Director, US Entrepreneurship

POSITION TITLE: Director, US Entrepreneurship

LOCATION: Northwest Arkansas

UNIT: US Programs

BACKGROUND:

Building on the legacy of Winrock’s founder, Governor Winthrop Rockefeller, and his clear and enduring vision of economic transformation for Arkansas, Winrock International’s US Programs team has prioritized entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial ecosystem development & investment into the region. For over a decade, Winrock has led extensive implementation of projects aimed at rural and community development, as well as a broad and innovative portfolio of entrepreneurship projects. These include the Arkansas Women’s Business Center, state level business incubators and accelerators, and investments into local and regional business development, managed in deep collaboration with philanthropic, state, and regional funders.

Winrock aims to further develop our entrepreneurship ecosystem support and offerings, growing our role as a backbone organization to support investment and economic development across the Delta region. With the starting point being our home state of Arkansas, we are looking for a locally based leader to join our team to lead a new chapter of Winrock’s entrepreneurship offerings. We are seeking a visionary, seasoned, and passionate leader, with a deep interest in seeing the Delta region grow and thrive, to join us as Winrock’s new Director for US Entrepreneurship.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Senior Director of U.S. Programs, the Director of US Entrepreneurship leads the entrepreneurship and economic development strategy for US Programs’ Entrepreneurship team, including technical direction, program and staff management, and compliance oversight. The role provides programmatic direction, represents US Programs and Winrock externally, upholds organizational values, and develops the team’s new business strategy in partnership with the Senior Director and organizational counterparts.

DESCRIPTION:

Programmatic Leadership & Strategy

• Provide strategic direction to advance entrepreneurship programming in the Delta region, with a particular focus on Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi, as well as Alabama, Tennessee, and Missouri.
• Guide the entrepreneurship team in crafting an updated value proposition, leveraging Winrock’s wins and successes to date, while identifying new opportunities for impact in the communities we serve.
• Champion innovation, systems learning, and collaboration to drive field leadership and impact.
• Integrate data, outcomes, and partner feedback into continuous program and strategy improvement.

Funder Engagement & Funding Development

• Lead a robust, diversified fundraising and partnership strategy to sustain and grow US entrepreneurship work, with a specific emphasis on the Delta region.
• Cultivate strong relationships with foundations, government agencies, donors, and strategic partners.
• Engage staff in new business development, grant design, and partnership cultivation.
• Lead concept development into competitive proposal design.
• Oversee timely, compelling proposals, reports, and donor communications that reflect the Center’s and Winrock’ vision and results.

Financial Oversight

• Oversee financial planning, budgeting, and monitoring to ensure fiscal responsibility and sustainability.
• Track performance and financial health, ensuring accountability to funders, partners, and Winrock.

Team Supervising & Coaching

• Provide inclusive, inspiring leadership that aligns staff around Winrock’s mission and strategic priorities.
• Recruit, mentor, and develop a diverse and high-performing team within a human-centered, collaborative culture.
• Foster teamwork, accountability, and professional fulfillment through clear communication, coaching, and shared purpose.
• Ensure operational quality, staff development, and risk management across programs.

Cross-Team & Winrock Liaison

• Serve as the primary representative of the Entrepreneurship team within Winrock International and across national networks, partnerships, and events.
• Build and sustain strategic, cross-sector relationships that elevate program visibility and impact.
• Monitor trends, opportunities, and challenges in the entrepreneurship landscape to inform strategy and partnerships.
• Ensure that key project outcomes, policy efforts, and collaborations are leveraged for maximum community and organizational benefit.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Holistic, extensive U.S. entrepreneurship system knowledge, experience, and thought leadership, especially in issues relating to economic and rural development in the Delta states. Priority states for US Programs include Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, and Missouri.
• Broad partnership development experience and deep industry relationships, including with leading nonprofits, federal and state agencies, funders, and the private sector.
• Proven experience leading and growing teams of talented professionals, including remote teams, while managing organizational priorities and relationships.
• Proven expertise in financial management, with extensive budget development and management responsibilities of multi-project portfolios.
• Deep understanding of the US funding landscape, including demonstrated experience in securing and managing diverse funding streams, particularly from the US government and philanthropic sources.
• Demonstrated sector thought leadership.
• This is a national search, however Winrock is looking to hire a Director based in Northwest Arkansas or with the ability to work out of NW Arkansas 2-3 days per week. Our recruitment will only consider candidates based in Arkansas or willing to relocate to Arkansas.

Education: Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience required; Master’s Degree preferred.

Experience: At least 10 years of relevant experience, acquired through formal education and/or sector relevant work.

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

No phone calls, please. Candidates selected to move forward will be contacted by email.

Winrock is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal employment opportunity for all people. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, age, disability or any other basis protected by law.
At Winrock we have a clear mission: Empower the disadvantaged, increase economic opportunity and sustain natural resources through unwavering dedication to accountability, equity, innovation, integrity and transformation.