Reports To: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)/President
Department: Programs & Member Engagement
Level: Senior Management
1. Role Purpose
The Program Director is responsible for designing,
developing, executing, and evaluating the Forum’s programs and initiatives that
create meaningful value for young entrepreneurs.
The role will translate the Forum’s strategic priorities
into impactful programs across entrepreneurship development, leadership,
mentorship, networking, business exposure, policy engagement, knowledge
sharing, and ecosystem development.
The Program Director will work closely with the
CEO, Board, members, partners, mentors, speakers, government institutions,
investors, and other stakeholders to ensure programs are strategically
relevant, professionally delivered, measurable, and aligned with the Forum’s
mission.
2. Key Responsibilities
A. Program Strategy & Planning
- Develop
an annual Program Calendar aligned with the Forum’s strategic priorities.
- Convert
organizational objectives into structured programs, initiatives, and
activities.
- Conduct
regular assessment of the needs and challenges of young entrepreneurs.
- Develop
program concepts, objectives, target groups, timelines, budgets, and
expected outcomes.
- Recommend
new programs based on market trends, member needs, and emerging
entrepreneurial opportunities.
- Maintain
a balanced portfolio of short-term activities and long-term flagship
programs.
B. Program Design & Development
Design and manage programs including, but not limited to:
- Entrepreneurship
and business development programs
- Founder/CEO
leadership programs
- Mentorship
and coaching initiatives
- Business
networking forums
- Investor
and funding readiness programs
- Startup
and SME development initiatives
- Business
knowledge and learning sessions
- Industry
visits and exposure programs
- Founder
roundtables
- Policy
dialogues
- Business
matching and collaboration platforms
- International
exposure and exchange programs
- Young
entrepreneur recognition and awards
Ensure each program has clearly defined:
- Objectives
- Target
participants
- Deliverables
- Budget
- Timeline
- Stakeholders
- KPIs
- Expected
impact
C. Program Execution & Project Management
- Lead
end-to-end execution of approved programs.
- Develop
detailed project plans, workback schedules, and implementation timelines.
- Coordinate
internal teams and external stakeholders.
- Ensure
programs are delivered within approved scope, budget, quality, and
timeline.
- Identify
potential execution risks and develop mitigation plans.
- Maintain
program documentation, reports, databases, and records.
- Conduct
post-program reviews and implement improvements.
D. Member Engagement & Experience
- Develop
programs that provide tangible value to Forum members.
- Understand
member interests, challenges, and business needs.
- Drive
member participation and engagement in Forum initiatives.
- Develop
mechanisms to collect member feedback.
- Monitor
participation, satisfaction, and program outcomes.
- Identify
opportunities to connect members with relevant entrepreneurs, mentors,
investors, businesses, and institutions.
E. Partnerships & Stakeholder Coordination
- Build
and maintain relationships with:
- Entrepreneurs
and business leaders
- Mentors
and industry experts
- Investors
and financial institutions
- Government
and regulatory bodies
- Universities
and educational institutions
- Corporate
organizations
- Development
organizations
- International
entrepreneurship networks
- Identify
potential program partners and collaborators.
- Coordinate
speakers, mentors, facilitators, sponsors, and institutional partners.
- Ensure
partners receive clear communication and professional engagement
throughout the program lifecycle.
F. Flagship Events & Initiatives
- Lead
planning and execution of the Forum's major events and flagship
initiatives.
- Develop
event concepts, agendas, speakers, participant profiles, and engagement
formats.
- Coordinate
logistics, communications, partnerships, sponsorship requirements, and
event teams.
- Ensure
events are designed around outcomes and participant value, rather than
simply attendance.
- Develop
post-event reports highlighting participation, outcomes, partnerships,
opportunities, and learnings.
G. Program Budget & Resource Management
- Prepare
program budgets and funding requirements.
- Monitor
program expenditure against approved budgets.
- Identify
opportunities to optimize program costs without compromising quality.
- Work
with the CEO and Finance function on sponsorship, partnership, and funding
requirements.
- Ensure
proper documentation and financial accountability.
H. Monitoring, Evaluation & Impact
- Establish
KPIs for every major program.
- Track
participation, engagement, satisfaction, partnerships, and outcomes.
- Measure
the tangible value generated for members and entrepreneurs.
- Prepare
monthly, quarterly, and annual program performance reports.
- Develop
an annual Program Impact Report.
- Use
data and participant feedback to continuously improve programs.
I. Communication & Content
- Work
with the communications/marketing team to develop program-related content.
- Prepare
program briefs, concept notes, presentations, reports, and stakeholder
communications.
- Support
the CEO in developing thought-leadership initiatives and knowledge
platforms.
- Ensure
consistent professional communication across all programs.
4. Candidate Profile
Education
- Master's
degree/MBA, Management, Entrepreneurship, Development Studies, Economics,
Project Management, or related field is preferred.
Experience
- 6–10+
years of relevant experience, preferably in:
- Program/project
management
- Entrepreneurship
ecosystem
- Business
development
- Events
and community management
- Non-profit/association
management
- Development
organizations
- Startup/SME
ecosystem
- Corporate
partnerships
Experience managing multi-stakeholder programs or
large-scale events will be highly valued.
5. Core Competencies
Strategic & Execution
- Program
strategy and planning
- Project
management
- Strong
execution discipline
- Budget
management
- Problem-solving
- Data-driven
decision-making
Stakeholder Management
- Relationship
building
- Partnership
development
- Negotiation
- Facilitation
- Networking
- Influencing
without authority
Leadership
- Team
leadership
- Cross-functional
coordination
- Ownership
and accountability
- Communication
- Decision-making
- Adaptability
Entrepreneurial Mindset
- Commercial
awareness
- Innovation
- Opportunity
identification
- Understanding
of startup/SME challenges
- Results
orientation
