Executive Director – CLIMB Fund

Whosonthemove; Charleston (SC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Retirement contributions

Job summary

A community-focused nonprofit organization in Charleston, South Carolina is seeking an Executive Director to lead its mission of providing capital to underserved entrepreneurs. Responsibilities include strategy development, fundraising, and overseeing lending programs. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in nonprofit management and a strong commitment to economic equity. This leadership role offers a salary in the low six figures and a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8–10 years of leadership experience, with 5 years in a senior role in nonprofit management.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising, grant management, and capital development.
• Familiarity with compliance and financial reporting requirements.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership to advance access to capital for underserved entrepreneurs.
• Lead fundraising efforts to secure grants and donations.
• Oversee lending programs and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Manage the organizational budget and monitor financial health.
• Collaborate with the Board of Directors to support effective governance.
• Build relationships with community partners and stakeholders.

Skills

Strategic Leadership

Financial Acumen

Fundraising & Capital Development

Community & Relationship Building

Equity Mindset

Operational Excellence

Communication & Influence

Entrepreneurial Thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree required

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

Climb Fund is a mission-driven, certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) committed to leveling the economic playing field by providing access to capital for underserved entrepreneurs and small businesses that are excluded from traditional financing. Our goal is to foster inclusive economic development, job creation, and wealth-building opportunities in communities that need them most.

Position Overview

The Executive Director (ED) serves as the chief executive of Climb Fund and is responsible for advancing the organization’s mission, securing its financial sustainability, and overseeing its operations and lending programs. The ED will lead a small, dedicated team and work closely with the Board of Directors to expand access to capital, strengthen community partnerships, and grow the organization’s impact.

As the leader of a small, mission-driven team, the Executive Director must foster a culture of collaboration, transparency, and mutual accountability. The Executive Director is expected to lead with integrity, cultivate a positive and collaborative team environment, and support staff in achieving their goals. This includes setting clear expectations, providing guidance and encouragement, and ensuring everyone is accountable in a respectful and constructive way.

This is a hands‑on leadership role requiring a dynamic, entrepreneurial leader who is passionate about economic equity, small business development, and community‑based finance.

Key Responsibilities

Mission & Strategy

• Provide visionary and strategic leadership to advance the mission of expanding access to capital for underserved entrepreneurs.
• Develop and implement the organization’s strategic plan in partnership with the Board.
• Serve as a public ambassador and spokesperson for the CDFI and its mission.

Fundraising & Capital Development

• Lead fundraising and investor relations efforts to secure grants, donations, and capital from public and private sources (foundations, banks, government agencies, CDFI Fund).
• Manage existing funder relationships and pursue new opportunities to grow the organization’s loan fund and capacity.
• Ensure compliance with reporting and regulatory requirements.

Lending & Program Oversight

• Oversee all aspects of the lending program, including loan origination, underwriting, disbursement, and portfolio management.
• Ensure lending policies and practices are mission‑aligned, responsible, and responsive to community needs.
• Provide or coordinate technical assistance and business support services to borrowers.

Financial & Operational Management

• Develop and manage the organizational budget; monitor financial health and sustainability.
• Ensure accurate financial reporting, audit readiness, and compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee internal operations, including staff management, HR policies, and technology systems.

Board Engagement & Governance

• Report to and collaborate with the Board of Directors to support effective governance and strategic decision‑making.
• Prepare board meeting materials and keep the board informed of key organizational developments.
• Support board development and recruitment as needed.

Community & Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with community partners, borrowers, financial institutions, and local leaders.
• Represent the organization at events, public meetings, and in the media to elevate its visibility and influence.

Required Competencies

• Strategic Leadership: Ability to set a clear vision, develop strategy, and inspire alignment across staff, board, and stakeholders.
• Financial Acumen: Skilled in nonprofit financial management, budget oversight, and compliance.
• Fundraising & Capital Development: Proven success in cultivating funder relationships and securing grants, donations, and capital.
• Community & Relationship Building: Strong capacity to develop partnerships and represent the organization with credibility.
• Equity Mindset: Commitment to inclusive practices, equitable access to resources, and advancing economic justice.
• Operational Excellence: Ability to manage people, processes, and systems in a growing organization.
• Communication & Influence: Strong written and verbal communication skills; persuasive public speaker.
• Entrepreneurial Thinking: Resourceful and adaptable in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree required (business, finance, nonprofit management, economics, public policy, or related field).

Master’s degree in business administration, nonprofit management, public policy, or a related field strongly preferred.

Experience

• Minimum 8–10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience, with at least 5 years in a senior management or executive role in nonprofit management, community development, small business finance, or a related sector.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising, grant management, and capital development.
• Experience working with or within a CDFI, microlending program, SBA lending, or mission‑based financial institution strongly preferred.
• Proven track record in staff leadership, board relations, and stakeholder engagement.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements, compliance, and financial reporting for nonprofit or financial organizations.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Low six figures, commensurate with experience.

Benefits: Health insurance, paid time off, and retirement contributions.