VBOC Program Manager - ECDI Dayton

Economic and Community Development Institute; Fairborn (OH); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Economic and Community Development Institute seeks a Program Manager to lead VBOC initiatives, deliver workshops, and coordinate grant programs across departments. The role includes client coaching, data tracking, and partnership development.

Hybrid role; some travel and evening/weekend hours may be required. Strong emphasis on veterans’ programs and community outreach within ECDI’s footprint.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in Business, Public Relations, Economics, Marketing, or related field and 1–3 years of related experience.
• Five or more years of experience in business diligence, cross-functional teams, and managing external relationships.
• Experience working with veterans, service members, and military spouses preferred.
• Experience developing and facilitating workshops or training programs for adults.

Responsibilities

• Manage and implement VBOC programming and grant-related duties.
• Coordinate training sessions, webinars, and program content.
• Assist with program reporting to SBA and other grants.
• Liaise with partner organizations and manage client data to inform program improvements.
• Represent the organization professionally and support a hybrid in-office/field schedule.

Education

Associate’s degree in Business, Public Relations, Economics, Marketing, or related field

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Zoom

CRM systems

Job description

Summary:

Reporting to the Director of the Veteran Business Outreach Center (VBOC), the VBOC Program Manager supports the execution of training, programming, and special projects that advance the mission of ECDI’s Veterans Business Outreach Center. This role collaborates across departments and grant programs including WBCs, SBA PRIME, CRC, FBIS, and other special initiatives, to ensure successful delivery of services and outcomes. The Program Manager also facilitates monthly workshops and bi-monthly information sessions, assists in staff training, and supports grant management activities that contribute to program performance and compliance.

This role is a hybrid position, with the on-site work schedule determined primarily by the employee’s manager based on departmental and business needs.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Programming:

• Manage the implementation of VBOC programming, including presenting in webinars, acting as a point of contact for programs, synthesizing and creating program content, and other grant-related duties.
• Ensure implementation of policies and practices through training of necessary team members.
• Support the growth, planning, development, and coordination of VBOC programming and its activities.
• Ensure appropriate marketing is created for VBOC programming.
• Help build positive relations between clients and all ECDI resources and programs.
• Maintain relationship with appropriate PAN (Professional Advisory Network) resources.
• Assist with program reporting as required by SBA and other active grants.
• Identify and attend community outreach events in ECDI’s geographic footprint to grow the VBOC program.
• Collect and maintain accurate program data to build and grow the VBOC program.
• Tracks and analyzes client engagement and satisfaction data to inform program enhancements.

Client Support:

• Support ECDI staff in the referral and hand-off processes to ensure client support is completed.
• Provide direct one-on-one coaching to multiple small business clients daily, including idea stage and growth stage businesses.
• Provide general technical assistance (TA) support to clients in preparation for the loan application process.
• Assist with coordination of speakers, SMEs, and contract services.
• Conducts client intakes, assessments, and follow-ups to track progress and ensure program alignment with goals.

Other Responsibilities:

• Represent the organization in a professional and courteous manner.
• Maintain a flexible manner, diplomatic dialogue, and show willingness to offer support to staff and clients.
• Collaborate with Lending & Sales staff to manage VBOC lending pipeline.
• Answer questions about pre-loan processes, lending processes, post-loan processes, and other ECDI programs.
• Maintain a thorough working knowledge of and adhere to all ECDI policies and procedures.
• Maintain accurate client files, documents, and profiles for necessary paper files and in appropriate tracking systems.
• Liaise with ECDI’s partner organizations to ensure proper invoices and scheduling.
• Participate in meetings and provide suggestions for improvement for the department and the organization.
• Perform other related activities, as required, to assure department and organizational success.

Minimum Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of small business development, entrepreneurship, and economic development principles.
• Strong client service and relationship management skills, with the ability to engage effectively with individuals from varied backgrounds.
• Organizational and project management skills to coordinate multiple initiatives and meet deadlines.
• Skill in facilitating engaging training sessions and adapting content to diverse learning styles.
• Ability to obtain and maintain access to military installations, preferred
• Comprehensive knowledge of standard office practices, procedures, equipment, and techniques.
• Computer Skills:
  • Experience with and knowledge of computer operation.
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.).
  • Knowledge of using and managing video conferencing applications, such as Zoom.
  • Proficient understanding of databases or CRM systems, preferred.

Education and/or Experience:

• Associate’s degree in Business, Public Relations, Economics, Marketing, or related field AND one to three (1-3) years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
• Five (5) or more years’ experience in business diligence, business plan creation, business analysis, working on cross-functional teams, and managing critical external relationships.
• Experience working with veterans, service members, and military spouses strongly preferred.
• Experience developing and facilitating workshops or training programs for adult learners is highly desirable.
• Experience working with community organizations or with small businesses, a plus.
• Experience in programming and training development is a plus.

Special Requirements:

• Position will require statewide travel on occasion up to 30% of time.
• Evening and weekend hours on occasion are required.

Other:

• This position is a hybrid role that will split time in-office and in-person with clients with the flexibility to work from home part of the time, as determined by manager and business needs.
• Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to perform the work. However, there may be some walking; standing; bending; carrying light items such as papers, books, small parts; driving an automobile, etc. No special physical demands are required to perform the work.
• Risks found in the typical office setting, which is adequately lit, heated, and ventilated, e.g., safe use of office equipment, avoiding trips and falls, observing fire regulations, etc.

Competencies:

• Program Knowledge - Understands the organization's program services, policies, procedures. Demonstrates and applies this knowledge in performance of administrative support tasks. Explains and interprets program information to customers.
• Design - Demonstrates attention to detail.
• Technical Skills - Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; pursues training and development opportunities; strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; shares expertise with others.
• Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict; maintains confidentiality; listens to others; remains open to others’ ideas and tries new things.
• Judgment - Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; includes appropriate people in decision-making process; makes timely decisions.
• Quantity - Strives to increase productivity.
• Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; responds well to questions; participates in meetings.
• Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; presents numerical data effectively; able to read and interpret written information.
• Teamwork - Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; gives and welcomes feedback; contributes to building a positive team spirit.
• Quality Management - Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness.
• Judgment - Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; includes appropriate people in decision-making process; makes timely decisions.
• Attendance/Punctuality - Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; meetings arrive at work, and appointments on time.
• Dependability - Follows instructions; responds to management direction; takes responsibility for own actions; completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.
• Initiative - Volunteers readily; undertakes self-development activities; seeks increased responsibilities; looks for and takes advantage of opportunities; asks for and offers help when needed.
• Entrepreneurial Mindset - Takes ownership in driving results; embraces change and adapts quickly; contributes creative ideas that advance organizational goals and impact