Program Director

Columbus Urban League; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Columbus Urban League, Inc. seeks a Program Director of Entrepreneurial Services to lead MBAC and Entrepreneurial Services, drive supplier development, manage client relationships, and identify procurement opportunities for clients in Columbus, Ohio.

You will oversee program strategy, staff development, and budget alignment, while ensuring client success stories, contracts secured, and certifications achieved.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field; master's degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain strategic relationships with corporations, government entities, and procurement offices to identify contracting opportunities for MBAC clients.
• Lead, coach, and supervise MBAC and Entrepreneurial Services teams to ensure effective client support and program delivery.
• Collaborate with Regional Director to set annual goals, objectives, and KPIs for MBAC programs.
• Monitor client progress and provide actionable feedback to help clients achieve goals.

Skills

Leadership

Relationship building

Communication

Time management

Strategic thinking

Adaptability

Results orientation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft 365

Salesforce

Job description

The Program Director of Entrepreneurial Services will play a critical leadership role in driving supplier development, managing client relationships, and identifying procurement opportunities for our clients. This position will manage and oversee the Minority Business Assistance Center (MBAC) and Entrepreneurial Services teams, ensuring alignment with program goals and deliverables.

Duties & Responsibilities

Supplier Development and Contracting:

• Develop and maintain strategic relationships with corporations, government entities, and procurement offices to identify contracting opportunities for MBAC clients.
• Work closely with clients to understand their business needs, capabilities, and readiness for supplier opportunities.
• Serve as the primary liaison between clients and potential contracting partners, facilitating successful engagements.
• Provide education and resources to help clients improve their capacity to bid for and win contracts.

Team Management:

• Lead, coach, and supervise the MBAC and Entrepreneurial Services teams, including business advisors and certification specialists, to ensure effective client support and program delivery.
• Conduct regular team meetings and 1:1 coaching sessions to track progress and identify areas for improvement.
• Promote professional development and continuous learning within the team.

Project Management, Strategy, and Reporting:

• Collaborate with the Regional Director to set annual goals, objectives, and key performance indicators for MBAC programs.
• Ensure timely and accurate reporting on program outcomes, including client success stories, contracts secured, and certifications achieved.
• Manage program budgets and resources in alignment with organizational priorities.

Client Support and Advocacy:

• Act as an advocate for MBAC clients, ensuring their needs are represented within supplier networks and procurement opportunities.
• Organize workshops, seminars, and networking events to build client capacity and connect them with resources.
• Monitor client progress and provide actionable feedback to help them achieve their goals.

Other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements Education and Experience:

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).
• Willingness and ability to obtain other certifications as necessary

Experience:

• At least 5-7 years of experience in supplier development, procurement, or small business development.
• Proven leadership experience, including team management and coaching.
• Strong understanding of minority-owned, women-owned, and disadvantaged business certification processes.
• Excellent relationship-building, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Required Skills and Abilities:

Communication Skills:

• Ability to read and speak English proficiently. Bilingual preferred but not required.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.

Technology and Compliance:

• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 (MS Suite, Teams, OneDrive, SharePoint, etc.).
• Experience with Salesforce preferred.
• Commitment to compliance and ethical standards.

Time Management and Organization:

• Ensure accuracy, efficiency, and consistency across all tasks.
• Mange workload effectively and deliver results in a timely manner.

• Leadership & People Management - Inspires, motivates, and develops team members.
• Strategic Thinking - Designs and implements programs with clear outcomes and measurable impact.
• Relationship Building - Cultivates strong connections with participants, partners, and stakeholders.
• Adaptability - Adjusts quickly to feedback and evolving needs.
• Results Orientation - Focuses on achieving participant success and program excellence.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, and see.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to low.
• Professional business attire and appearance required.