Executive Director

Background

The mission of WORC is to promote social and economic self-sufficiency primarily for economically disadvantaged women and their families. WORC provides entrepreneurial training, individual business assistance, incentive savings programs, and access to business and financial resources. WORC empowers its constituents through various self-help strategies including savings, a self-employment network, and access to its local and national affiliations. Additionally, WORC encourages community awareness and responsiveness concerning issues impacting economic equity and independence.

WORC serves approximately 600 low-income individuals and families annually, focusing on women, immigrants/refugees, and people of color in Philadelphia and the surrounding counties. The organization operates with an annual budget of ~$2.1 million, a dedicated team of 10 staff members, 5 professional consultants, a 6-member Board of Directors, and a Loan Advisory Council.

Summary

The Women’s Opportunities Resource Center (WORC), a pioneering organization founded in 1993, seeks a dynamic and visionary Executive Director (ED) to lead its mission of enabling low-income individuals, primarily women and their families, to achieve financial self-sufficiency. WORC integrates business lending, self-employment training, and incentive saving into an asset-building approach. The organization, based in Philadelphia and serving surrounding counties, is a certified U.S. Treasury Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and Small Business Administration (SBA) Microloan Intermediary and 7(a) lender. WORC has received numerous awards including the 2001 Presidential Award for Excellence in Microenterprise Development: Poverty Alleviation, from the U.S. Dept. of Treasury.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Partner with the Board of Directors to advance WORC’s mission and strategic direction, including program development, program evaluation, community engagement, fundraising, and fiscal and organizational management.
• Advise the Board on the development of strategic and operational plans including industry trends, regulatory updates, and economic policies affecting the organization and local markets.
• Communicate effectively with the Board, providing timely and accurate information for informed decision-making.

Operational Oversight

• Provide leadership and be responsible for day-to-day operations including mentoring the management team to support staff in programs, fundraising, financial management, and compliance.
• Collaborate with the management team to establish policies, deliver updates, and uphold governance practices to mitigate operational risks.

Fundraising and Development

• Cultivate relationships with diverse funders and organizations to achieve successful fundraising outcomes, focusing on identifying and securing new revenue sources.
• Oversee business development efforts, identify new growth opportunities, and advocate for the interests of small businesses and low-income individuals in underserved communities.
• Work with the Executive Board Chair and the Board of Directors to increase private funding.

Community and Stakeholder Engagement

• Develop trusted partnerships with community and business leaders, government officials, and social service agencies.
• Represent WORC’s mission and values in the community, engaging effectively with stakeholders, including city officials, funders, and media.

Organizational Development

• Attract, retain, and develop high-performing staff to execute the organization’s strategy.
• Create an intentional and sustainable internal culture by fostering personal connections with staff and inspiring them in their daily work.
• Promote a culture of growth, collaboration, and innovation.

Financial Management

• Provide strong financial stewardship, overseeing budget development and securing funding.
• Foster strategic financial partnerships and optimize banking relationships.

Requirements

Ideal candidates for the Executive Director (ED) position at WORC are seasoned leaders with over eight years of experience in community development, particularly within financial institutions or related non-profits; an understanding of Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) is preferred. Highly desirable candidates will have at least four years of executive leadership experience, adeptly managing teams of 10+ staff members, and possess a proven track record in operations, fundraising, business development, and strategic planning/execution.  With a post-secondary or master’s degree in a relevant field, or equivalent professional experience, favorable candidates will have strong financial acumen, a shared leadership approach to management, high EQ, and exceptional communication skills. They are proven relationship builders, able to foster meaningful connections with diverse stakeholders, and are committed to driving organizational growth and impact for underserved communities. The ideal candidate is also well-versed in navigating regulatory landscapes and market trends, with a passion for promoting financial self-sufficiency among low-income individuals and families.

Professional Characteristics

• Demonstrated ability to inspire and lead teams, operationalize the organization’s strategic direction, and drive organizational growth and impact.
• Extensive experience in community development, preferably within financial institutions or non-profit organizations focused on economic development, asset building, and financial inclusion.
• Proven track record in executive leadership, managing middle management, and leading organizations with a staff of 10 or more.
• Experience overseeing and enhancing day-to-day operations- including developing and implementing strategic and operational plans and SMART goals.
• Skill in cultivating relationships with funders, identifying and securing new revenue sources, and achieving successful fundraising outcomes.
• Strong understanding of financial services, budgeting, financial management, operations, and compliance within community and economic development contexts. Experience in Savings and Loan Policies and Processes.
• Experience leading with an equity lens, ensuring innovative approaches to access to capital and promoting inclusive growth.
• Exceptional skills in fostering trusting and meaningful relationships with staff, board members, donors, stakeholders, partners, and peers.
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities, capable of preparing and presenting information to diverse audiences.
• Willingness to be available for nights and weekends to attend community events, conferences, and networking opportunities, with approximately 30% local travel required.

Compensation and Benefits

$125,000-$140,000 annually, plus benefits aligned with nonprofit industry standards.

How to Apply

Email your resume to Monica Wildes  by 9/27/2024. This is the final date for applications. Please disregard dates noted elsewhere on the job site. Confirmation of receipt of application will be sent by return email. Virtual screening with preferred candidates will be arranged forthwith. No phone calls, please. Please visit to see the full position profile: https://www.diverseforce.com/opportunities