Program Director, Ascend Long Island

About HofstraHofstra University is nationally ranked and recognized as Long Island’s largest private university located in Hempstead, N.Y. When you work at Hofstra, you join a team of talented professionals committed to preparing students for the challenges of tomorrow, in an environment that cultivates learning through the free and open exchange of ideas for the betterment of humankind. The work we do at Hofstra supports the education and well-being of our students, and the workforce of the future. While working towards this mission, employees can take advantage of many enriching experiences on campus. Whether it’s a lunchtime lecture, a Division I NCAA athletics game, a musical concert, a theatre performance, or a visit to one of our two accredited museums, there is always something exciting to do at Hofstra. Hofstra University is dedicated to recruiting and retaining a highly qualified and diverse academic community of students, faculty, staff, and administrators respectful of the contributions and dignity of each of its members. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive community.Position DetailsPosition Title: Program Director, Ascend Long IslandPosition Number: 896312Position Category: AdministrationSchool/Division: School of BusinessDepartment: School of Business - Institute of Innovation and EntrepreneurshipFull-Time or Part-Time: Full-TimeDescriptionReporting to the Director of the Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (IIE), the Ascend Long Island Program Director will manage Ascend Long Island—an innovative program designed to support the growth of local businesses through customized management training, market access and capital access strategies.Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:Program ManagementLead strategy development and overall coordination of the Ascend Long Island small business acceleration and market access initiative, in partnership with Business Outreach Center (BOC) Capital.Provide strategic leadership to enhance outcomes for participating businesses.Cultivate and manage partnerships with community stakeholders, government agencies, and anchor institutions.Coordinate engagement and activities of the Ascend Long Island Anchor Council.Build strong, collaborative relationships across market access, capital access, and training/technical assistance partners.Internal SupportManage and maintain online resources for anchor partners, trainers, counselors, and lending partners.Continuously update and improve technical assistance tools and resources for participating businesses.Business Development & Market AccessLead outreach, recruitment, and enrollment of businesses into program training cohorts.Support and coordinate the delivery of business management training, in collaboration with BOC and contracted experts.Provide one-on-one technical assistance and business coaching in:Networking and marketing.Procurement strategies, especially in key industries such as construction.Matchmaking between anchor partners and Ascend businesses to foster supply chain opportunities.Innovation & EngagementDevelop creative strategies to deepen anchor partner involvement in program activities.Plan and execute networking and market access events.Design and facilitate Anchor Council meetings and engagement to enhance impact.Actively contribute to the broader Ascend Long Island, Ascend NY, and Ascend National ecosystems.Program Reporting & ComplianceManage overall program data collections and reporting and ensure timely and accurate submission of reports in compliance with funder and institutional guidelines.Develop and implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for each aspect of service delivery, data collection, and impact tracking.Prepare timely, accurate, and insightful reports, including statistical summaries, client success stories, and program impacts/outcomes.Monitor and evaluate management training, market access, and capital access across current and past cohorts.Support quality assurance and continuous improvement in reporting systems and data integrity.QualificationsBachelor’s degree and five years of related experience.Demonstrated experience in program managementFamiliarity with the entrepreneurial ecosystem on Long IslandDemonstrated ability to build partnerships and relationships with potential Anchor Partner council membersDeadline: Open Until FilledDate Posted: 10/02/2025EEO StatementHofstra University is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to extending equal opportunity in employment to all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national or ethnic origin, physical or mental disability, marital or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.Salary$90,000 annualized salary, prorated as appropriate for the appointment period (Position is grant funded) #J-18808-Ljbffr