What are the responsibilities and job description for the Economic Development Program Manager position at Central Alabama Redevelopment Alliance?
LinkedIn Job Posting Version - Economic Development Program Manager | CARA | Driving Impact
About the Organization
The Central Alabama Redevelopment Alliance (CARA) is a statewide economic development organization committed to strengthening communities by increasing capacity for small businesses, nonprofits, and municipalities.
CARA’s mission is to increase economic development capacity for urban and rural communities, existing micro and small businesses, and community stakeholders by providing professional education and capacity-building programs that create long-term sustainability.
Through accelerator programs, capital readiness initiatives, and strategic partnerships, CARA works to ensure that families and communities can flourish economically.
About the Role
The Economic Development Program Manager serves as a direct extension of CARA’s mission—translating strategy into execution that strengthens the economic stability of families across Alabama.
This role is responsible for leading and managing programs that connect businesses and nonprofits to financial capital, human capital, and social capital. The Program Manager ensures that every initiative delivers measurable outcomes tied to revenue growth, job creation, and increased access to capital.
Who You Serve (Your “Client”)
In this role, your “clients” are the individuals and organizations CARA exists to support:
- Micro and Small Business Owners seeking growth, capital access, and sustainability
- Nonprofit Leaders building capacity and community impact
- Community Stakeholders & Municipal Leaders working to improve economic readiness
- Entrepreneurs navigating early-stage and growth-stage challenges
- Families who benefit from stronger businesses, increased employment, and local investment
Your work directly contributes to strengthening the economic foundation of households and communities.
Purpose of the Role
The Economic Development Program Manager exists to:
- Execute programs that increase business revenue, job creation, and capital investment
- Build systems that connect people to the right resources at the right time
- Serve as a bridge between strategy and real-world economic impact
- Ensure that CARA’s programs do not just operate—but produce measurable transformation
What You’ll Do
- Lead execution of accelerator programs, workshops, and community-based initiatives
- Manage participant pipelines from outreach to completion
- Coordinate strategic partners (chambers, lenders, universities, state agencies)
- Oversee program logistics, timelines, and participant experience
- Track performance metrics and produce impact reports
- Ensure alignment between program delivery and economic outcomes
- Continuously improve programs based on feedback and data
What Success Looks Like
- Programs delivered with excellence, consistency, and professionalism
- High participant engagement, retention, and satisfaction
- Measurable increases in:
- Business revenue
- Job creation
- Capital access
- Nonprofit capacity
- Strong, data-driven reporting that demonstrates ROI to funders and partners
- Scalable systems that support CARA’s statewide growth
Who You Are
- Highly organized and execution-driven
- A strong communicator and relationship builder
- Passionate about economic development and community impact
- Able to manage multiple priorities with precision and excellence
- Comfortable working in both strategic and hands-on environments
- Driven by outcomes—not just activity
Why This Role Matters
This is more than a program management role.
This position directly contributes to economic mobility, business sustainability, and community transformation across Alabama. Your work will help ensure that businesses grow, nonprofits thrive, and families experience greater financial stability.
Apply
- Join us in strengthening businesses, nonprofits, and communities across Alabama—and be part of building an ecosystem where families can flourish.