Program Manager – Veterans Business Outreach Center of New England (VBOC of NE) and Rural Programs at CWE

Location: Flexible, with the ability to travel occasionally to locations throughout New England upon request. This is a hybrid position, with work to be conducted on-site as needed and on request.

Department: Direct Services

Reports To: Director, VBOC of NE

FLSA Status: Full time; Exempt

The Veterans Business Outreach Center of New England (VBOC of NE), operated by the Center for Women & Enterprise (CWE), is a valuable resource that supports veteran entrepreneurs. This center serves military-affiliated individuals in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and Connecticut. Additionally, the VBOC of NE offers entrepreneurial training opportunities to military-affiliated individuals both nationally and overseas through specialized programming that leverages staff expertise and federal resources, thereby enhancing the veteran entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The VBOC of NE plays a crucial role in assisting veteran entrepreneurs by providing services such as business consulting, training, access to capital, networking opportunities, government contracting assistance, and referral services. These resources empower veterans to overcome challenges and succeed in their entrepreneurial pursuits.

In addition to the VBOC of NE, CWE also operates five Women’s Business Centers (WBCs) and serves as a Regional Partner Organization of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). These services work in concert under CWE’s umbrella to effectively support entrepreneurs.

Position Summary: CWE and the VBOC of New England are dedicated to being the most trusted and impactful resource for women and veteran entrepreneurs in the region. As the Program Manager, you will play a vital role in providing comprehensive services to both audiences—women and veteran entrepreneurs located in rural areas. In this position, you will represent our rural programs funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Your responsibilities will include conducting intake, answering basic business questions, and referring entrepreneurs to the programs and resources that meet their needs. This role supports CWE’s regional infrastructure across New England and addresses the specific needs of rural entrepreneurs and the VBOC of New England.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the following satisfactorily; other duties may be assigned.

Client Service

• Leads programming, outreach, and client support – remotely and where required, in person. This includes:
• Facilitating Boots to Business and B2B Reboot for Farmers and Ranchers in collaboration with USDA and VBOC partners.
• Providing individualized business advising focused on agricultural business planning, market strategy, and financial readiness.
• Leading follow-on training programs such as Farm Business Builder and other USDA-funded technical assistance initiatives.
• Provide intake and regular service for clients: listen to their needs; triage and recommend appropriate support
• Offer guidance and up-to-date information to clients through direct consultations, referrals to VBOC consultants, and access to CWE programs, certification, and procurement opportunities
• Maintain client relationships by following up with clients about their needs and progress and informing them of upcoming programs

Data Management, Reporting and Client Insights

• • Support the rollout, and piloting of client surveys, feedback tools, and needs assessments in collaboration with the Impact & Learning (I&L) team, providing feedback on usability and effectiveness
  • Ensure data entered in Neoserra and Salesforce is complete, consistent, and aligned with data collection protocols, while managing these client data tools to collect, enter, and validate client and program data for accuracy
  • Identify trends and patterns in client feedback, sharing observations and client stories during reflection sessions and quarterly reviews to inform internal learning efforts and program improvements.
  • Collaborate with the Impact & Learning team to connect field insights to analysis, and ensure quality reporting of client activity, including timely documentation submissions with consultants.
  • Monitor and evaluate program impact using USDA, CWE and SBA performance metrics.
  • Coordinate reporting and deliverables with the Director to support compliance and program success.
  • Support ongoing needs across CWE related to reports and meetings with funders, as well as client impact surveys and needs assessments.

Plan & Support Programming

• In partnership with the Direct Service team, plan and staff programs
• Monitor class and consultation activity to ensure high-quality service delivery, serving as a point person for the administration of programs
• Host or attend 1 to 4 in-person activities each quarter, while collaborating with the VBOC Director to determine the exact number needed for each quarter.

Outreach & Marketing

• • Engage in rural outreach to veteran and beginning farmer audiences through state partners, USDA offices, and farm organizations.
• Within VBOC brand guidelines and templates, create and manage communication and marketing material to expand outreach and increase client base
• Utilize VBOC of NE’s social media channels and MailerLite system to conduct this work staying within guidelines, in coordination with the VP of Technology, Operations and Marketing

Work with Partner Organizations

• Support CWE and VBOC of NE’s relationship with U.S. Small Business Administration and other funders; assist with necessary reporting
• Represent CWE and VBOC of NE internally and externally to stakeholders
• Refer clients to community organizations where appropriate

Supervisory Responsibilities: This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

Competencies: To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following.

• Communications - Expresses ideas and thoughts verbally; expresses ideas and thoughts in written form; exhibits good listening and comprehension; keeps others adequately informed; selects and uses appropriate communication methods.
• Customer Service - Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; responds promptly to customer needs; solicits customer feedback to improve service; responds to requests for service and assistance; meets commitments.
• Diversity - Demonstrates knowledge of EEO policy; shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; educates others on the value of diversity; promotes a harassment-free environment; builds a diverse workforce.
• Job Knowledge - Competent in required job skills and knowledge; exhibits ability to learn and apply new skills; keeps abreast of current developments; requires minimal supervision; displays understanding of how job relates to others; uses resources effectively.
• Learning Orientation – Engages in reflection and continuous improvement; values data as a tool to strengthen impact and effectiveness.
• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions; works well in group problem solving situations; uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
• Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; reacts well under pressure; treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; accepts responsibility for own actions; follows through on commitments.
• Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; looks for ways to improve and promote quality; applies feedback to improve performance; monitors own work to ensure quality.
• Shared values – Identifies with and embodies CWE’s values in all aspects of work.

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 function.

Education/Experience: Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university; or one to two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. At least two years of professional experience, preferably including work with a small business.

Language Ability: Read and interpret documents as assigned. Write routine reports and correspondence. Speak effectively before groups of clients or employees.

Mathematical Ability: Add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals. Compute rate, ratio and percent, and draw and interpret bar graphs.

Reasoning Ability: Apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

Computer Skills:

• Microsoft Office Suite
• Video conferencing and webinar software i.e. Zoom
• Customer Relationship Management tools (CRMs)
• Constant Contact or MailerLite

Visual: The employee is required to routinely read documents and reports for understanding, write such reports, utilize the computer for the creation of graphics, marketing materials, and social media content. Color, size, and shape distinctions are integral to the position.

Nature and Purpose of Public Contact: Relationships with co-workers, service recipients, funders, and other members of the public. These involve frequent explanation, discussion or interpretation of practices, procedures, regulations, or guidelines to render service, plan or coordinate work efforts, or resolve operating problems. More than ordinary courtesy, tact, and diplomacy may be required.

Certificates and Licenses: Required to have and maintain a valid Driver's License.