About Seedco:

Seedco is a $60+ million national nonprofit organization that works with local partners to create economic opportunities for disadvantaged job seekers, workers and neighborhood entrepreneurs. Seedco uses practical, effective strategies to address the challenges confronting Americans who are struggling to leave poverty and achieve economic progress. Working on these issues for more than two decades, Seedco is a leader in implementing innovative, multi-partner initiatives that foster financial advancement and security.

Position Overview:

Seedco requires a highly motivated individual to direct our NYC Business Solutions, Lower Manhattan Center. One of three such centers operated by Seedco under a performance-based contract with the Department of Small Business Services,  the Lower Manhattan Center serves over 5,000 small businesses and entrepreneurs each year with a goal of selling or providing outcome-focused services that help entrepreneurs and small businesses start, operate and expand. Services include: launching businesses, finding financing, providing recruitment services, certifying businesses for M/WBE and pre-applying for training funds. Seedco operates numerous innovative sector-specific programs to meet these goals. The Director will oversee all Center operations and participate in developing strategy and implementing other initiatives, such as partnering with Seedco Financial Services, Seedco’s Upper Manhattan and Washington Heights NYC Business Solutions Centers, the Upper Manhattan Worforkce1 Career Center, and other stakeholders, on a range of community economic development and small/medium-sized business recruitment priorities.

Responsibilities:

• Supervising 9 staff charged with serving the financing, launch, certification and recruitment needs of small and medium-sized businesses while enabling staff to meet monthly individual and team goals;
• Managing logistics of a competitive performance-based contract, to ensure successful achievement of annual sales targets and outcomes;
• Conducting assessments of Center, partner and subcontractor performance on an ongoing basis and developing corrective action plans when needed to continuously improve outcomes;
• Facilitating relationships with key DSBS staff and leadership;
• Represent Center at high profile events and meetings;
• Developing strategy with Seedco executives and specifying short-term, intermediate and long-term project outcomes;
• Developing, marketing and implementing innovative business-focused Center initiatives and a core suite of services
• Developing and maintaining relationships with a range of key project partners and subcontractors;
• Coordinating intensively with the Director of NYC Business Solutions, Upper Manhattan and Washington Heights Centers, as well as managers at Seedco’s Workforce1 Career Center;
• Preparing management reports; and,
• Directing ongoing research to improve services.

Qualifications:

• Passion for community economic development and serving the wide ranging needs of small and medium-sized businesses
• Graduate degree required, MBA or MPA preferred
• At least 5+ years of relevant management experience, preferably with a team of seven or more
• Demonstrated leadership skills with helping a team hit targets, troubleshooting through challenging situations, coaching, etc
• Experience in managing complex programs, multiple staff and constantly competing priorities
• Experience working with small businesses, community-based organizations, community groups and/or government programs a must
• Demonstrated knowledge of small business assistance and business support in New York City required; working knowledge of Lower Manhattan a plus
• Excellent organization skills and attention to detail, and have the ability to work effectively under pressure in both a team setting and individually 
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Ability to work individually and in a team environment
• Excellent written and oral presentation skills
• Experience with direct sales a plus;
• Uses data to make decisions and set strategy
• Ability to provide an inspiring vision to a team, even when the vision is created by external stakeholders;
• Public speaking experience; and
• Experience diffusing challenging situations/ upset customers.

Compensation: 

Salary is commensurate with experience.  Full benefits package is offered.

Seedco is an Equal Opportunity employer. Personnel are chosen on the basis of ability without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, marital status or sexual orientation, in accordance with federal and state law.

How to Apply:

Forward resume and cover letter with salary history in MS Word format to: jobopenings@seedco.org.  You must put “Director, NYC Business Solutions, LMC (Ref#10-48)” in the subject line of the e-mail in order for it to be processed.  E-mailing your resume is preferable to fax.