Director of Regions and Ecosystems

About AEO

The Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO) is the voice of innovation in microbusiness and microfinance in the United States. For 25 years, AEO and its more than 450 member/partner organizations have helped millions of entrepreneurs contribute to economic growth while supporting themselves, their families and their communities. AEO members and partners include a broad range of organizations that provide capital and services to assist underserved entrepreneurs in starting, stabilizing and expanding their businesses. Together, we are working to change the way that capital and services flow to low-wealth entrepreneurs so that they can create jobs and opportunities for all.

Position Summary

As the Director of Regions and Ecosystems, you will spearhead AEO’s initiatives to cultivate vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystems across our four regions. Reporting directly to the CEO, you will be responsible for orchestrating multifaceted strategies to bolster AEO’s brand, foster strategic partnerships, generate impactful content, and enhance member engagement. Your role as a proactive, creative, and collaborative leader will be pivotal in steering AEO’s endeavors towards sustained growth and influence.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy:

Direct the management of AEO’s national brand and reputation through innovative and strategic communication and marketing endeavors that are customized for regions and members.
Collaborate with senior leadership to integrate strategies and priorities across the regions, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.
Provide expert guidance and strategic counsel to regional counsil leaders, fostering trust and furthering member engagement.
Build a comprehensive member journey that increases stakeholder engagement which includes a member lifecycle contact strategy across all marketing and communications channels
Develop and implement engagement strategies across AEO platforms, services, and tools to create adoption and ease of use from members.
Advise members and regional leaders on the use of new products and service offerings, with an emphasis on building their capacity to execute better, innovate faster, and partner smarter.

Communications:

Develop and execute a comprehensive regional communications plan, in partnership with appropriate internal stakeholders, to elevate AEO’s thought leadership and amplify its reputation nationwide.
Prioritize regional media opportunities and engage press to secure coverage of AEO’s programs, events, and announcements.
Prepare persuasive regional content, including speeches, presentations, and supporting materials, to effectively convey AEO’s mission and impact.

Stakeholder Engagement:

Align regional communication and engagement initiatives with AEO’s national policy agenda, program investments, and membership priorities.
Identify and engage key regional stakeholders, including members and corporate partners, to foster collaborative partnerships.
Develop sustainable engagement strategies that maximize shared value and advance AEO’s organizational objectives.
Coordinate relationship management efforts, including marketing, prospecting, and planning annual conferences.
Guide the national team in identifying and engaging key stakeholders including members and corporate partners.
Develop strategic, sustainable engagements that maximize AEO’s collaborative and shared value imperative.

Development:

Support fundraising efforts by implementing strategic communication strategies and plans.
Collaborate with the President and CEO and the Board of Directors to expand AEO’s donor base and fundraising initiatives.
Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of communication and engagement initiatives, making data-driven decisions to drive continuous improvement.

Qualifications and Required Skills:

Required Skills:

Superior strategic communication skills with a track record of impactful messaging and engagement strategies.
Decisive and resourceful, with the ability to adapt quickly to change and capitalize on opportunities.
Transparent communicator who values feedback and incorporates insights to drive continuous improvement.
Digital savvy, with a deep understanding of integrated, multichannel communications and social media platforms.
Facilitator and integrator of ideas and teams, fostering collaboration and synergy across diverse stakeholders.
Strong program management skills, driven by a commitment to quality, results, and fiscal responsibility.
Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling content for diverse audiences.
Ability to build productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders, demonstrating political savvy and diplomacy.
Willingness to go the extra mile to achieve organizational goals and foster a culture of excellence and collaboration.

Qualifications:

Master’s Degree in Communications, Public Affairs, or equivalent preferred.
7 to 10 years of experience in strategic communications, marketing, or related fields.
Proven track record of leadership and innovation in driving communication and engagement initiatives.
Experience in fundraising and development strategies is a plus.
Familiarity with non-profits, microfinance, or microbusiness sectors.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google products, and CRM/email marketing platforms.
Bachelor’s degree required; additional certifications or professional experience preferred.

Salary and Benefits

Salary is commensurate with experience. AEO offers a comprehensive benefits package and generous leave policies.

To Apply

Interested applicants should send a cover letter and resume to [email protected].

AEO is an Equal Opportunity Employer

AEO is clear of its vision to be a place where a diverse mix of talented people want to come, to stay, and do their best work. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, or veteran status.