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Programs Director

HOW TO APPLY:

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume as a single PDF via Indeed by 11:59pm EST December 27, 2024.

This position is anticipated to start in February 2025.

SALARY RANGE: $80,000 – $90,000 a year
Full-time, Hybrid 

ORGANIZATION SUMMARY

Ascender is a vibrant nonprofit in East Liberty dedicated to shaping Pittsburgh’s future economy and its people through entrepreneurship. Guided by our founder-focused approach, we deliver innovative educational programs, mentorship and expert coaching, incubation, and a collaborative opportunity hub community.

Entrepreneurship takes many forms. We proudly work with early-stage tech, non-tech, and tech-enabled companies led by dedicated and diverse founders—defined across race, gender, age, and industry. Equity is central to everything we do, driving decisions that create an inclusive, supportive environment where all members can thrive.

Many organizations say they are a fast-paced, tech-enabled, and highly effective team. We mean it. Our team is a group of problem-solvers, self-starters, adapters, independent/team learners, and critical thinkers— all driven by a mission: helping people build lasting companies.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Ascender seeks a Programs Director to serve as a key leader and strategic partner to the CEO, ensuring all programming initiatives align with Ascender’s mission of empowering entrepreneurs. This role oversees the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of all programs while leading a dynamic team of Program Coordinators and contractors to execute Ascender’s overall vision.

At Ascender, we believe in a founder-focused approach: entrepreneurs are not just companies to us—they are people. The Programs Director will champion this philosophy by balancing the humanity of entrepreneurship with the technical expertise and resources required to help founders thrive. This includes building direct relationships with the entrepreneurs we serve and ensuring they gain access to everything Ascender offers, including programming, mentorship/coaching, facilities, and hands-on support.

In addition to programmatic leadership, the Programs Director will represent Ascender at local and regional events, forge strategic partnerships, and drive operational excellence in service to Pittsburgh’s entrepreneurial community. This position will evolve to focus more on strategic leadership, program innovation, and stakeholder engagement, with operational and team management responsibilities transitioning to other staff.

With team expansion planned by the end of 2025, the Programs Director’s focus will shift toward strategic priorities and high-level program oversight as operational duties transition to new staff.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership

  • Partner with the CEO to define programmatic priorities, shape vision, and develop strategies for long-term impact.
  • Lead the program coordinators and contractors to deliver innovative, high-quality entrepreneurial programs that align with Ascender’s mission.
  • Forge and sustain strategic partnerships with community organizations, government entities, and private sector stakeholders to enhance Ascender’s offerings and broaden its impact.

Program Development & Execution

  • Oversee the design and delivery of scalable, equity-focused programs that meet entrepreneurs where they are and support growth at all stages.
  • Drive innovation by designing and implementing new educational and opportunity offerings that address emerging trends in entrepreneurship, including creating new Boot Camps, workshops, and enhanced mentorship access.
  • Guide their team in curating Ascender’s mentorship pool, developing digital educational resources, and maintaining a robust resource library for members.
  • Establish accountability through clear metrics, regular reporting, and data-driven strategies for continuous improvement.
  • Support incubator portfolio companies in their journey to becoming viable, revenue-generating businesses by offering office hours, connecting them to other experts as part of the the programming we design and implement.

Operational Excellence

  • Lead the team in refining workflows, processes, and systems for effective program delivery and evaluation. Collaborate with Entrepreneurs-in-Residence (EIRs) to monitor incubator companies’ progress and define actionable next steps.
  • Manage program budgets to ensure financial efficiency and quality outcomes.
  • Oversee the preparation of quarterly and annual reports detailing Ascender’s activities, outcomes, and impact across programs and events.
  • Lead the team in organizing and executing major programming events, including networking opportunities and workshops.
  • Leverage HubSpot CRM to effectively manage and document stakeholder relationships, ensuring seamless communication and engagement.
  • Collaborate with the CEO and Operations Director to support program goals with funding initiatives by providing programmatic insights, data, and compelling impact stories for grant proposals, campaigns, and funder communication.
  • Support donor stewardship and fundraising efforts by participating in funder meetings, contributing to proposals, reports, and representing programs during site visits, events, and campaigns.

Team Leadership & Development

  • Supervise and mentor program coordinators (full-time staff) and contractors ensuring alignment of tasks and professional growth.
  • Promote a collaborative and high-performing team culture, fostering innovation, inclusion, and a shared commitment to Ascender’s values.
  • Lead intern recruitment and management to enhance program capacity.
  • Recruit and vet mentors, experts, and stakeholders to strengthen Ascender’s programming base and ensure entrepreneurs have access to high-quality resources.

Community Engagement & Representation

  • Represent Ascender at community events, fostering relationships with entrepreneurs and stakeholders.
  • Actively identify and respond to gaps in entrepreneurial services, positioning Ascender as a thought leader in the region.
  • Maintain a pulse on entrepreneurial needs and deliver responsive services, such as access to financial advisors or specific expertise for founders.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Strong commitment to entrepreneurship and innovation in the Pittsburgh Region.
  • Strong commitment to equity and innovation in supporting an expansive definition of entrepreneurship.
  • Bachelor’s degree plus a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in nonprofit leadership, program management, entrepreneurship or related field.
  • Demonstrated success in leading teams and executing strategic goals in fast-paced environments.
  • Experience managing multi-program portfolios with measurable success metrics.
  • Tech-savvy, with proficiency in Google Workspace, and the ability to learn CRM systems (HubSpot preferred), and event management tools.
  • Strong problem-solver focused on process improvement and organization sustainability.
  • Highly functioning administrator who is proactive and able to self-manage, prioritize work assignments across departments and from multiple individuals, and manage multiple deadlines and projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to handle communications tactfully and professionally.
  • A team player with the ability to contribute to a positive, productive, open, and supportive environment that motivates everyone to perform at their best.

BENEFITS

  • Flexible hybrid work schedule: this position can work up to 2 days remotely per week.
  • Ascender pays for 100% medical, dental, and vision benefits via UPMC.
  • Generous PTO, including 10 vacation days, 5 sick days, 11 holidays, and paid weeklong office closures for summer and winter breaks.
  • Annual professional development stipend.
  • Monthly cell phone reimbursement.
  • Paid parental and medical leave.
  • 401k with employer match after the first year of employment.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT
Ascender is an equal-opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, ancestry, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital or family status, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, pregnancy or caregiver status, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.
Studies have shown that women, trans, nonbinary folks, and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every single one of the qualifications as described in a job description. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organization and are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job and the team. If you think you would be a good fit for the role, we encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of the qualifications described.

SCHEDULE:

Monday to Friday

Ability to Commute:

Pittsburgh, PA 15206 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

Pittsburgh, PA 15206: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Pittsburgh, PA 15206.