Program Director

Program Director, Northwest ArkansasRole at a GlanceLocation: Northwest Arkansas, hybrid (3 days per week at a regional innovation center)Reports to: VP of Programs, working closely with local partnersPosition type: Full time, fixed-term, grant-funded through September 30, 2027Target start date: November 2026Salary: $85,000 to $92,000 annualized, prorated from start date through September 30, 2027Renewal: Designed to continue beyond the pilot, based on program outcomes and continued fundingApplications close: October 26, 2026 Position OverviewSEED SPOT is seeking a Program Director to lead a new initiative in Northwest Arkansas. Delivered with regional partners, the program connects Northwest Arkansas's business community with a broader, more diverse pipeline of entrepreneurs, from homegrown founders to international companies choosing the region as their next home.The Program Director will lead the program across two connected tracks: early-stage ideation and scale-ready companies in the retail value chain. This role owns program delivery, partner relationship management, and grant administration, supported by SEED SPOT's national program team. It's ideal for a connector and builder who wants to shape what comes next for entrepreneurship in Northwest Arkansas. About the InitiativeThe program is built on a simple belief: Northwest Arkansas should be a place where great companies take root, whether their founders grew up here or are discovering the region for the first time. Entrepreneurs here are building with energy and ambition. What they need next is a clear path to the customers, partners, and investors who can help those businesses last.By combining tailored venture support with direct access to industry leaders, the program helps homegrown founders turn early momentum into lasting companies and gives founders from outside the region a reason to put down roots.How the program works:Ecosystem Immersion Weeks: Week-long experiences that introduce founders to the region's anchor industry partners and business networks.Launch Camps: Intensive workshops that help local founders and aspiring founders move their ideas toward launch.Industry and Connection Workshops: Recurring sessions that bring industry partners and investors into direct engagement with founders. About SEED SPOTSEED SPOT was founded in 2012 to empower entrepreneurs to launch and scale ventures that positively impact lives. Through tactical education, expert networks, culturally responsive mentorship, and capital connections, SEED SPOT helps entrepreneurs start, grow, and scale.Since 2012, SEED SPOT has served over 4,600 entrepreneurs, who have generated $447 million in revenue, raised $229 million in capital, and created about 11,000 jobs. SEED SPOT delivers programming in Phoenix, Washington D.C., Chicago, New York, and Bentonville. Key ResponsibilitiesProgram DeliveryPlan and run three Launch Camps (1 to 2 day bootcamps) for local small businesses and new entrepreneurs.Support delivery of Ecosystem Immersion Weeks and Industry Education Workshops with local partners.Serve as the main point of contact for participants and alumni across both tracks.Coach early-stage founders on customer discovery, go-to-market strategy, pitching, and fundraising.Recruit, train, and manage volunteers, including speakers, mentors, and content experts.Manage logistics for in-person and virtual sessions.Connect 40+ founders to an average of three high-leverage connections each across industry partners, investors, and mentors, and track participant progress.Collect feedback, lead post-program debriefs, and help strengthen the curriculum.Manage consultants and contractors supporting delivery, including scope, timelines, and deliverables. Partner Management and Grant AdministrationServe as the main point of contact for the partner team.Build relationships with anchor industry partners and investors to create pilot, contract, and capital opportunities for founders.Coordinate with existing Northwest Arkansas entrepreneur support organizations so the program complements local resources rather than duplicating them.Set the partnership's operating rhythm, including meetings, communications, and project management systems.Own grant administration, compliance, and reporting.Manage the program budget in line with funder expectations.Lead outcome tracking and final program reporting. Leadership and SystemsRepresent the program and SEED SPOT at ecosystem events and speaking engagements.Flag program risks and challenges to SEED SPOT leadership early.Maintain complete, accurate Salesforce records for all participants and ventures.Document program systems and materials so they can be repeated and handed off.Apply accessibility and inclusion principles in program design, delivery, and recruitment. Requirements5+ years of program or project management experience3+ years of program or training facilitation experienceExisting relationships with entrepreneurial ecosystem leaders in Northwest ArkansasExperience managing grants, including compliance and funder reportingExperience contributing to or managing program budgetsStrong presentation, public speaking, and written communication skillsEvent management experienceAbility to lift and move at least 20 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation Preferred Qualifications5+ years directly training or mentoring entrepreneursExperience in retail, consumer products, or CPG brand developmentFamiliarity with B2B technology companies in commerce enablement, food and agriculture, or logisticsDirect experience as an entrepreneur or in an early-stage ventureExperience with startup fundraising, due diligence, or investmentExperience working with underserved communitiesProficiency with Salesforce or a similar CRMThe right candidate is highly organized, self-directed, and energized by building relationships across partners and communities. Compensation and Benefits$85,000 to $92,000 annualized, prorated from start date through September 30, 2027100% employer-paid health insurance, plus dental, vision, and retirement benefitsUnlimited paid time offHybrid schedule with 3 days per week in office This is a fixed-term position funded through September 30, 2027. SEED SPOT intends to continue the role beyond the pilot, with renewal based on program outcomes and continued funding. Employment with SEED SPOT is at-will, and the term end date does not guarantee employment for the full term or beyond it. How to ApplyPlease apply through our website, not through LinkedIn. Applications close October 26, 2026, and are reviewed on a rolling basis. Equal Opportunity EmployerSEED SPOT is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and hire the most qualified candidates without regard to age, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin, family or marital status, disability, genetic information, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.