Overview:
The Women’s Opportunities Resource Center (WORC), a pioneering organization founded in 1993, seeks a dynamic and visionary Executive Director (ED) to lead its mission of enabling low-income individuals, primarily women and their families, to achieve financial self-sufficiency. WORC integrates business lending, self-employment training, and incentive saving into an asset-building approach. The organization, based in Philadelphia and serving surrounding counties, is a certified U.S. Treasury Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and Small Business Administration (SBA) Microloan Intermediary and 7(a) lender. WORC has received numerous awards including the 2001 Presidential Award for Excellence in Microenterprise Development: Poverty Alleviation, from the U.S. Dept of Treasury.
The incoming ED will drive the organization's strategic initiatives, foster partnerships, and ensure the delivery of high-quality programs, with a heavy initial focus on enhancing internal operations. This role is pivotal as WORC enters a new growth stage, with a comprehensive FY24-28 Strategic Plan guiding the way. The ED will work closely with the organization's founder, who will stay on as Executive Chair of the Board, the Board of Directors, the management team, and key external stakeholders.
About the Women’s Opportunities Resource Center
WORC serves approximately 600 low-income individuals and families annually, focusing on women, immigrants/refugees, and people of color in Philadelphia and the surrounding counties. The organization operates with an annual budget of ~$2.1 million, a dedicated team of 10 staff members, 5 professional consultants, a 6-member Board of Directors, and a Loan Advisory Council.
Candidate Profile:
Ideal candidates for the Executive Director (ED) position at WORC are seasoned leaders with over eight years of experience in community development, particularly within financial institutions or related non-profits; an understanding of Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) is preferred. Highly desirable candidates will have at least four years of executive leadership experience, adeptly managing teams of 10+ staff members, and possess a proven track record in operations, fundraising, business development, and strategic planning/execution. With a post-secondary or master’s degree in a relevant field, or equivalent professional experience, favorable candidates will have strong financial acumen, a shared leadership approach to management, high EQ, and exceptional communication skills. They are proven relationship builders, able to foster meaningful connections with diverse stakeholders, and are committed to driving organizational growth and impact for underserved communities. The ideal candidate is also well-versed in navigating regulatory landscapes and market trends, with a passion for promoting financial self-sufficiency among low-income individuals and families.
Professional Characteristics: Required / Desired Skills
Key Responsibilities:
Compensation:
Salary range: $125,000-$140,000 annually, plus benefits aligned with nonprofit industry standards.
Organizational Information:
The Executive Director of the Women’s Opportunities Resource Center will report to an independent member of the Board of Directors, which is composed of six dedicated members, including key stakeholders and members of the Loan Advisory Council. The organization’s President and Founder, upon the selection and onboarding of a new Executive Director, will become Executive Chair of the Board, to ensure a smooth transition and ongoing focus on funder relations, board development, policy, and strategy. The ED will have five direct reports: the Director of Lending, the Director of Programs and Partnerships, the Director of Finance and Administration, the Director of Development and an Administrative/Executive Assistant
Relevant Financial Information:
The Women’s Opportunities Resource Center operates with an annual budget of approximately $2.1 million, supporting its mission to foster financial self-sufficiency among low-income individuals, primarily women and their families. WORC is funded through a combination of grants, public contracts, donations, and revenue generated from its business lending programs. As a certified U.S. Treasury Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and Small Business Administration (SBA) Microloan Intermediary and 7a., WORC leverages these designations to secure diverse funding sources, ensuring robust financial support for its comprehensive asset-building approach. This financial foundation enables WORC to serve around 600 individuals and families annually across Philadelphia and the surrounding counties.
Service Area / Industry Information:
The Women’s Opportunities Resource Center primarily serves low-income individuals and families, focusing on women, immigrants/refugees, and people of color in Philadelphia and the surrounding counties of Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery. As a key player in community development and the Community Development Financial Institution Field, WORC integrates business lending, self-employment training, and incentive saving into a holistic asset-building approach.
Notes / Additional Information:
The incoming Executive Director will be stepping into a pivotal role. The new ED will have the unique opportunity to absorb valuable organizational knowledge and work collaboratively with the President and Founder who will transition to Executive Board Chair in April 2025 to ensure a seamless leadership transition. WORC recently completed its FY24-28 Strategic Plan, providing a clear blueprint for programmatic growth, fundraising, and organizational development. The strategic plan is available upon request and will serve as a critical guide for the incoming ED to drive the organization's future success. The search committee, comprising key Board members and Loan Advisory Council Members, is dedicated to identifying a candidate who embodies the vision and values of WORC, ensuring sustained impact and growth.
Application Process:
Email your resume to Monica Wildes at worc@diverseforce.com by 9/27/2024. This is the final date for applications. Please disregard dates noted elsewhere on the job site. Confirmation of receipt of application will be sent by return email. Virtual screening with preferred candidates will be arranged forthwith. No phone calls, please.
Overview:
The Women’s Opportunities Resource Center (WORC), a pioneering organization founded in 1993, seeks a dynamic and visionary Executive Director (ED) to lead its mission of enabling low-income individuals, primarily women and their families, to achieve financial self-sufficiency. WORC integrates business lending, self-employment training, and incentive saving into an asset-building approach. The organization, based in Philadelphia and serving surrounding counties, is a certified U.S. Treasury Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and Small Business Administration (SBA) Microloan Intermediary and 7(a) lender. WORC has received numerous awards including the 2001 Presidential Award for Excellence in Microenterprise Development: Poverty Alleviation, from the U.S. Dept of Treasury.
The incoming ED will drive the organization's strategic initiatives, foster partnerships, and ensure the delivery of high-quality programs, with a…