Summary
Description
About WIBO
Workshop in Business Opportunities (WIBO), founded in 1966, is a pioneering nonprofit advancing economic equity through entrepreneurship. Our flagship 16-week workshop and vibrant alumni community have helped launch and grow over 18,000 businesses—primarily among historically underserved populations. Rooted in a legacy of innovation and service, WIBO empowers entrepreneurs to build wealth and transform communities.
Our mission is clear and enduring: to empower entrepreneurs to achieve financial independence by launching, operating, and scaling businesses that fuel economic mobility, create jobs, and strengthen local communities.
Position Overview
WIBO is seeking a bold, entrepreneurial Executive Director (ED) who thrives on rolling up their sleeves, embracing challenges head-on, and delivering results. This role is tailor-made for a leader with grit, heart, and an unwavering belief in the transformative power of entrepreneurship.
The ED will drive strategic growth, re-energize stakeholder engagement, and champion operational excellence in service of economic equity. This is not a desk-bound position—it’s for a hands-on, action-oriented leader ready to build systems, cultivate relationships, and elevate WIBO’s reach and impact.
The Opportunity
We’re seeking a mission-driven, strategic, and visionary Executive Director (ED) to lead WIBO into its next chapter. The ED will serve as chief strategist, fundraiser, relationship-builder, and operational leader—preserving our legacy while advancing growth, impact, and digital innovation.
This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of inclusive entrepreneurship in New York City and beyond.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
● Lead and implement a multi-year strategic plan aligned with WIBO’s mission
● Represent WIBO externally to expand visibility and partnerships
● Foster a high-performing, inclusive organizational culture
Fundraising & Development
● Drive a multi-stream fundraising strategy (grants, donors, sponsorships, earned income)
● Cultivate strong relationships with funders who believe in impact-driven entrepreneurship
● Ensure the organization consistently meets or exceeds its financial goals
Program Oversight & Innovation
● Lead modernization of WIBO’s programs to meet today’s entrepreneurial needs
● Scale program delivery through digital platforms and expanded access
● Continuously improve programming through evaluation and innovation
Operations & Team Management
● Build infrastructure that supports scalability and operational excellence
● Lead, coach, and develop a team of staff and consultants
● Oversee HR, finance, CRM systems, and volunteer management
Community & Stakeholder Engagement
● Mobilize WIBO’s powerful alumni network to grow community engagement
● Establish impactful partnerships with grassroots organizations and business leaders
● Partner with the Board and Advisory Board in governance and fundraising
Fiscal Stewardship
● Lead budget creation aligned with mission and strategic goals
● Oversee financial management and long-term sustainability planning
● Prepare and present clear financial reports and lead audit preparation
Ideal Candidate Profile
You bring:
● 7+ years in nonprofit, startup, or social enterprise leadership
● Track record of building things from the ground up—and making them thrive
● Proven fundraising success and ability to inspire investment in a mission
● Relentless commitment to economic justice and empowering entrepreneurs
● Experience with digital learning, program innovation, or curriculum design (preferred)
● Fearless communicator with strong public speaking and writing skills
Core Strengths:
● Visionary Leadership
● Operational Excellence
● Fundraising Strategy
● Community Building
● Emotional Intelligence
● Inclusive Management
