Manager of Training and Client Development for Central Nebraska

Company Description

The Nebraska Enterprise Fund (NEF) is dedicated to fostering sustainable growth for small businesses across Nebraska and Southwest Iowa. As a Community Development Financial Institution, NEF provides cash-flow financing along with business development services, training, and mentoring, primarily supporting underserved communities. With a revolving loan fund exceeding $35 million, NEF serves a diverse range of businesses. The organization is committed to building a thriving ecosystem for small enterprises to succeed and grow.

Job Overview

The Director of Client Development & Training leads statewide efforts to prepare entrepreneurs for access to capital by ensuring high-quality, consistent client services and training programs. This role oversees client development operations, staff performance, training delivery, systems management, and marketing initiatives. The Director is responsible for building scalable processes, strengthening client readiness for lending, and expanding NEF’s impact through education, outreach, and strategic program execution.

Client Development & Loan Readiness Strategy Key Responsibilities

• Lead NEF’s statewide client development strategy, ensuring entrepreneurs are effectively prepared to become loan-ready.
• Oversee the full loan preparation process, ensuring clients complete all required documentation, including; Government-issued identification and EIN verification, Business plans, Two years of personal and/or business tax returns, Use-of-funds statements (Excel-based), Financial projections (Excel-based), Personal budgets.
• Ensure established businesses (6 months) provide accurate profit and loss statements and balance sheets.
• Ensure partnership-based businesses have proper operating agreements in place.
• Provide direct guidance to clients on business plans, financial projections, and funding readiness.
• Conduct annual site visits with clients to assess progress and provide technical assistance.
• Maintain strong relationships with business owners, partners, and community stakeholders.
• Serve as NEF’s lead administrator and subject matter expert for GrowthWheel.
• Oversee client tracking, data management, and system utilization across the organization.
• Train staff and ensure consistent, effective use of GrowthWheel for client engagement and reporting.

Team Leadership & Performance Management Key Responsibilites

• Supervise and develop Client Development team members across Nebraska.
• Establish performance expectations, monitor outcomes, and ensure consistent service delivery statewide.
• Conduct regular one-on-one meetings, coaching sessions, and performance evaluations.
• Build team capacity through training, mentorship, and professional development.
• Develop and implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to improve efficiency and scalability.
• Identify opportunities to enhance client experience, team performance, and program delivery.
• Support organizational goals by aligning client development and training efforts with NEF’s mission.

Marketing & Outreach Strategy Key Responsibilities

• Oversee marketing strategy for NEF programs, trainings, and events.
• Drive outreach efforts to increase engagement with entrepreneurs and underserved communities.
• Ensure messaging aligns with NEF’s mission and statewide impact goals.

Event Leadership Key Responsibilities

• Lead planning and execution of major NEF events, including:
• Startup to Success
• Small Business Cinco de Mayo Event
• Small Business Juneteenth Event
• Oversee event strategy, partnerships, logistics, and promotion to maximize attendance and impact.

Experience

• Proven experience in curriculum development, instructional design, and adult education methodologies with a strong understanding of training & development best practices.
• Extensive classroom experience combined with excellent presentation skills for delivering engaging training sessions.
• Skilled in program management with the ability to coordinate multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail.
• Exceptional communication skills with the ability to convey complex concepts clearly through technical writing and public speaking engagements.
• Knowledge of change management strategies and conflict management techniques to support organizational growth initiatives effectively.
• Join us in shaping a future where learning fuels success! We’re dedicated to fostering an environment where your expertise makes a tangible impact on our people and clients alike—empowering growth through innovative training solutions and strategic client development initiatives.