Join WESST and help shape the future of entrepreneurship in New Mexico!

Are you passionate about innovation, economic opportunity, and empowering others to succeed? At WESST, you'll be part of a dedicated team working to support entrepreneurs and small business owners across the state. We offer a collaborative, mission-driven work environment where your skills and ideas can make a real impact. If you're energized by helping others grow and want to drive meaningful change in New Mexico communities, we invite you to apply today!

Position:

Chief Program Officer

About the Organization:

WESST (www.wesst.org) is a home for entrepreneurs, founded in 1989 by women for women. As a non-profit, we help clients successfully strengthen and grow their businesses through sustainable sales, financial knowledge, job creation, and business incubation services to members of the WESST Enterprise Center in Albuquerque. The organization also provides training, consulting and loans to entrepreneurs across New Mexico with offices in Albuquerque, Farmington, Hobbs, Las Cruces, Rio Rancho, Roswell, and Santa Fe.

Job Summary:

WESST is seeking a strategic and collaborative Chief Program Officer (CPO) to lead the statewide delivery of entrepreneurial programs, training, and consulting services. Reporting directly to the President/CEO, the CPO oversees all six Women’s Business Centers (WBCs) across New Mexico, along with additional programmatic initiatives, ensuring alignment with WESST’s mission and funding goals. This senior leadership role is responsible for driving program innovation, managing and mentoring regional program directors, maintaining funding compliance, and ensuring measurable outcomes. The ideal candidate brings strong leadership, a data-driven mindset, and a passion for empowering small businesses and entrepreneurs.

Education Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive leadership experience in program development, evaluation, and team management, including at least 3 years in a senior management role.

• Master’s degree in a related field is a plus.

WESST is looking for a candidate that:

• 5+ years of experience in corporate, business, or nonprofit management, gained through education, professional, or lived experience.

• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement strategic, data-driven program plans.

• Strong leadership, team building, and performance management skills.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Experience in small business development, entrepreneurship, or economic empowerment programs preferred.

• Budgeting, financial management, and resource allocation experience (especially in nonprofit settings).

• Valid driver’s license required; regular in-state travel and occasional out-of-state travel expected.

• Commitment to fostering a high-performance, just workplace culture.

Salary and Key Benefits:

Full-time at $100,000 annually

As a team member at WESST, you’ll enjoy:

• Retirement options with match

• Health insurance benefits, including vision and dental insurance

• Paid time off policies

• Flexible work options

Location:

609 Broadway Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102

Equal Opportunity Employer / Protected Veterans / Individuals with Disabilities:

WESST is committed to equal employment opportunity and to compliance with federal and state anti-discrimination laws. They prohibit discrimination against any applicant or employee based on any legally-recognized basis, including, but not limited to: race, color, religion, sex assigned at birth, gender identity, sexual orientation, age (40 and over), spousal affiliation, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), national origin or ancestry, National Guard membership, veteran status, uniformed service member status, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), HIV status, serious medical condition, or any other consideration protected by federal, state or local law.

WESST is interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. WESST will consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, you’re encouraged to think broadly about your abilities and skill set for the role. In addition, if there is anything that the organization can do to help make the recruitment process or the job more accessible, please reach out directly.

Contact/Application information:

Please send your resume to wesstreceptionist@wesst.org.