Program Director – Economic Development

About Macedonia CDC

Macedonia Community Development Corporation (MCDC) is a mission-driven nonprofit based in Watts focused on a 360-degree model of impact:

• Economic Development (small business technical assistance and access to capital)
• Health & Wellness Education
• Food Security

MCDC works directly in underserved communities through high-touch engagement and hands-on support to entrepreneurs and small businesses.

Position Overview

MCDC is seeking a Program Director to lead the launch and day-to-day operation of a community-based economic development program serving Watts and surrounding areas.

This is a build-and-lead role. The Program Director will be responsible for executing the program, managing staff, delivering results, and ensuring strong engagement with the community.

Work Location

This is a full-time, in-person position based in Watts and serving Watts and South Los Angeles.

This role requires a consistent on-site presence to support staff, work directly with small business clients, and engage in community-based activities. As a result, this position is not structured for remote work. Candidates should be comfortable working in an office setting and actively participating in in-person meetings, outreach, and program operations.

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership

• Lead implementation and ongoing management of the economic development program
• Build systems, workflows, and service delivery processes
• Ensure strong execution and accountability across all program areas

Team Management

• Hire, train, and supervise a team (Business Advisor, ATC Director, Outreach Coordinator, Administrative Coordinator)
• Set clear goals and performance expectations
• Maintain a high-performing, accountable team culture

Small Business Services

• Oversee delivery of one-on-one technical assistance to entrepreneurs
• Support business planning, financial projections, and operational strategy
• Step in directly on complex or high-priority clients

Access to Capital

• Lead strategy to connect clients to funding (SBA, CDFI, microloans)
• Oversee loan readiness, packaging, and lender coordination

Outreach & Community Engagement

• Drive proactive outreach, including in-person engagement in the community
• Build partnerships with local organizations and referral networks
• Maintain a strong pipeline of clients

Performance & Reporting

• Track and manage key outcomes (clients served, jobs created, capital accessed)
• Ensure accurate data tracking and reporting
• Maintain compliance with program requirements

Financial Oversight

• Manage program budget and monitor cash flow
• Align program operations with funding and reimbursement timelines

Qualifications

Required:

• 5+ years experience in economic development, small business advising, or related field
• Experience managing staff and leading programs
• Strong understanding of small business operations and access to capital
• Experience working in or with underserved communities
• Bilingual (English/Spanish)

Preferred:

• Experience with grant-funded or government-funded programs
• Experience with lending, underwriting, or loan packaging
• Familiarity with CRM systems and performance tracking

What Success Looks Like (First 90 Days)

• Team hired and operational
• Outreach strategy actively generating clients
• Systems in place for tracking and reporting
• Program meeting or exceeding early performance targets

Compensation

Competitive and commensurate with experience.

Why Join MCDC?

This is an opportunity to build and lead a program from the ground up and directly impact economic mobility in South Los Angeles. The Program Director will play a key leadership role in supporting entrepreneurs, creating jobs, and bringing capital into underserved communities.

To Apply

Submit resume and a brief cover letter outlining your experience in economic development and program leadership.

Email your resume and cover letter to HR@macedoniacdc.org with the subject line: Program Director Resume