Director, US Entrepreneurship

Location: Northwest Arkansas

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• 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’s 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.

Requirements

• 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.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience required; Master’s Degree preferred.
• At least 10 years of relevant experience, acquired through formal education and/or sector relevant work.

Pay

Salary range: $140,000–$160,000, depending on skills and relevant experience.

Benefits

Winrock offers a strong benefits package.