The Executive Director of weVENTURE Women's Business Center (WBC) is responsible for the strategic management of the WBC program, including programmatic oversight, staff management, grant and financial management and compliance reporting. The Executive Director is responsible for resource development to secure private investment, non-federal grants, and program income as required to match the federal WBC grant, as well as additional funding necessary for the successful operation of the program. As a community service program of Florida Tech, the Executive Director is responsible for leading outreach and communications to attract new clients, investors, and community partners. The position works closely with the Dean of the College of Business, the Florida Tech office of sponsored programs, advancement team and the office of external affairs.

Executive Director of weVENTURE Women's Business Center (WBC)

Operational management and strategic leadership of the WBC program, including SBA grant management, extensive program offerings, education and fundraising events.

• Reports to the Dean of the College of Business
• Provides vision and strategic leadership of the weVENTURE WBC program
  • Creates and implements a strategic plan in conjunction with the Dean and weVENTURE WBC advisory board.
  • Creates and implements an annual program plan and event schedule in conjunction with weVENTURE WBC staff and University Events and Protocol team
  • Cultivates weVENTURE WBC program offerings, including business education, training, mentorship and leadership development programs.
• Oversees the budget, all financial and compliance reporting for the weVENTURE WBC program and awarded grants
• Responsible for securing adequate funding for sustainable operation of the weVENTURE WBC program.
  • Creates and implements an annual fundraising plan in conjunction with the Dean, Office of Advancement and the weVENTURE WBC advisory board.
  • Oversees grant management and reporting for the SBA WBC grant
  • Pursues new grants, private investment opportunities, and fundraising initiatives, while growing program income.
  • Builds and enhances strategic relationships with major donors and community funding partners.
  • Works closely with the Florida Tech office of advancement and follows protocols as required to ensure accurate, coordinated and timely donor relations.
• Supervises, sets performance goals and develops evaluation, feedback processes, and professional development opportunities for the weVENTURE Program Directors, coaches and staff.

Business development and community engagement, with a focus on partnerships and key stakeholders interested in supporting weVENTURE WBC as an entrepreneurship center of excellence. Engage with regional small business community and work with like-minded organizations to promote strategic partnerships that further the University strategic plan and create sustainable program operations.

• Develops, implements and maintains a strategic marketing plan, in conjunction with the university communications and external affairs, to promote services and build positive community brand for weVENTURE WBC and Florida Tech
• Engages in local, state and regional business organizations, associations, and conferences to strengthen program brand and business development opportunities.
• Interfaces and promotes strong relationship building with key stakeholders inclusive of personnel; clients; donors; Advisory Board Members; Florida Tech administration; local, state and federal administrators; and the community at large.
• Represents Florida Tech as a public speaker at community functions and purposeful networking events
• Promotes strategic collaborations with the private sector and Florida Tech to leverage research and funding opportunities.
• Promotes advocacy on behalf of weVENTURE WBC and works with like-minded organizations to promote strategic partnerships to further the WBC’s mission.
• Interfaces with the Association of Women’s Business Centers (AWBC) and participates in education and training offerings, attends the annual conference, volunteers on committees or serves on the National Board
• Promotes strategic collaborations with other programs and departments at Florida Tech

Qualifications:

• M.A/M.S/MBA or higher degree in business administration, non-profit management, organizational leadership or related fields
• Strong, effective written and verbal communication skills necessary
• Experience fostering relationships with community partners is necessary
• Strong strategic planning and implementation skills are necessary
• Fundraising experience is necessary
• Experience supervising staff, implementing evaluation processes, and maintaining budgets strongly preferred
• Knowledge of entrepreneurship and new business development, preferred
• Experience as a previous business owner, entrepreneur, preferred
• Experience in communications and community engagement, preferred
• Experience in budgeting and utilizing accepted accounting principles and practices
• Financial management experience, including P&L management and strategic budgeting
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, basic computer functions