Program Manager, Urban Main Streets

Program Manager, Urban Main Streets

SB Works

SB Works is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to advancing equitable economic development by protecting and promoting the contributions of small businesses and the character of the communities they serve. We believe that thriving commercial corridors are essential to strong, inclusive neighborhoods: places where long-standing residents, immigrant entrepreneurs, and community-serving organizations can build wealth, connections, and shared prosperity.

Our programs support local small business communities through culturally responsive, place-based strategies, including specialized training, on-demand advising, experienced consultants, subsidized physical improvements, and community-centered project management.

About the Organization

Founded in 2015, SB Works was created to support small business growth and neighborhood revitalization in Washington, DC: particularly in communities that have experienced historic disinvestment and systemic barriers to opportunity. Drawing on best practices from urban Main Street programs across the country, SB Works works in partnership with residents, entrepreneurs, and local institutions to strengthen neighborhood-scale economies.

Since its founding, SB Works has driven more than $10 million in investment across Washington, DC, with a strong focus on Wards 4 and 5, serving hundreds of small businesses—many of them owned by people of color, immigrants, and women. In addition to its local impact, SB Works’ leadership supports community development organizations throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.

SB Works currently manages the Upper Georgia Avenue Main Street and North Capitol Main Street programs, supporting businesses and community engagement along:

Georgia Avenue between Missouri Avenue and Eastern Avenue (Maryland border), and

North Capitol Street between Florida Avenue and Rhode Island Avenue, including the Bloomingdale commercial district.

About the Role

Reporting to the Executive Director, The Program Manager, Urban Main Streets plays a key role in advancing SB Works’ commitment to inclusive, community-led economic development. This is a highly visible, relationship-driven position that centers trust-building with small business owners, residents, and neighborhood partners.

The Program Manager serves as a primary point of contact for corridor stakeholders, conducts intentional outreach to ensure equitable access to programs and resources, plans and executes inclusive community events, and manages additional projects aligned with neighborhood priorities. This role is well-suited for someone who values lived experience, collaboration, and place-based work.

Key Responsibilities

Upper Georgia Avenue Program Management

Maintain a strong and consistent presence in the Upper Georgia Avenue commercial corridor by visiting businesses, engaging entrepreneurs, and attending community events

Plan, coordinate, and promote inclusive, accessible events that strengthen community relationships and support local businesses, with the goal of increasing sales, visibility, and reinvestment in the corridor

Develop and implement a social media strategy that reflects the diversity of corridor businesses and helps drive foot traffic and community pride

Convene and support committees of business owners and resident volunteers—ensuring diverse representation—to guide program priorities and decision-making

Evaluate programs using surveys, feedback, and other tools to ensure continuous learning and responsiveness to community needs

Small and Local Business Program Development

Support and manage small business assistance projects across Washington, DC, with an equity lens, including:

• • Marketing and branding support for small and micro-businesses
  • Business planning and technical assistance
  • Coordination of physical improvements and construction projects
  • Navigation of regulatory and permitting processes, with attention to reducing barriers for under-resourced entrepreneurs

Additional Organizational Support

Contribute to cross-organizational initiatives and evolving priorities outlined in SB Works’ strategic plan, particularly those advancing racial, economic, and neighborhood equity.

Required Skills and Experience

SB Works values a range of professional and lived experiences and encourages candidates whose backgrounds align with the communities we serve to apply.

Experience

Bachelor’s degree preferred but not required; relevant lived, community, or professional experience will be strongly considered.

Knowledge of Washington, DC neighborhoods and familiarity with DC government agencies is highly valued.

Skills & Competencies

Demonstrated cultural humility and the ability to work effectively with people from diverse racial, ethnic, linguistic, and socio-economic backgrounds.

Experience or strong interest in one or more of the following:

• • Equitable economic or neighborhood development
  • Small business support or entrepreneurship
  • Program or project management
  • Community engagement or organizing
  • Volunteer management
  • Event planning
  • Marketing and communications

Strong relationship-building and customer-service skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and respectfully with stakeholders across identities and experiences.

Ability to work independently in a community-based setting while aligning with organizational strategy, goals, and budgets.

Comfort using social media platforms; familiarity with Adobe Acrobat, Asana, and Canva preferred.

Experience with Mailchimp, Wix, and electronic newsletters is a plus.

Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to adapt in a dynamic, people-centered environment.

Application Details

Posting Date: January 13, 2026

Application Deadline: Friday, February 6, 2026

Compensation: $60,000 annually (up to $70,000 based on skills and experience)

Location: Primarily based in Washington, DC, with regular on-site work along Georgia Avenue; some remote work possible

Schedule: Flexible, generally centered on 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.; includes occasional evening meetings and weekend events

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Early applications are encouraged.

To apply, please email your resume and cover letter to jobs@sbworksdc.org. Questions may also be directed to this address.

Equal Opportunity Statement

SB Works is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. We strongly encourage applications from people of color, women, immigrants, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and others who have been historically underrepresented in community development and nonprofit leadership.