AVP of Entrepreneurship

AVP of Entrepreneurship Job Tracking ID : 512956-903751 Job Level : Any Job Type : Full-Time/Regular Date Updated : 10/20/2025 Years of Experience : Not Applicable Starting Date : 12/31/2025 Job Description Job Title: AVP of Entrepreneurial Services Department: Entrepreneurial Services Reports to: Vice President of Programs Position Supervised: Business Advisors, Certification & Outreach Specialists, Financial Advisor, Program Manager, Coordinators and Navigators Employment Class: Exempt Workdays: Monday - Friday (Some weekends based on programming needs) Customary Hours: 8:30am - 5:00pm (Addt’l hours based on agency &programmingneeds) Travel: 30% across the City of Columbus and 18 Counties being served under the Central Ohio Region Minority Business Assistance Center footprint; additional travel to conferences will also be required. Position Summary The Associate Vice President (AVP) of Entrepreneurial Services and Regional Director of the Columbus MBAC is a critical leadership role at the Columbus Urban League, responsible for overseeing the strategy, operations, and management of the Entrepreneurial Services Division and the Columbus MBAC. This position requires a dynamic leader with a strong background in entrepreneurship, business development, and community engagement, who will play a key role in driving the mission of the Columbus Urban League to close the wealth gap and uplift the community through targeted entrepreneurial support. Duties & Responsibilities 1. Strategic Leadership: - Oversee the strategic direction and operational management of the Entrepreneurial Services Division and Columbus MBAC. - Serve as a key advisor to the senior leadership team on matters related to entrepreneurship and minority business assistance. - Develop and implement policies and procedures to ensure the effective and efficient operation of the division and MBAC. 2. Team Management: - Lead and manage a diverse team of staff members, setting clear goals and objectives. - Provide guidance, support, and mentorship to team members, fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration. - Conduct performance evaluations and support the professional development of staff. 3. Program Development and Execution: - Develop and implement strategic plans to achieve the goals and objectives of the Entrepreneurial Services Division and Columbus MBAC. - Identify and pursue new business opportunities, partnerships, and funding sources that align with the organization’s mission and goals. - Ensure that all programs and services are aligned with the needs of the community and deliver measurable outcomes. 4. Financial Management: - Develop and manage budgets for the Entrepreneurial Services Division and Columbus MBAC, ensuring responsible stewardship of resources. - Monitor financial performance, identify areas for improvement, and implement corrective actions as necessary. - Ensure compliance with all grant requirements and reporting obligations. 5. Community Engagement and Representation: - Represent the Columbus Urban League at local, regional, and national meetings and events, advocating for the needs of minority entrepreneurs and small businesses. - Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders, including government agencies, business leaders, and community organizations. - Promote the organization’s programs and services, increasing visibility and impact within the community. 6. Industry Knowledge and Innovation: - Stay informed about industry trends, developments, and best practices in entrepreneurship and minority business development. - Identify opportunities for innovation and continuous improvement within the Entrepreneurial Services Division and Columbus MBAC. - In conjunction with senior leadership, position the Columbus Urban League as a leader in minority business assistance and entrepreneurial support. Additional duties as assigned. Experience and Skills Job Requirements Education and Experience: 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 functions. Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Entrepreneurship, Economic Development, or a related field preferred. Leadership Experience: Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in a senior leadership role within entrepreneurship, small business development, or economic development, ideally with experience in nonprofit or community-focused organizations. Entrepreneurial Expertise: Proven track record of successfully developing and managing entrepreneurship programs or initiatives, including experience in business planning, startup development, and scaling businesses. Community Engagement: Experience working with diverse communities, with a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by underrepresented entrepreneurs. Strategic Planning: Demonstrated ability to develop and implement strategic plans that drive growth and sustainability in entrepreneurship programs. Fundraising & Grant Management: Experience in securing and managing funding from various sources, including grants, donations, and partnerships. Financial Acumen: Strong financial management skills, including budgeting, financial analysis, and reporting. Skills: Leadership & Team Management: Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire, mentor, and manage a diverse team. Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively advocate for the organization and its mission. Collaboration & Networking: Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders, including community leaders, business owners, government agencies, and funders. Innovation & Problem-Solving: Strong problem-solving skills with a focus on innovation and adaptability in program development and execution. Cultural Competency: Deep understanding and respect for cultural diversity, with the ability to create inclusive programs and services. Ability to read and speak English proficiently. Bilingual preferred, but not required. Personal Attributes: Mission-Driven: Passionate about economic empowerment and committed to advancing the mission of the Columbus Urban League. Integrity & Accountability: Demonstrates a high level of integrity, ethical behavior, and accountability in all actions. Resilience: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple priorities effectively. Visionary: Ability to think strategically and creatively to drive long-term success in entrepreneurship services. 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. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, and see. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to low. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.