Director, Entrepreneur Development

Empire State Development; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive Benefits Package

Job summary

Empire State Development in New York is seeking a qualified individual to oversee entrepreneur development programs and assist with the management of statewide initiatives. Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree and a strong background in micro-business development.

Responsibilities include program delivery, staff supervision, and stakeholder engagement. The position offers a comprehensive benefits package and the possibility of hybrid work arrangements.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in micro-business development and entrepreneurship training.
• Strong organizational, communication, stakeholder management, and project coordination skills.
• Awareness of ESD and public funding programs.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the Entrepreneurship Assistance Centers (EAC) network and development initiatives.
• Manage program operations, contract compliance, and performance monitoring.
• Supervise assigned staff and provide coaching and professional development.
• Support growth of entrepreneur development programs through events and marketing.

Skills

Organizational Skills

Communication Skills

Stakeholder Management

Project Coordination

Microsoft Dynamics

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Microsoft PowerPoint

Asana

Monday.com

Education

Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Business Development, Finance, or Accounting

Job description

Applicants must submit a cover letter with resume to be considered.

This position requires in‑office presence; hybrid work schedules may be possible based on specific job duties and consistent with ESD policy.

Minorities, women, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Please contact Human Resources if you require an accommodation.

Description

In close collaboration with the VP, Entrepreneur Development, this role oversees the administration and implementation of federally and state‑funded entrepreneur development programs and technical assistance initiatives. The position manages the statewide Entrepreneurship Assistance Centers (EAC) network and other assigned programs that support business formation, growth, and economic opportunity.

Work Performed

• Oversee the statewide Entrepreneurship Assistance Centers (EAC) network and other entrepreneur development initiatives, ensuring effective program delivery and alignment with economic development objectives.
• Oversee program operations, contract compliance, performance monitoring, site evaluations, data collection, reporting requirements, and continuous quality improvement across all funded programs.
• In coordination with the Vice President, Entrepreneur Development, manage program budgets, grant disbursements, fiscal controls, procurement activities, RFAs/RFPs, and consultant engagements.
• Supervise assigned staff, establish performance expectations, provide coaching and professional development, and ensure alignment of team objectives with departmental priorities.
• Support the visibility and growth of entrepreneur development programs through conferences, events, marketing activities, and other initiatives that advance ESD's strategic goals.
• Travel throughout New York State as required and perform other related duties, special projects, and assignments as directed.
• Serve as the primary liaison for internal and external stakeholders regarding Entrepreneurship Assistance Center programs.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a relevant field such as Public Administration, Business Development, Finance, or Accounting.
• Experience: Minimum 5 years of experience in a combination of micro‑business development, not‑for‑profit organization management, government program management, and entrepreneurship training.
• Knowledge and Skills: Awareness of ESD and other public funding programs; strong organizational, communication, stakeholder management, and project coordination skills; computer skills in Microsoft Dynamics, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and project management tools (Asana, Monday.com, etc.).

Benefits

• Salary range as specified.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package.