Programs Manager

Programs Manager Propeller:

A Force for Social Innovation - 4.0 New Orleans, LA Job Details Full-time $76,925.00 - $89,142.50 a year 1 day ago Benefits Disability insurance Health insurance Dental insurance 401(k) Paid time off Employee assistance program Vision insurance 401(k) matching Professional development assistance Flexible schedule Life insurance Qualifications Organizing events Revenue growth Stakeholder engagement Budget management Teamwork Master's degree in business Writing skills Bachelor's degree in business Mid-level Fund operation Financial analysis Master's degree Managing budgets in a finance role Project management Bachelor's degree Data management Mentoring Recruiting Organizational skills Meeting facilitation Networking through strategic partnership building Training & development 1 year Business coaching Workshop facilitation Strategic partnerships Training Business Communication skills Adult education Stakeholder management Full Job Description Position Overview The Programs Manager will be responsible for coaching entrepreneurs to grow their businesses financially and expand their social impact in New Orleans, with a primary focus on supporting food consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies. This role centers on technical assistance, relationship building, and coordination of entrepreneurial services. This position will play a key role in a number of Propeller's core initiatives: the Financial Wellness Collaborative, our primary capital access initiative, provides BIPOC businesses with stronger connectivity to loan officers and tailored support to help them access debt capital, and the Impact Accelerator, which provides mentorship, training, and resources to help entrepreneurs accelerate business growth. The ideal candidate has demonstrated experience in project managing initiatives, is highly organized, and passionate about fostering economic equity. They will work closely with program participants, local stakeholders, and internal teams to ensure successful execution and measurable impact. Travel with some evening and weekend work required. This is a salaried and exempt position.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES & OUTCOMES

Entrepreneur Coaching and Food Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) Advisement Maintain a working understanding of the needs and challenges of entrepreneurs at different stages of business, with a focus on food CPG companies, in order to create tailored support and learning solutions. Lead technical assistance and coaching for food CPG companies participating in Propeller's Impact Accelerator, supporting growth in revenue, market access, and long-term business sustainability. Conduct intake assessments to capture a comprehensive profile of each entrepreneur's background, skills, business stage, market opportunities, and goals. Create individualized strategy plans and connect entrepreneurs to support organizations and resources aligned with their goals in capital, revenue, job creation, and community impact. Make effective entrepreneur-mentor and consultant pairings and provide continuous follow-up to evaluate project progress and entrepreneur satisfaction. Conceptualize, recruit, and administer high value-add consultants and executive mentor networks for food CPG entrepreneurs. Effectively manage food CPG focused programming budget with strong management of subject matter expert facilitators and contractors. Develop and deliver programming, workshops, and peer learning opportunities tailored to food entrepreneurs, including recruitment in accordance with annual portfolio mix goals. Consistently share entrepreneur success stories that reflect growth in capital, revenue, job generation, and impact across Propeller's focus areas. Support the Advancement team on funding proposals, reports, and communications materials, as requested. Maintain knowledge of critical policy, tax, and advocacy efforts that may impact food CPG's operations and revenue in Louisiana. Capital Access Programming Manage the Financial Wellness Collaborative administration logistics and ensure debt capital resources are current for entrepreneurs needs and readily available for distribution to entrepreneurs and ecosystem partners. Support the development of debt capital curriculum, workshop content, and tools to support in the areas of loan packaging, financial statement preparation, credit score counseling, and business certifications to assist entrepreneurs in their pursuit of financing opportunities. Assist with administrative management of Propeller Impact Fund II, Propeller's equity fund for Louisiana food CPG companies, as assigned. Partnerships and Ecosystem Coordination Represent Propeller at meetings and speaking engagements, when assigned, to promote Propeller's offerings and impact and provide support to our partners in the entrepreneurial community and assist in collaboration efforts. Maintain active relationships with food industry partners, co-packers, distributors, retail buyers, and other ecosystem stakeholders to create connections and opportunities for Propeller's entrepreneurs. Coordinate with ecosystem partners to collect and maintain accurate client data to meet programmatic deliverables and funder reporting requirements. Support Propeller workshop and events preparation and execution, as needed.

CRITICAL COMPETENCIES

Personal qualities of emotional intelligence, maturity, humility, and unwavering commitment to Propeller's mission. Written and verbal familiarity with the history of structural racism in the US and its current manifestations in New Orleans, particularly in the area of business development. Fluency in this area is highly desired. Strong project management skills, including smooth execution of programming events and effective management of consultants and contractors. Genuine passion for supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses in New Orleans. Ability to quickly assess small business needs and opportunities and develop clear, actionable guidance. Proficiency in analyzing small business financial statements and projections. Strong writing, communication, and meeting facilitation skills. Ability to build trust and credibility through consistency between words and actions. Ability to work with partner organizations to identify shared values, develop common goals, and execute toward a shared vision. Self-motivated and innovative, with the ability to work independently within a collaborative team environment.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree in business or equivalent knowledge plus 3-5 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree in business or equivalent knowledge plus 1-3 years of relevant experience. Experience in business coaching, training, or adult education, particularly in the food business ecosystem. Experience working in a values-driven organization that prioritizes racial equity, diversity, and inclusion. Experience navigating professional networks related to the development of food businesses or related industries, with a demonstrated ability to build and maintain professional relationships. Demonstrated interest in supporting small business growth through capital access initiatives.

Manager:

Sylvester Johnson, Senior Capital Access Manager Compensation:

$76,925.00 - $89,142.50. Propeller offers a competitive benefits package that includes health, dental, and vision insurance; long- and short-term disability insurance; retirement; paid time off; and professional development.

Location:

New Orleans, LA with the opportunity for hybrid remote work.

Start Date:

Q3 2026 TO APPLY

Application Deadline:

June 5, 2026

Application Directions:

Apply https://gopropeller.tfaforms.net/45 presenting your resume, cover letter, and responses to the questions below. In your cover letter, please explain how you heard about Propeller and your interest and qualifications in the position. Sylvester Johnson, Propeller's Senior Capital Access Manager, is the hiring manager for this position. What will be your greatest strength in this role? In what way will you need to grow the most to be successful in this role? (2-4 sentences) What gives you energy in your current work? What drains your energy in your current work? (2-4 sentences) Please share a successful project or initiative you led that illustrates your passion for, and effectiveness in, connecting business owners of color with the resources or networks that supported their business launch or growth. (3-5 sentences) The salary range for this position is $76,925.00 - $89,142.50 based on preferred experience and competencies. Does this range satisfy your salary requirement? (1-2 sentences)

Application:

https://gopropeller.tfaforms.net/45

Pay:

$76,925.00 - $89,142.50 per year

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee assistance program Flexible schedule Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Professional development assistance

Work Location:

Hybrid remote in New Orleans, LA 70125