Agency Background

Established in 1988, The Dominican Women’s Development Center (DWDC) stands as the epicenter of women, children, youth, and family-focused activity in the upper Manhattan communities. A non-profit membership organization, The Dominican Women’s Development Center’s mission is to empower women and families to advance gender equality and social justice. To this end, DWDC has developed a matrix of program services that include; Anti- Domestic Violence, Educational Development, a Home-based early head start Program, a Health Promotion Program, and a Day Care.

DWDC stand by our clients by giving them the power to realize their personal and business financial goals and help make their financial lives better. If you join our team, we’ll count on you to advise and guide Washington Heights/Inwood [WH/I (NDA D12)] small community businesses when they need us most – whether they’re just starting, expanding, or managing the day-to-day. We’re looking for an Economic Development Program Director with passion and drive a team to provide comprehensive financial solutions to our small business. The Program Director and the team will be empowered to deliver the full spectrum of business and personal financial solutions to meet our client’s needs and help make their financial lives better.

• Position: Economic Development Program Director Status: Full Time
• Salary: $70,000
• Expected Start Date: ASAP
• Duration of Contract: June 2025

The Economic Development Director has a multi-faceted role within the DWDC. The Program Director is responsible for developing and delivering relevant quality services focused on all aspects of small business development to DWDC’s clients to achieve optimal economic impact outcomes. The Director will be responsible for implementing bilingual entrepreneurial services to small business clients in Washington Heights. The Economic Development Program will target low-income communities [WH/I (NDA D12)] and provide strategies that address the needs of and support business development. Heavy focus is on existing and potential new businesses (retail, food, service, auto repair, light manufacturing) eager to stabilize and grow.

Position Description:

Among the activities that Economic Development Program Director is responsible for developing and delivering are:

• Direct implementation of Economic Development Program activities.
• One-on-one business counseling and assistance to small business clients on launching, managing, and growing their businesses, from marketing and sales to accessing capital, technology integration, and business planning at every stage.
• Help businesses and start-ups create simple but thorough business and marketing plans to guide their growth and help them become loan- and grant-ready.
• Monitor and support clients’ progress in implementing strategies to improve their operations and overcome constraints; help them pivot, evaluate results and connect to critical resources.
• Creatively deliver small business training and workshops
• Conduct outreach to engage and deliver one-on-one business counseling and assistance.
• Supervise Economic Development Program Staff
• Commitment to Implement Agencies Mission and Principles
• Participate actively in Organization and Community Sponsored Events.
• Assist in mobilizing Program participants to actively participate in organization and community sponsored events.
• Other duties as assigned

Key knowledge areas include business start-ups, marketing, finance, accounting, access to capital from traditional and nontraditional sources, and other topics. The Economic Development Director will also engage clients, volunteers, and the community. This position is a crucial contributor for enhancing and maintaining a small business in Washington Heights/Inwood [WH/I (NDA D12)]

QUALIFICATIONS:

• College degree in business administration, economics, or related field
• Minimum of 5 years professional experience in business or financial management
• Proficiency in Spanish required
• Experience as a business owner or advising small businesses required
• Demonstrated experience designing and delivering training and coaching to adults
• Skilled in MS Office.
• Strong communication skills.
• Motivated, resourceful, organized, and with good judgment.
• Committed to serving multi-ethnic communities that are majority immigrant or BIPOC

To apply:

Email your resume and cover letter to [email protected]