YWomen Prosper Economic Empowerment Academy Program Manager

About YWCA South Hampton Roads

YWCA is the oldest and largest multicultural women’s organization in the world. YWCA South Hampton Roads (YWCA SHR) is dedicated to the fullness of its mission to eliminate racism, empower women and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.

Serving approximately 8,000 individuals each year, YWCA SHR is a source of strength, courage and empowerment for women and families facing crisis. We are a community catalyst for meaningful change and the advocate for shaping vital impact through quality services responding to the critical needs of survivors of sexual violence and domestic violence. YWCA SHR works across racial, gender, religious and social lines with organizations-partners in all sectors to educate about disparities, advocate for change and provide resources and tools to dismantle oppressive systems.

YWCA SHR is in the midst of a rapid transformation from a well-established direct service provider for women and families facing crisis to an organization working at the intersection of eliminating racism, empowering women and standing up for social justice, helping families and strengthening our community.

About the Position

Under general supervision of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the Program Manager for the YWomen Prosper Economic Empowerment Academy will oversee the development, implementation, and management of an innovative business incubator; monitor program performance and ensure alignment with organizational goals; and provide comprehensive support services tailored for women entrepreneurs, esp. underrepresented women, by helping them overcome barriers and achieve success in their business ventures.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

Program Development and Management

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the YWomen Prosper Economic Empowerment Academy.
• Recruit, train, and manage program staff and volunteers
• Manage program budget, grants and resources effectively
• Implement and manage the business incubator model, ensuring it meets the needs of women entrepreneurs in the YWCA South Hampton Roads service area
• Design, implement, and manage entrepreneurship program strategies, initiatives and action plans
• Develop and coordinate mentoring and support services to enhance access and success for women-owned businesses
• Coordinate and facilitate workshops, seminars, and events for entrepreneurs

Program Evaluation and Improvement

• Establish and monitor performance evaluation goals for impact with clear, measurable targets aligned with program objectives
• Identify areas for program improvement and development
• Prepare reports and presentations on program activities and outcomes
• Report on program performance to the organization’s CEO and stakeholders

Programming and Access

• Design and deliver programming that supports the creation and growth of women-owned businesses
• Facilitate access to resources, networking opportunities, and business development tools
• Advocate for and assist with the incubation of new business ventures, focusing on increasing the number of women and BIPOC-owned businesses

Financial Management

• Manage program budget, including tracking expenses and ensuring funds are used effectively while ensuring financial accountability
• Report on financial and programmatic outcomes to grant funders and stakeholders
• Involvement in grant writing and fundraising

Networking and Outreach:

• In conjunction with the Development team, build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including funders, partners, and other organizations
• Promote the program and its activities to attract new participants
• Represent the program at events, meetings, and conferences

Race and Social Justice

• Commitment to YWCA SHR mission
• Demonstrate cultural competency and respect for diversity
• Provide leadership to YWCA SHR’s social justice initiatives by understanding how racism, sexism, gender inequity and other oppressions play out in institutions and systems

Additional Duties

• Adhere to all YWCA SHR policies and procedures
• Perform other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

We will consider exceptional candidates who demonstrate a strong combination of the specific qualifications and skills described below.

Minimum Requirements

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field (e.g., business, marketing, education) or equivalent experience
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in program management, preferably in economic empowerment or small business development
• Minimum of 1 year of prior managerial experience
• Experience working with women and BIPOC entrepreneurs is highly desirable
• Experience in grant writing and fundraising may be preferred

Other Requirements

• Must be 18 years of age
• Must complete the training programs of YWCA SHR
• Must complete a successful background check

Skills and Competencies

• Strong understanding of entrepreneurship and small business development
• Experience in working with entrepreneurs and small businesses
• Experience in program development, implementation, and evaluation
• Strategic thinker with effective planning, organizational, and project/time management skills
• Solid facilitation skills including reflective listening and conflict management
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills
• Capacity to develop and implement strategic plans
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Understanding of the core concepts related to all forms of racism, bias and oppression; white privilege and supremacy; and intersectionality
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel and social media platforms