Director, US Entrepreneurship

About Winrock International

Building on the legacy of its founder, Governor Winthrop Rockefeller, Winrock International's US Programs team is dedicated to entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial ecosystem development and investment in the region. With a decade of experience in rural and community development, and a broad portfolio of entrepreneurship projects including the Arkansas Women’s Business Center, state-level business incubators, and local investments, Winrock is poised to expand its role as a backbone organization for economic development.

The Role: Director, US Entrepreneurship

Reporting to the Senior Director of U.S. Programs, the Director of US Entrepreneurship will spearhead the strategy, technical direction, program management, and compliance oversight for the Entrepreneurship team. This role is crucial for representing US Programs and Winrock externally, upholding organizational values, and developing new business strategies to foster economic growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Programmatic Leadership & Strategy: Provide strategic direction for entrepreneurship programming in the Delta region (Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Missouri), craft an updated value proposition, champion innovation, and integrate data for continuous improvement.
• Funder Engagement & Funding Development: Lead a diversified fundraising and partnership strategy, cultivate relationships with foundations and government agencies, drive new business development, and oversee compelling proposals and donor communications.
• Financial Oversight: Manage financial planning, budgeting, and monitoring to ensure fiscal responsibility and sustainability, tracking performance against funder and organizational expectations.
• Team Supervising & Coaching: Provide inclusive leadership, recruit, mentor, and develop a high-performing team, fostering teamwork, accountability, and professional fulfillment.
• Cross-Team & Winrock Liaison: Serve as the primary representative of the Entrepreneurship team, build strategic relationships, monitor industry trends, and ensure key project outcomes are leveraged for maximum benefit.

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of U.S. entrepreneurship systems, particularly in economic and rural development within the Delta states.
• Broad partnership development experience and deep industry relationships with nonprofits, government agencies, funders, and the private sector.
• Proven experience leading and growing diverse teams, including remote staff.
• Expertise in financial management, including extensive budget development and management.
• Deep understanding of the U.S. funding landscape, with demonstrated success in securing diverse funding streams.
• Demonstrated sector thought leadership.
• Candidates must be based in Arkansas or willing to relocate to Arkansas, with the ability to work from the Northwest Arkansas office 2-3 days per week.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience required; Master’s Degree preferred.
• At least 10 years of relevant experience.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $140,000–$160,000, depending on skills and relevant experience.
• Winrock offers a strong benefits package.