Director of Progams

About AYA Foundation

AYA Foundation is a Colorado-based, Black-led community foundation dedicated to advancing economic mobility, entrepreneurship, and generational wealth creation.

Through comprehensive entrepreneurial education, technical assistance, business coaching, access to capital, and strategic partnerships, AYA empowers entrepreneurs to establish, sustain, and grow successful businesses.

AYA serves as a funder, entrepreneurship programs provider and ecosystem connector. T he organization works to expand economic opportunities and strengthen communities throughout Colorado.

As a growing organization, AYA is committed to delivering high-quality, results-driven programming while building the operational infrastructure necessary to achieve long-term sustainability and impact.

Position Overview

AYA Foundation seeks a dynamic, highly organized, and results-oriented Director of Programs to lead the implementation, management, and continuous improvement of its entrepreneurial development programs and services.

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the Director of Programs will provide comprehensive oversight of AYA's program portfolio, ensuring that initiatives are effectively coordinated, delivered with excellence, and aligned with the organization's mission, strategic objectives, and funding commitments.

The Director will oversee program operations, participant engagement, staff and contractor coordination, partnership development, performance measurement, and program reporting.

This position requires a professional who combines strategic thinking with strong execution skills and thrives in an entrepreneurial, fast-paced nonprofit environment.

The ideal candidate is both a leader and a doer—someone who can establish effective systems, manage multiple initiatives, solve problems independently, and deliver measurable results.

Who We're Looking For

We are seeking a strategic thinker who is equally skilled at execution - a professional with experience in non-profit management, who sees both the big picture and the details required to deliver exceptional results.

Exceptional candidates demonstrates the following qualities:

• Demonstrated leadership: At least five years of relevant experience in non-profit management; implementing and overseeing non-profit programs, projects, especially in entrepreneurship, economic development, or related fields.
• Strong Executor: Translates strategic objectives into actionable work plans and measurable results.
• Systems Builder: Establishes effective processes and operational infrastructure that support organizational growth.
• Collaborative Leader: Works effectively with staff, consultants, entrepreneurs, and community partners.
• Data-Driven Professional: Uses performance information to strengthen accountability and improve outcomes.
• Entrepreneurial Thinker: Demonstrates initiative, adaptability, resourcefulness, and sound judgment.
• Operational excellence: Strong organizational and project management capabilities, with the ability to coordinate multiple programs, budgets, contractors, and competing priorities.
• A results-driven mindset: Experience establishing performance measures, tracking outcomes, using CRM systems, and translating data into actionable improvements.
• Relationship-building expertise: The ability to cultivate productive partnerships with entrepreneurs, community organizations, financial institutions, and other stakeholders.
• An entrepreneurial spirit: Initiative, adaptability, sound judgment, and the confidence to solve problems, build systems, and thrive in a growing organization.
• Mission-Aligned: Shares AYA's commitment to economic opportunity, entrepreneurship, and community wealth building.

Why Join AYA?

This is an opportunity for a talented professional to make a visible and lasting contribution to an organization with a steadfast commitment to closing the racial wealth gap and addressing critical issues that impact marginalized communities.

The Director of Programs will work closely with executive leadership, engage with a diverse network of community and institutional partners, and help strengthen the infrastructure necessary to expand AYA's reach throughout Colorado.

Exceptional candidates are those who want to do more than manage programs. They are energized by building solutions, developing people, strengthening communities, and helping entrepreneurs succeed.

Position Details

Location: Denver, Colorado | Hybrid

Employment: Full-Time

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

Annual Salary: $70,000

Benefits Stipend: $550 per month ($6,600 annually)

Total Annual Compensation: $76,600

Interested candidates should submit a current résumé and cover letter highlighting relevant experience, demonstrated accomplishments, and interest in AYA Foundation's mission.

Application Deadline: Open until filled.

AYA Foundation is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive and collaborative workplace.

Join the Aya Foundation in building strong businesses, expanding opportunity, and creating pathways to generational wealth.