Program Director

Position Type: Full time, at will grant-funded position through September 30, 2027 Location: Northwest Arkansas, hybrid (3 days per work week at Bentonville innovation center Commitment: Full time, about 11 months (November 2026 - September 30, 2027) with potential renewal Salary: $85,000 to $92,000 annualized, prorated from start date through September 30, 2027 Position Overview SEED SPOT is seeking a Program Director to lead Land+Launch NWA, a collaborative initiative with Arkade and Spring Capital that connects Northwest Arkansas’ 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 is ideal for a connector and builder who wants to shape what comes next for entrepreneurship in Northwest Arkansas. About the Initiative Land+Launch NWA 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 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. Land+Launch NWA creates that path. 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. The goal is to build an ecosystem where founders don’t just pass through or start here. They stay, grow, and build here. The initiative is administered by SEED SPOT and delivered in partnership with Arkade. How the Program Works: Ecosystem Immersion Weeks : Week-long experiences that introduce founders to the region’s anchor industry partners and the networks that power Northwest Arkansas’ business community. Launch Camps : Intensive workshops that help Northwest Arkansas 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 the region’s founders. About SEED SPOT SEED SPOT was founded in 2012 to empower entrepreneurs to launch and scale ventures that positively impact lives through new services, products, or technologies. By equipping entrepreneurs with 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 collectively generated $447 million in revenue, raised $229 million in capital, and created approximately 11,000 jobs. SEED SPOT’s national network includes locally delivered programming in Phoenix, Washington D.C., Chicago, New York, and Bentonville, with employees housed in Phoenix, Washington D.C., and Chicago. Key Responsibilities Program Delivery Plan and execute three Launch Camps (1 to 2 day bootcamps) supporting local small businesses and new entrepreneurs. Support delivery of Ecosystem Immersion Weeks and Industry Education Workshops, in partnership with local partners. Serve as the primary point of contact for Land+Launch NWA participants and alumni across both tracks. Coach early stage founders directly on customer discovery, go-to-market strategy, pitching, and fundraising, tailoring support to each founder’s stage. Recruit, train, and manage volunteers, including speakers, mentors, and content experts who support programming in collaboration with the Arkade team and network. Manage session logistics for in person and virtual delivery, building connections between companies of all sectors and stages. Connect 40+ founders over the grant period to an average of three high-leverage connections each across industry partners, investors, and expert mentors, and track participant progress to tailor support. Collect stakeholder feedback, lead post program debriefs, and work with the Program Team and local partners to strengthen curriculum. Manage consultants and contractors supporting program delivery, including scope, timelines, and deliverables. Partner Management and Grant Administration Serve as the primary point of contact for the Land+Launch NWA partner team. Cultivate relationships with anchor industry partners like Arkade and investors to create pilot, contract, and capital opportunities for founders. Map and coordinate with existing Northwest Arkansas entrepreneur support organizations to position Land+Launch NWA as a complement to, not a duplicate of, local resources. Define the partnership’s operating rhythm, including meetings, communications, and project management systems. Own grant administration, compliance, and reporting. Manage the program budget to ensure spending aligns with funder expectations. Lead outcome tracking and final program reporting, incorporating data from partners. Leadership and Systems Represent Land+Launch NWA and SEED SPOT at ecosystem events and speaking engagements, building visibility and community engagement. 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 for repeatability and knowledge transfer. Apply accessibility and inclusion principles in program design, delivery, and recruitment. Requirements 5+ years of program or project management experience 3+ years of program or training facilitation experience Existing relationships with entrepreneurial ecosystem leaders in Northwest Arkansas Experience managing grants, including compliance and funder reporting Experience contributing to or managing program budgets Strong presentation, public speaking, oral comprehension, and written communication skills Event management experience Proficiency with Salesforce or a comparable CRM, Google Suite, Zoom, Claude and Asana or a comparable project management tool Ability to lift and move at least 20 pounds at a time Preferred Qualifications 5+ years directly training or mentoring entrepreneurs Experience in retail, consumer products, or CPG brand development Familiarity with B2B technology companies in commerce enablement, food and agriculture, or logistics Direct experience as an entrepreneur or within an early stage venture is a plus Experience with startup fundraising, due diligence, or investment Ability to work effectively with entrepreneurs from different cultural, economic, and professional backgrounds. The right candidate is highly organized, self directed, and energized by building relationships across partners and communities. Compensation and Benefits Salary of $85,000 to $92,000 annualized, prorated from start date through September 30, 2027 Full SEED SPOT benefits package, including 100% employer-paid health insurance, plus dental, vision, and retirement benefits Unlimited paid time off Hybrid schedule with 3 days per work week at a Bentonville innovation center This is a fixed-term position funded through September 30, 2027. SEED SPOT intends to continue the role beyond the pilot, and renewal will be based on achievement of program outcomes and continued funding. Employment with SEED SPOT is at-will, and the program end date does not guarantee employment for the full term or any term. Equal Opportunity Employer SEED SPOT is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity in our workplace and hire the most qualified candidates without regard for age, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, language differences, nationality or national origin, family or marital status, physical, mental, and developmental abilities (or the perception of a disability), genetic information, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, skin color, social or economic class, education, work and behavioral styles, political affiliation, military service, caste, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal law. #J-18808-Ljbffr Seed Spot