Share Email Opening Apply Now Title SVP, Innovation Programs  Description Opportunity Finance Network is looking to fill the position of Senior Vice President, Innovation Programs. This role will lead OFN's CDFI Innovation Initiative, a flagship program designed to foster transformative innovation within the CDFI sector. This leader will drive the strategic vision, design, and implementation of innovation-focused programs, including the CDFI Innovation Center, leveraging expertise in finance, technology, project management, and community development to advance the use of digital tools, AI, and data analytics to enhance capital deployment, operational efficiency, and measurable outcomes. The SVP will oversee complex initiatives, cultivate partnerships, and engage with CDFI members and stakeholders to develop groundbreaking solutions that promote financial inclusion and catalyze economic growth in underinvested communities, ultimately advancing OFN’s mission. OFN is the nation’s leading investment intermediary and network CDFIs serving rural, urban, and Native communities across the United States. With over $1 billion in total assets under management, OFN manages a national membership network of over 470 mission-driven lenders and CDFIs, including community development loan funds, credit unions, green banks, community development banks, minority depository institutions, and venture capital funds. OFN is a trusted investment partner to the public, private, and philanthropic sectors – foundations, corporations, banks, government agencies, and others. For more than 30 years, our team has helped partners invest in communities to catalyze change and create economic opportunities for people and places traditional finance doesn’t reach. To learn more, visit www.ofn.org People who work at OFN come from a variety of professional and academic backgrounds. If you have: Passion for the mission and true believer in our core purpose. Courage to be a fearless advocate who is confident and resilient in our fight to drive capital into low-income communities. Smart, quick seekers of knowledge who thrive on creating and developing new strategies, products, and programs for increasing capital to communities we serve. Desire to be a collaborative team player who possesses humility and a willingness to lean in all areas of our work. Come be a part of our growing diverse, highly committed, skilled, and collaborative staff. At OFN, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive workplace, so if you are excited about this role but your experience does not align perfectly with every qualification, we encourage you to apply nonetheless. You may be the right candidate for this or other roles. This position is based in Washington, D.C. All staff currently work a hybrid schedule. Core Responsibilities: Strategic Leadership Lead the CDFI Innovation Initiative, defining its strategic vision and ensuring alignment with OFN’s mission and goals. Oversee the creation and operation of the CDFI Innovation Center to drive innovative solutions, scale systems, and enhance CDFIs’ capacity for capital mobilization, operational efficiency, and data-driven decision-making. Develop and implement an innovation framework designed to transform the CDFI sector with digital tools, AI, data analytics, and other innovations. Design and oversee cohorts and communities of practice to identify, develop, test, and scale new financing products, tools, and operating models across the industry.   Program Management Ensure the success of the Innovation Initiative by effectively managing people, resources, and processes. Lead and mentor a team of staff, consultants, and contractors supporting the Initiative’s programs and goals. Support innovation-related research and disseminate insights, tools, and findings through conferences, publications, and digital platforms. Collaborate with OFN’s Investment Services and Network Services teams to ensure the programmatic success of the CDFI Innovation Fund, including its structure, capitalization strategy, and award selection process. Work cross-functionally within OFN to align efforts, maximize effectiveness, and achieve impactful outcomes for CDFI innovations.   External Representation and Partnerships Represent OFN as a thought leader and key spokesperson at industry forums, conferences, and with stakeholders, including financial institutions, foundations, and community organizations. Build and strengthen strategic partnerships to expand OFN’s impact and advance its mission. Lead an industry advisory group to gather insights, refine strategies, and stay informed on trends and best practices in innovation. Foster collaboration within the industry to generate and scale innovations that support CDFIs’ growth and sustainability.   Stakeholder Engagement and Capacity Building Collaborate with OFN members to understand their needs, challenges, and opportunities, ensuring innovative efforts address member priorities. Develop strategies to integrate innovation into the CDFI ecosystem, enhancing member capacity to adopt new tools and approaches that support their growth and success. Manage coalition-building efforts to advance the investment ecosystem and improve outcomes for underinvested communities.   Communications and Thought Leadership Act as a key spokesperson for CDFI innovations, effectively communicating OFN’s mission and impact to diverse audiences. Contribute innovation-related content to OFN’s website, social media, publications, strategic papers, supporter communications, and public-facing materials. Stay informed on issues impacting CDFIs’ ability to achieve impact, contributing to the development of strategies and solutions to address these challenges. Serve as a subject matter expert to support other OFN initiatives and projects across OFN.   Position Requirements Bachelor’s degree or 5-7 years of relevant work experience in lieu of a degree is required; a Master’s degree is preferred. At least 10 years of leadership experience in financial services, community development, or innovation, with a proven track record of driving transformative change at the intersection of finance, technology, and social impact. Significant experience managing complex, cross-functional teams and large-scale initiatives. Experience in community development finance, particularly with CDFIs or community-based nonprofit organizations strongly preferred. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Physical Requirements Must possess a strong passion for, understanding of, and commitment to OFN’s mission, vision, and values. In addition, be a fearless advocate, who is confident and resilient in OFN’s fight to drive capital into low-income communities. A collaborative team player who possesses interpersonal skills to work across all levels of the organization, humility, and a willingness to learn in all areas of our work. Be a strong team contributor, effective and comfortable in leading as well as supporting roles within teams. Be a smart, quick seeker of knowledge with the ability to think strategically, creatively, and tactically to analyze results and assist in implementing plans for increasing capital to communities we serve. Deep knowledge of community economic development in underserved communities. Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities, with the capacity to identify and develop innovative solutions for scaling impact. Expertise in AI, digital tools, and data analytics as applied to finance and community development. Exceptional writing, speaking, and presentation skills, with the ability to deliver clear and relevant investment recommendations. Collaborative and adaptable team player with the interpersonal skills to engage effectively across all organizational levels and with diverse stakeholders. Demonstrated ability to lead and support teams with humility, resilience, and a commitment to continuous learning. Strategic, creative, and analytical thinker with a proven ability to develop plans, evaluate results, and drive impactful outcomes. Excellent organizational and time management skills to handle multiple priorities with attention to detail in a fast-paced environment. Proficiency with workplace technologies, including CRM systems and project management software. Comfortable interfacing with employees, stakeholders, and partners at all organizational levels. Standard physical requirements for an office position, with occasional travel (20-30%). EOE Supervisor: Executive Vice President, Chief Program Officer FLSA Status: Exempt The target salary range for this position is $178K - $194K USD annually. The pay range for this position is a general guideline only. The salary offered will depend on internal pay equity and the candidate’s relevant skills, experience, qualifications, and job market data. Exceptional performers in this role who make an outsized contribution can make well in excess of this range. Salaries paid at Opportunity Finance Network will vary based on factors that may include skills, education, location, experience, and performance. The salary range for this position is represented by the low and high end of the range for the position level. Salary is one part of OFN’s comprehensive total rewards package, which includes benefits like dental, health, and vision care plans, and family-building benefits like hybrid work arrangements to promote a better work-life balance. OFN also offers Lifestyle Spending Account, Employee Assistance Program, and mental health benefits. To maximize teammate financial well-being, OFN offers financial education and auto-enrollment in the company's 403(b) plan with employer contributions. To maximize professional growth, OFN provides professional development dollars for each employee, alongside learning and development opportunities. Thank you for your interest in joining the OFN team in our effort and commitment to create opportunity for all.   Full-Time/Part-Time Full-Time   Salary Range   Exempt/Non-Exempt Exempt   Location Washington D.C.   EOE Statement We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.   This position is currently accepting applications. Apply Now WE ALSO RECOMMEND Other Jobs Within Same Category VP GGRF Program Management in Washington, DC Posted on: 1/2/2025 [Apply Now] Other Jobs Within 60 Miles -General Application in Washington, DC Posted on: 8/31/2021 [Apply Now] Senior Vice President, Federal Procurement in Washington, DC Posted on: 6/24/2024 [Apply Now] Executive Assistant in Washington, DC Posted on: 12/18/2024 [Apply Now] Vice President, Data Engineering in Washington, DC Posted on: 1/21/2025 [Apply Now] VP Quality Assurance and Data Governance in Washington, DC Posted on: 1/21/2025 [Apply Now] Follow us See who works here:

 

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