The Center for Women & Enterprise (CWE) is an economic empowerment nonprofit founded in Boston in 1995 to lift up the women who lift up the world. CWE is home to the largest cluster of Women’s Business Centers in the country, covering Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. The Women’s Business Centers (WBCs) are funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration. At CWE, we believe that when women* thrive economically, families and communities also thrive, creating a more equitable and inclusive economy. To that end, CWE offers business services - training, individual business counseling, and community connections - that help women start and grow their businesses.
In addition to the Women’s Business Centers, CWE operates the Veterans Business Outreach Center of New England (VBOC of NE) and is a Regional Partner Organization of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC).
Over 50% of CWE’s service footprint is focused on low-income communities in urban and rural areas whose access to such services has historically been extremely limited. While our focus is on serving the needs of those who identify as women, we serve all genders. CWE is also home to the Veterans Business Outreach Center of New England and is a regional certifier for the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council.
*CWE defines a woman as anyone who identifies as such, regardless of assignment at birth. We welcome people of all genders, including non-binary and gender-nonconforming individuals, to participate in our programs and services.
Position Summary: The Client Experience Coordinator– WBENC New England supports the WBENC certification administration and program delivery across New England including Maine, Vermont, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and northern Connecticut. The incumbent will maintain and support a network of WBENC-certified businesses throughout New England; assist with the coordination of programs, events, and volunteers; and manage data and program compliance under the direction of the CWE Program Manager – WBENC, New England.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the following satisfactorily; other duties may be assigned.
Client Service
- Handle technical/customer service questions.
- Conduct WBENC Certification site visits as needed.
Data Management & Reporting
- Perform administrative functions i.e. data entry, meeting notes
- Handle confidential sensitive proprietary information to process WBENC & federal WOSB certification applications.
Program & Event Support
- Host pre-scripted monthly webinars.
- Attend and coordinate WBENC-related events (ie: networking events, webinars, meetings)
- Support recruitment, training, and coordination of volunteers.
- Support CWE-WBENC Director with corporate relations & event tasks as needed.
Outreach and Marketing
- Assist in managing outreach and marketing.
- Maintain strong ongoing communication with clients through various means and feedback mechanisms including surveys and newsletters.
Work with WBC Team & Partner Organizations
- Collaborate with CWE’s staff, volunteer committees, and external community groups to offer consistent programs collaboratively.
- Related duties as assigned
Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Education/Experience: Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university; or one to two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Previous experience supporting an executive with responsibilities that include writing, administrative tasks, interactions with stakeholders, employees and directors, and board members.
Language Ability: Read and interpret documents as assigned. Write routine reports and correspondence. Speak effectively before groups of clients or employees.
Mathematical Ability: Add, subtract, multiply, and divide into all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Compute rate, ratio, and percent, and draw and interpret bar graphs.
Reasoning Ability: Apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
Computer Skills:
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Video conferencing and webinar software i.e Zoom
- Customer Relationship Management tools (CRMs)
Certificates and Licenses:
- Must have and maintain a valid Driver’s License.
Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, walk, bend, and operate a vehicle. The employee is frequently required to type on a keyboard using hands to finger. They are required to handle, feel, talk, and hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand and move around for work. The employee must be able to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.
We strive to meet our clients where they are, which involves some evening and weekend hours. We prioritize self-care and encourage staff to work with their manager to set a schedule that works for the organization, for our clients, and for the employees, within a 40-hour work week.
This is a hybrid position. The role and time on the job are conducted online and in communities throughout CWE’s service area.
All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. CWE is unable to provide visa sponsorship.
COVID-19 Policies:
CWE continues to adapt to safety protocols related to COVID-19 as we understand them and as required by all state and federal agencies. For the safety of the community and our staff, we require all employees to be fully vaccinated (including booster) against COVID-19. Proof of vaccination or exemption for medical/religious reasons is required.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
The salary range for this position is $45,000 to $54,999, plus benefits. Benefits include mileage reimbursement, bereavement leave, health, and dental insurance (CWE contributes a percentage to health and dental cost), family leave, life insurance (CWE pays 100% of the cost), paid holidays, jury duty leave, and vacation benefits. At CWE, we are proud to offer employees the ability to work with their managers to create a flexible schedule that suits clients, staff, and our organization. Additionally, we have implemented a flex-time policy of 4 hours/week to provide employees with the additional support needed during this complicated time. This position is classified as full-time and exempt.
The Center for Women & Enterprise celebrates diversity and equal opportunity. We are committed to intentional actions and relationships that sustainably advance the IDEAS framework: Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Access and Social Justice. These principles inform our hiring practices and our company culture. More information is available on our website.
To Apply:
Send a thoughtful cover letter and resume to Kimberly Zouzoua, Vice President Strategic Partnerships, at kzouzoua@cweonline.org . Application materials are due by March 31, 2023.
Location: Rhode Island residency required
The Center for Women & Enterprise (CWE) is an economic empowerment nonprofit founded in Boston in 1995 to lift up the women who lift up the world. CWE is home to the largest cluster of Women’s Business Centers in the country, covering Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. The Women’s Business Centers are funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration. At CWE, we believe that when women* thrive economically, families and communities also thrive, creating a more equitable and inclusive economy. To that end, CWE offers business services - training, individual business counseling, and community connections - that help women start and grow their businesses.
In addition to the Women’s Business Centers, CWE operates the Veterans Business Outreach Center of New England (VBOC of NE) and is a Regional Partner Organization of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC).
Over 50% of CWE’s service footprint is focused on low-income communities in urban and rural areas whose access to such services have historically been extremely limited. While our focus is on serving the needs of those who identify as women, we serve all genders. CWE is also home to the Veterans Business Outreach Center of New England and is a regional certifier for the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council.
*CWE defines a woman as anyone who identifies as such, regardless of assignment at birth. We welcome people of all genders, including non-binary and gender nonconforming individuals, to participate in our programs and services.
Position Summary: In our next chapter, CWE is committed to being New England’s most trusted and impactful resource for women entrepreneurs. As Director, you will oversee one of CWE’s Women’s Business Centers (WBCs). You are responsible for the overall management and growth of your WBC, working in partnership with your fellow WBC Directors for the strength of the network. You will help our team improve, standardize and streamline operations across our sites in alignment with CWE’s mission, vision and strategic plan. Reporting to CWE’s VP of Program Operations, you will keep the WBC in excellent standing with key partners such as the Small Business Administration, through strong communication and programmatic impact.
You’ll be tuned in to the needs of your region’s small business owners to oversee the offering of relevant programs and counseling experiences that will empower business owners to affect substantial economic impact in their communities, as measured by successful business start-ups, job creation and retention, and increased company revenues. Additionally, you will be actively involved in national initiatives that focus on women’s entrepreneurship and the Women’s Business Center program from the Office of Women’s Business Ownership (OWBO) and the Association of Women’s Business Centers (AWBC).
Working in close partnership with CWE’s VP of Strategic Partnerships and VP of Program Operations, you’ll communicate the great work of your center with funders and provide thought leadership in the field of economic development and entrepreneurship education. You will expand and deepen programming partnerships with community and economic development organizations across your region. In collaboration with your colleagues across New England, you will have a consistent focus on creating programs and relationships that allow the center to be more accessible, equitable, and supportive.
As Director, you’ll have the support and daily involvement of one full-time staff member whom you will be responsible for hiring, coaching, and managing. The Program Coordinator is a permanent position; the Program Manager – Community Navigators is a temporary position, funded through the December 2023. Our service model relies heavily on volunteers and contracted consultants, who offer workshops on specialized topics and/or work with clients one-on-one on topics such as business planning. These talented individuals add to the bandwidth of the CWE staff. Core consultants help to identify needs among our clients and develop content to help meet those needs.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the following satisfactorily; other duties may be assigned.
Ensure operational excellence
- Establish, implement, and maintain operational protocol within your center to maximize efficiency and effectiveness.
- Manage your center’s budget to ensure that expenses are in line with local and organizational strategy.
- Understand and ensure compliance with governing documents such as CWE Standard Operating Procedures, and the federal Notice of Award and Project Guide.
- Ensure that grant deliverables are met or exceeded and that all information needed for reporting is submitted in a timely manner.
- Work with program staff to ensure program quality.
- Recommend new programs to address changing client needs and economic conditions.
Volunteer engagement and management
- Recruit, manage, and cultivate an Advisory Board of community volunteers for your center. This is a group of volunteers who meet quarterly to support the Director in developing and executing on the vision for the center. Advisory Board members are often entrepreneurs or people who support entrepreneurs, such as bankers and local economic development officials. They can help make connections in the community, identify areas that could be strengthened, and often volunteer to support our clients.
- Build out and manage a team of Core Consultants and volunteers who deliver counseling and training to our clients. Ensure all volunteers receive consistent onboarding, which includes familiarization with a feminist approach to business development.
Be a leader in the entrepreneurial ecosystem for your region's WBC
- In conjunction with our team, create and teach innovative programs in entrepreneurship and small business ownership.
- Work directly with clients through individual business counseling and instruction, including helping them to package their financials to approach an investor or lender.
- Ensure each client has a high quality and relevant experience each time they work with CWE.
- Speak on state, regional, and national webinars/panels on the needs of women entrepreneurs and best practices in serving women entrepreneurs.
- Collaborate deeply with the other CWE center directors, sharing best practices, troubleshooting, and pooling resources.
- Collaborate closely with the VP of Strategic Partnerships and the Director of Grants & Data to identify local funding prospects and build relationships with community leaders, influencers and funders.
- Via participation in the Association of Women’s Business Centers (AWBC), collaborate with your WBC colleagues from across the country to share best practices and problem-solve.
- Proactively engage and collaborate with people and organizations throughout the entrepreneurial ecosystem of your Center’s service area.
Competencies: To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following.
- Business Acumen - Understands business implications of decisions; displays orientation to profitability; demonstrates knowledge of market and competition; aligns work with strategic goals.
- Communications - Expresses ideas and thoughts verbally; expresses ideas and thoughts in written form; exhibits good listening and comprehension; keeps others adequately informed; selects and uses appropriate communication methods.
- Diversity - Demonstrates knowledge of EEO policy; shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; educates others on the value of diversity; promotes a harassment-free environment; builds a diverse workforce.
- Ethics - Treats people with respect; keeps commitments; inspires the trust of others; works with integrity and principles; upholds organizational values.
- Job Knowledge - Competent in required job skills and knowledge; exhibits ability to learn and apply new skills; keeps abreast of current developments; requires minimal supervision; displays understanding of how job relates to others; uses resources effectively.
- Professionalism- Approaches others in a tactful manner; reacts well under pressure; treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; accepts responsibility for own actions; follows through on commitments.
- Organizational Support - Follows policies and procedures; completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; supports organization's goals and values; benefits organization through outside activities; supports affirmative action and respects diversity.
Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function.
Education/Experience: Bachelor's degree from four-year college or university; or one to two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Language Ability: Read and interpret documents as assigned. Write routine reports and correspondence. Speak effectively before groups of clients or employees.
Mathematical Ability: Add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals. Compute rate, ratio and percent, and draw and interpret bar graphs.
Reasoning Ability: Apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
Computer Skills
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Video conferencing and webinar software i.e. Zoom
- Customer Relationship Management tools (CRMs)
Certificates and Licenses:
- Must have and maintain a valid Driver’s License.
Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, walk, bend and operate a vehicle. The employee is frequently required to type on a keyboard using hands to finger. They are required to handle, feel, talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand and move around for work. The employee must be able to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.
We strive to meet our clients where they are, which involves some evening and weekend hours. We prioritize self-care and encourage staff to work with their manager to set a schedule that works for the organization, for our clients and for the employees, within a 40-hour work week.
This is a hybrid position. The role and time on the job is conducted online and in communities throughout Rhode Island.
Between you and your team, you will ensure that Rhode Island is served, which will include some travel within the region, when the health situation permits. Virtual engagements can take the place of in-person events where appropriate.
All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. CWE is unable to provide visa sponsorship.
COVID-19 Policies:
CWE continues to adapt to safety protocols related to COVID-19 as we understand them and as required by all state and federal agencies. For the safety of the community and our staff, we require all employees to be fully vaccinated (including booster) against COVID-19. Proof of vaccination or exemption for medical/religious reasons is required.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
The salary range for this position is $70,000 to $79,999, plus benefits. Benefits include mileage reimbursement, bereavement leave, health and dental insurance (CWE contributes a percentage to health and dental cost), family leave, life insurance (CWE pays 100% of the cost), paid holidays, jury duty leave, and vacation benefits. At CWE, we are proud to offer employees the ability to work with their managers to create a flexible schedule that suits clients, staff, and our organization. Additionally, we have implemented a flex time policy of 4 hours/week to provide employees with the additional support needed during this complicated time. This position is classified as full-time, and exempt.
The Center for Women & Enterprise celebrates diversity and equal opportunity. We are committed to intentional actions and relationships that sustainably advance the IDEAS framework: Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Access and Social Justice. These principles inform our hiring practices and our company culture. More information is available on our website.
To Apply:
Send a thoughtful cover letter and resume to Michelle Miller, VP of Program Operations, at mmiller@cweonline.org. Application materials are due by March 30, 2023.