The New York City Department of Small Business Services (SBS) is a dynamic, client-centered agency whose mission is to serve New York’s small businesses, jobseekers and commercial districts. SBS makes it easier for companies in New York City to start, operate, and expand by providing direct assistance to business owners, supporting commercial districts, promoting financial and economic opportunity among minority- and women-owned businesses, preparing New Yorkers for jobs, and linking employers with a skilled and qualified workforce. SBS continues to reach for higher professional standards through innovative systems, new approaches to government, and a strong focus on its employees.

The Executive Director of Capital Access & Center Operations will oversee two portfolios within the Division of Business Services at SBS. The Capital Access portfolio includes the design, implementation, and management of funds intended to increase access to funding options for underserved NYC small businesses. The Center Operations portfolio includes oversight of 7 Business Solutions Centers and 9 Industrial Business Service Providers. Together, these programs serve approximately 10,000 NYC small business owners and entrepreneurs each year. The Executive Director will oversee a team of at least 8 SBS staff and 50+ vendor staff.

Roles and Responsibilities:

- Directly manage 2 Directors (Director of Capital Access and Director of Center Operations) and support them to manage their teams to deliver results for small businesses
- Analyze services provided through existing programs and conduct market assessments to propose data-driven program improvements
- Propose specific initiatives, programs, and products that will help NYC businesses access capital (e.g., develop new financial products) by presenting compelling business case to SBS leadership
- Oversee launch of new funds to meet gaps in access to capital for underserved NYC small businesses
- Ensure all vendors are meeting contractual goals; analyze, revise and communicate annual goals to vendors
- Develop relationships with local financial institutions to understand current product offerings and common challenges in serving small businesses
- Lead RFP issuance, contract negotiations and renewals; oversee other required procurement activities
- Support Executive office and Assistant Commissioner to secure funding for new products
- Use quantitative, qualitative, and best practice research to inform the creation of new policies and practices
- Analyze and document current policies and processes, and develop necessary revisions
- Synthesize complex information into presentations and reports for various audiences
- Respond to time-sensitive requests from City Hall, SBS Executive Staff, elected officials, press, and the public
- Other projects, responsibilities, and tasks as assigned

1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university, accredited by regional, national, professional or specialized agencies recognized as accrediting bodies by the U. S. Secretary of Education and by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and four years of satisfactory, full-time community liaison, community organization or community relations experience, at least two years of which must have been in a broad administrative or policy-making capacity with responsibility for planning, organizing, coordinating, developing, evaluating and/or administering a large community service program or activity; or
2. A four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent approved by a State's Department of Education or a recognized accrediting organization and eight years of satisfactory, full-time experience as described in "1" above, at least two years of which must have been in a broad administrative or policy-making capacity with responsibilities as described in "1" above; or
3. Education and/or experience equivalent to "1" or "2" above. Undergraduate education above the high school level may be substituted for the community liaison, community organization or community relations experience, but not for the two years of broad administrative or policy-making experience described in "1" above, at the rate of 30 semester credits from an accredited college or university (as described above) for each year of experience, up to a maximum of 4 years. Graduate education beyond the baccalaureate degree may be substituted for the community liaison, community organization or community relations experience, but not for the two years of broad administrative or policy-making experience described in "1" above, on the basis of 30 graduate credits from an accredited college or university (as described above) for each year of experience, up to a maximum of 2 years. However, all candidates must possess a four-year high school diploma or its educational
equivalent approved by a State’s Department of Education or a recognized accrediting organization and two years of full-time experience in a broad administrative or policy-making capacity with responsibilities as described in "1" above.

- At least 5 years of professional experience: including project management, program development, and experience managing a team - Knowledge and experience with small business lending and small business development - Experience working for or with Community Development Financial Institutions or other relevant financing organizations - A master’s degree and/or a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college with a major in business administration, public administration, urban planning, economics, urban affairs, marketing research, finance, data science, computer and information sciences, mathematics and statistics, or political science - Proven track record of delivering results in a fast-paced, demanding work environment - Ability to work within cross-organizational multi-disciplinary teams - Excellent written and oral communications skills - Experience using customer relationship management tools or other database systems in order to track and manage services and outcomes desired - Excellent interpersonal, organizational, strategic thinking and quantitative/qualitative skills - Experience working with City procurement

This position is also open to qualified persons with a disability who are eligible for the 55-a Program. Please indicate at the top of your resume and cover letter that you would like to be considered for the position through the 55-a Program.

As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/

New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with the agency representative at the time of interview.

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.