Director, Small Business Services

TechTown Detroit; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

TechTown-paid life insurance

STD & LTD coverage

Wellness program

5 weeks paid time off

23 paid holidays

10 paid mental health days

Professional development stipend

Employer matching up to 6%

Paid parental leave

Job summary

TechTown Detroit seeks a dynamic Small Business Services Director to lead a multi-disciplinary team and oversee signature programs that support Detroit-area entrepreneurs. You will partner with senior directors to streamline operations, manage multi-million-dollar grants, and expand services through strategic partnerships and fundraising.

You will champion inclusive economic development, engage with external partners and the local entrepreneurial ecosystem, and ensure impact storytelling through

Qualifications

• Entrepreneurial experience and leadership in Detroit ecosystem.
• Strong oral and written communication; marketing/communications background preferred.
• 5+ years managing teams.
• Ability to manage multi-million-dollar grants and budgets.
• Comfort with fundraising and external engagement.
• Commitment to inclusive economic development.

Responsibilities

• Lead a multi-faceted team to streamline operations for small business programs and coaching services.
• Serve as a thought leader for TechTown in the Southeast Michigan entrepreneurial ecosystem.
• Identify opportunities (training, resources, partnerships) to better serve underrepresented entrepreneurs.
• Collaborate with program directors and other teams to improve processes and impact storytelling.
• Lead a team of six and coordinate with internal partners to expand programs.
• Manage program budgets, analyze monthly reports, and review grant expenses.
• Support fundraising efforts and cultivate funding relationships.
• Represent TechTown in external engagements and maintain ecosystem partnerships.

Skills

Entrepreneurial experience

Detroit ecosystem knowledge

Communication skills

Change management

Budget management

Team leadership

Job description

Description

TechTown is Wayne State University's entrepreneurship hub. We empower Metro Detroit-based startups and local businesses by providing resources, collaborative workspace, and education for entrepreneurs that will further accelerate inclusive economic development across Detroit.

The Small Business Services Director position is a full-time role on TechTown Detroit's Programs team. The ideal candidate will:

• Lead an experienced, multi-faceted team to streamline operations for a nationally recognized mix of established and new small business programs and coaching services.
• Serve as a small business thought leader on behalf of TechTown in the Southeast Michigan entrepreneurial ecosystem and build TechTown and metro Detroit's brand as a destination for best-in-class entrepreneurial support nationwide.
• Identify opportunities (training, resources, partnerships) and implement strategies to target and better serve historically underrepresented entrepreneurs, such as those who identify as Black, LatinX, Women, veterans, and/or LGBTQ+.
• Work in close partnership with the Technology-Based Programs Director, Business Support and Engagement Director, and Digital Solutions team to consistently use TechTown organizational systems and develop common processes, data collection, and analysis methods to improve impact storytelling and the quality of service to TechTown clients and alumni.
• The Small Business Services Director will lead a team of six passionate, highly skilled, and diverse team members experienced in serving Detroit small business owners and collaborating with partners in the Southeast Michigan entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The successful candidate will be an experienced, dynamic leader who will serve as a close partner and strategic thought leader with the Entrepreneurial Education Director and the Technology-Based Programs Director, as well as key internal partners, including the Marketing/Communications, Fund Development, and Finance teams.

The Impact You Will Make

• Lead the continued strategic development and ongoing execution of TechTown's Small Business Services, including signature programming: Coaching UP, long-term coaching, Retail Boot Camp, Hatch Detroit contest, and The Shop pop-up series.
• Leverage signature small business service offerings to drive economic impact in Detroit and Wayne County (business openings and expansions, job creation and cultivating founder leadership, etc.). Help tell the story and demonstrate the collective impact of TechTown Programs through quantitative (data collection, analysis) and qualitative (public, client, and alumni testimonials) outcomes.
• Organize systems and processes, manage multiple priorities, and solve problems with a team focus.
• In addition to managing the team, this position will also take on more responsibility for managing and leading multi-million-dollar grants to expand our work in Wayne County.
• Prioritize the continued professional development of team member(s).
• Effectively manage a program budget. Analyze monthly budget-to-actual reports and take ownership of grant specifications to review and approve expenses appropriately.
• Champion fundraising efforts; support the Development team in cultivating existing and new funding relationships.
• Represent the organization in external engagements (interviews, public speaking, panels, etc.) and maintain relationships with regional entrepreneurial ecosystem partners.

Requirements

What Will You Bring to the Table

• Outstanding candidates will have entrepreneurial experience.
• Bring established relationships and a strong understanding of Detroit/Southeast Michigan entrepreneurial ecosystem. Community leaders are strongly preferred.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; professional experience in marketing/communications preferred.
• Professional experience in change management and/or dynamic work environments strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to identify and analyze internal program performance, regional entrepreneurial ecosystem, and national trends to develop recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Work as a partner with staff to implement improvements to existing small business programs and co-design new services to meet entrepreneurs' evolving needs.
• Formal training and professional experience in building and cultivating successful working relationships with individuals from diverse cultural, social, economic, and ethnic backgrounds. 5+ years in managing teams preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in effective budget management.
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Highest level of personal integrity to inspire confidence, respect, and trust.
• High energy and ability to quickly establish credibility with TechTown team members, clients, and stakeholders.
• Willingness to take educated risks and challenge the status quo to bring about change when needed.

Salary:

The budgeted salary range for this position is $100,000 - $120,000 and may be adjusted based on qualifications and experience.

The Perks:

TechTown offers generous health and dental plans, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, a 401(k) plan, and a team member assistance program. Full-time team members also receive:

• 100% TechTown-paid life, STD, and LTD benefits
• Wellness-inspired workplace with a Wellness Program and on-site Wellness Room
• 5 Weeks of paid time off per year
• 23 paid holidays (including 2 weeks in December and 1 week in July)
• 10 Paid Mental Health Days per year (one per month)
• $ 2,500 professional development stipend
• Retirement plan with employer matching up to 6%.
• Paid parental leave
• Creativity and innovation supported and encouraged by leadership
• Fulfillment and the knowledge of having made an impact in Detroit's economic growth

Work Arrangements:

Most TechTown team members (including this position) are assigned to work in the office (or with clients) at least three days a week. This role will also support weekend and night events, trainings, and tabling opportunities.

Accessibility:

At TechTown Detroit, we are committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible environment, where all team members, clients, and tenants feel valued, respected, and supported. We are dedicated to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities in which we live and serve, and creating an environment where everyone has the opportunity to reach their potential.

If you are a candidate with a disability and need an accommodation to complete the application process, email our Human Resources department at [e-mail]. Include your full name, the best way to reach you, and the accommodation needed to assist you with the application process.