who return as mentors and supervisors, embodying the long‑term impact of this work. This is a role for someone who sees business as a vehicle for social change—who understands that financial sustainability and human dignity are not competing priorities, but rather interdependent goals. You will need entrepreneurial skills and business acumen to ensure our enterprises thrive financially. But what will make you successful here is a deep, unshakeable commitment to the belief that every person deserves a chance to experience financial mobility through meaningful work. You will lead Project Place's entire social enterprise portfolio—overseeing revenue‑generating businesses that provide on‑the‑job training and skill development while contributing to organizational sustainability. Working as a key member of our Senior Leadership Team, you will develop growth strategies, cultivate partnerships, manage operations across multiple business lines, and ensure seamless integration with our education and reentry programs. Your ability to balance our dual bottom line—profitability and participant success—will be fundamental to Project Place's impact and long‑term sustainability. What You’ll Do Strategic Leadership, Business Development & Sales Develop and implement comprehensive multi‑year social enterprise growth strategy aligned with Project Place's mission Personally drive business development and sales efforts to grow customer base and generate revenue Program and Business Operations Oversee daily operations of all social enterprises, ensuring operational efficiency, high‑quality service delivery, and financial performance Directly supervise Social Enterprise Directors providing coaching and performance management Lead budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes for all enterprise activities Manage profit and loss (P&L) for each social enterprise line, ensuring financial sustainability and revenue growth Team Development & Supervision Build and lead a high‑performing team, providing direct supervision to enterprise directors Recruit, hire, train, and develop staff committed to both business excellence and social mission Make decisive personnel decisions when team members are not meeting expectations Measurement, Evaluation & Impact Reporting Establish and track key performance metrics for both financial outcomes and social impact results Use data insights to drive continuous improvement and optimize business and program performance Qualifications – Required 7+ years of progressive experience in business operations, entrepreneurship, or social enterprise management Deep commitment to social justice and the ability to balance business performance with participant development and dignity Proven success in business development, sales, or partnership cultivation—you must have a proven track record of identifying and securing new business Proven success managing profit or loss (P&L) or revenue-generating ventures with accountability for financial performance Strong analytical skills, including budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, and understanding of key business metrics Analytical mindset and comfort with data-driven decision-making Experience managing teams and providing direct supervision to multiple reports Excellent leadership, communication, and strategic planning skills Ability to build relationships across diverse stakeholder groups—from corporate executives to government officials to frontline staff to clients with lived experience Entrepreneurial mindset with ability to identify opportunities, take calculated risks, and drive innovation Comfort with change, ability to pivot quickly, and resilience in an entrepreneurial nonprofit environment Qualifications – Preferred Experience in social enterprise, transitional employment, or mission-driven business environments Experience in nonprofit operations that function like a business (e.g., logistics including warehouse and delivery operations, food service, outdoor cleaning and janitorial services) Knowledge of workforce development, transitional employment, or job training programs Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, barriers to employment, or involvement in the justice system Familiarity with government contracting processes and public sector partnerships Track record of or scaling new business ventures or product lines Comfort teaching and developing others—ability to translate complex business concepts into understandable lessons for staff and clients Benefits Health insurance (vision & dental), and life and long‑term disability insurance 401k plan with employer match Paid time off, beginning at 3 weeks per year in the first year of employment Professional development opportunities Timeline and Hiring Process We will review and respond to all applications received. Candidates elected to advance through the process can expect: Initial screening with Positively Partners Hiring manager interview with the current Director of Social Enterprises and the Executive Director Business strategy presentation or exercise with senior program leadership In-person interview day including senior leadership panel and meet-and-greet with direct reports Comprehensive reference check process Expected start date is late January/early February 2026. How to Apply To apply for this position, please submit a resume and thoughtfully written cover letter through our online portal. We will review and respond to all applications received. In your cover letter, please specifically address your experience with business development/sales and your understanding of or experience with social enterprise or mission-driven business models. For confidential inquiries or assistance completing the application, please contact mcarlton@positivelypartners.org. Equal Opportunity Statement Project Place is an equal opportunity employer and we encourage candidates of color, women, LGBTQ+, low‑income, and non‑college degree holders to apply. Project Place prohibits unlawful discrimination against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, age, national origin, genetic characteristics, disability, status as a special disabled veteran or veteran, marital status, sexual orientation, sexual identity or any other basis prohibited by law. #J-18808-Ljbffr