Vice President of Programming
14 days ago
Atlanta
Job Description Job Title: Vice President, Programming - (BIG IDEAS) FLSA Status: Exempt Reports to: President & CEO Department: Programming ABOUT RICE The Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE) is the largest center in the country dedicated exclusively to developing, growing, and scaling Black businesses. Rooted in the legacy of Herman J. Russell, RICE is more than a place—it’s a powerful community, a platform, and a movement. We equip entrepreneurs with access, opportunity, and exposure to build wealth, create jobs, and drive economic mobility. POSITION SUMMARY The Vice President of Programming is a visionary and execution-focused leader responsible for designing, managing, and scaling RICE’s suite of transformative programs. From our Big IDEAS Incubator to our Retail Academy, Supply Chain Accelerator, and beyond, this role is central to ensuring programmatic excellence, measurable impact, and a powerful Stakeholder experience. This role leads a dynamic team, collaborate with faculty and partners, and bring an entrepreneurial mindset to everything you do. This is not just a role, it’s a mission. You will shape the trajectory of hundreds of entrepreneurs and help redefine what’s possible for Black-owned businesses across the region and beyond. RESPONSIBILITIES & ESSENTIAL DUTIES Program Leadership & Execution • Oversee the strategy, execution, and impact of all RICE core programs: Big IDEAS, Retail Academy, Supply Chain Accelerator, Capital Readiness, FUNDamentals, and others., • Ensure seamless program delivery, alignment to mission, and a high-touch, high-quality experience for every Stakeholder., • Facilitate workshops and cohort sessions as needed, bringing energy, insight, and relevance to every engagement. Strategic Planning & Operations • Develop and manage annual programming calendar in alignment with RICE’s strategic goals., • Establish program continuity, performance benchmarks, and standardized operating procedures., • Monitor KPIs and ensure the effective use of metrics to evaluate program success and inform future strategy. Stakeholder Experience • Collaborate across departments to maintain a best-in-class entrepreneurial journey for RICE Stakeholders., • Ensure integration of coaching, mentorship, training, and network access into each program., • Capture feedback loops and build systems for continuous improvement. Team Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration • Lead and mentor a high-performing program team; support professional development and performance., • Partner with Development, MarComms and Operations teams to align programming with funder requirements, communications, and ecosystem-building., • Cultivate relationships with faculty, facilitators, and institutional partners to enhance curriculum and experiences. Innovation & Growth • Identify emerging needs in the entrepreneurial landscape and build responsive, innovative programs., • Stay informed on trends in accelerators, incubators, and business education to position RICE as a national model., • 10+ years of leadership in program development, innovation, or entrepreneurial support (preferably in nonprofit, education, or startup ecosystems)., • Proven track record launching and scaling cohort-based or accelerator-style programming., • Lived experience as an entrepreneur or firsthand experience supporting early-stage and growth-stage businesses., • Ability to navigate the complexity, urgency, and ambition of the founder journey., • Polished, authentic communicator with presence and passion., • Experience leading workshops, speaking publicly, or teaching in culturally diverse environments., • Experience managing budgets, teams, and complex timelines without losing sight of the human experience., • Strong project management and system-thinking skills to coordinate across departments and partners., • Deep understanding of the historical and systemic challenges facing Black entrepreneurs—and a demonstrated commitment to racial and economic equity., • Authentic leadership style rooted in cultural humility, empathy, and community empowerment., • Proficiency in leveraging digital tools like Salesforce, HubSpot, LMS platforms, or virtual delivery tools (Zoom, Miro, etc.), • Fluent in translating insights into action through KPIs, dashboards, and strategic reporting. WHAT WILL MAKE YOU MOST COMPETITIVE • Entrepreneurial Acumen: You’ve started a business, worked in a startup, or walked closely with founders—you understand the mindset, the hustle, and the uncertainty entrepreneurs face every day., • Program Design & Delivery: You’ve successfully built, launched, or scaled accelerator or cohort-based programs, ideally in nonprofit, innovation, or business development settings., • Operational Excellence: You bring experience managing complex projects, balancing program logistics with strategic oversight, and aligning multiple moving parts toward a common goal., • Facilitation & Engagement: You’re a dynamic communicator with experience leading workshops, teaching, or coaching in a way that’s energizing, authentic, and practical., • Data-Driven Decision Making: You understand how to track outcomes, gather feedback, and use metrics to drive continuous improvement., • Cultural Competency: You’ve served or partnered with communities of color—especially Black entrepreneurs—and understand the unique systemic barriers and opportunities they face., • Tech Fluency: You’re comfortable using CRM tools (like Salesforce), learning management systems, or virtual facilitation platforms to enhance program delivery and tracking., • Team Leadership: You’ve led high-performing teams with clarity, empathy, and accountability—and you know how to mentor talent while keeping the mission front and center. COMPENSATION & BENEFITS • Salary Range: $135,000 – $150,000 annually (based on experience and qualifications), • 100% employer-paid health, dental, vision, and life insurance, • Generous PTO and paid holidays, • Professional development opportunities, • Access to a vibrant network of entrepreneurs, leaders, and change-makers