Vice President Programs II

The Vice President (VP), Programs II supports the execution of innovative, high-impact initiatives that advance the community development financial industry and improve economic opportunity in underserved communities. Reporting to the Senior Vice President (SVP), Innovation Programs, this position leads key aspects of various initiatives led by the Programs team, including but not limited to the CDFI Innovation Initiative. The CDFI Innovation Initiative is a multi-faceted strategic effort to design and implement new systems, solutions, and approaches that enhance the capacity and sustainability of the CDFI industry. 

This role requires exceptional organizational, project management, and strategic planning skills, along with a demonstrated ability to manage complex initiatives and collaborate cross-functionally in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment. The role also requires a background in innovation processes and knowledge of finance, technology, and community development to advance new capital solutions, financial products, digital tools, and data systems for the community development finance industry. 

Key Responsibilities

Project Management 

• Develop and maintain a detailed work plan for programmatic initiatives, ensuring alignment with program goals and strategic priorities.
• Establish and manage project tasks, timelines, and dependencies using project management software (Asana).[FL1] 
• Design and maintain comprehensive tools, such as RACI charts, to clearly define roles, responsibilities, and accountabilities across initiative components.
• Create and refine templates, standard operating procedures (SOPs), workflows, and internal systems to optimize project execution and reduce operational risk.

Program Design & Execution

• Support the development and execution of strategies for the Program Team’s initiatives, such as a strategy for the Innovation Initiative to drive innovative solutions, scale systems, and enhance CDFIs’ capacity for capital mobilization, operational efficiency, and data-driven decision-making.
• Support the ongoing design and implementation of an innovation framework designed to transform the CDFI sector with digital tools, AI, data analytics, and other innovations.
• Manage specific cohorts and communities of practice (such as accelerators, working groups, and hackathons) to identify, develop, test, and scale new financing products, tools, and operating models across the industry.
• Draft and oversee scopes of works and related budgets for both staff and contractor-led activities
• Draft and produce high-quality documents and deliverables (such as project proposals, outreach materials, whitepapers, and funder reports) to support the implementation, coordination, and reporting of the Programs team’s initiatives.
• Collaborate with OFN members to understand their needs, challenges, and opportunities, ensuring innovative efforts address member priorities.
• Represent the organization externally in partner meetings and industry events as requested.
• Proactively identify and troubleshoot implementation challenges, resolving issues to ensure progress and impact. 

Governance, Coordination, & Insight

• Support the governance and structural design of the Innovation Initiative and other programs, providing independent analysis and actionable recommendations to leadership.
• Coordinate internal and external stakeholder meetings, including preparing agendas, taking notes, tracking follow-up actions, and ensuring accountability to ensure teams are aligned.

Staff Management 

• This position may manage one or more direct reports. 
• Other duties as assigned. 

Education and Professional Experience

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or an equivalent 7 years of related work experience in lieu of a degree. Master's degree in public administration, Business, Policy, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in program management, nonprofit strategy, community development, or impact investing.
• Demonstrated success in managing multi-stakeholder initiatives and delivering results on large-scale, mission-driven programs.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Physical Requirements:

• Strong project management expertise, including use of tools like Asana, Smartsheet, or similar platforms.
• Knowledge of AI, digital tools, and data analytics as applied to finance and community development.
• Familiarity with CDFIs, program design, small business lending, community development finance, or disaster recovery is preferred. 
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to synthesize complex ideas into clear, actionable documents.
• High attention to detail and strong organizational skills to handle multiple priorities with attention to detail in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively across departments and lead cross-functional teams.
• Experience designing systems, templates, or processes that drive efficiency and transparency.
• Adept at navigating ambiguity and delivering high-quality results under tight deadlines.
• Mission-Driven: Passion for OFN’s mission and advancing equity through community finance.
• Strategic Thinker: Brings a forward-looking, systems-level perspective to problem-solving.
• Proactive & Independent: Comfortable taking initiative with minimal direction.
• Adaptable: Thrives in dynamic environments and can deftly navigate shifting priorities.
• Collaborative: Values teamwork and relationship-building with diverse stakeholders.
• Standard physical requirements for an office position, with occasional travel (10–15%).

EOE