Job Title: Executive Director
Salary: $160,000-$175,000
Location: Greater Portland Metropolitan Area
Reports to: Board of Directors
Exempt Classification: Exempt
Status: Regular, Full-time
Benefits: Employer-paid medical, dental, vision and short-term disability, 401(k) with match, Paid Time Off.
ABOUT MESO
Our mission is to elevate the cultural tapestry of under-resourced and excluded entrepreneurs to build resilience and thriving communities through access to capital tailored business assistance and education.
For 20 years, Micro Enterprise Services of Oregon (MESO) has elevated under-resourced and excluded entrepreneurs, helping them build resilience and thriving businesses through access to capital, tailored business assistance, and education.
Founded in 2005 to support Black-owned small businesses in North and Northeast Portland facing challenges due to gentrification, MESO now serves 600+ entrepreneurs annually across Oregon and Southwest Washington.
As a Certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), SBA Microlender, IDA Fiduciary, and USDA RMAP Lender, MESO provides the critical financial support small business owners need to succeed.
MESO PROVIDES:
• Access to Capital
• Business Planning
• One-on-One Advising
• Classes & Workshops
• Networking Opportunities
• Mentorship & Resources
• Specialized Programming
• MESO Makers Market
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POSITION SUMMARY
Micro Enterprise Services of Oregon (MESO) seeks a strategic, community-rooted Executive Director (ED) to lead the organization into its next phase of growth and sustainability. The ED provides visionary leadership and operational oversight, ensuring financial health, organizational effectiveness, and community impact.
Balancing internal leadership with external representation, the ED fosters a strong internal culture while expanding MESO’s visibility and influence across Oregon and Southwest Washington. In partnership with the Board of Directors, community leaders, and staff, the ED leverages collective expertise to strengthen advocacy efforts, deepen community engagement, and enhance MESO’s resource development strategy.
Accountable to the Board of Directors, the ED serves as MESO’s chief strategist and public voice, driving fundraising efforts and overseeing a leadership team responsible for finance, operations, and program development. The ED ensures that the organization grows sustainably while remaining rooted in its mission and community.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Organizational Leadership & Culture
- Guide the implementation of MESO’s strategic plan, ensuring operational focus and community impact, in close collaboration with the leadership team.
- Foster a culture of inclusion, collaboration, transparency, and strategic discipline aligned with MESO’s mission.
- Maintain a positive, motivating workplace that attracts, retains, and supports a diverse and impact focused team.
- Support sound human resources practices, including recruitment, development, retention, succession planning, and regular performance evaluations in collaboration with the leadership team.
Financial Oversight & Resource Development
- Ensure strong financial stewardship, planning, forecasting, budgeting, and reporting in collaboration with the CFO, finance staff, and the Board.
- Ensure MESO’s financial policies and practices support sustainable growth.
- Expand and diversify funding streams, including public funding, private donors, and income-generating programs. Ensure adequate resources are available to successfully carry out MESO’s mission.
- Actively engage in developing and implementing fundraising strategies aligned with MESO’s CDFI goals and long-term sustainability in partnership with the Director of Marketing and Development and Grants and Communications Manager.
Program & Impact Management
- Ensure the delivery of high-quality technical assistance and small business programs in collaboration with the leadership team.
- Review and utilize performance metrics, program outcomes, and organizational impact measures, working closely with program leadership to communicate results to funders and stakeholders.
- Guide the development of long-range strategies and ensure consistent progress toward organizational goals.
- Maintain current knowledge of trends and best practices in micro-enterprise development, informing MESO’s strategies and services.
External Affairs & Community Engagement
- Serve as MESO’s public ambassador, representing the organization and its programs to agencies, organizations, partners, and the general public.
- Cultivate and strengthen relationships with elected officials, funders, community organizations, and local leaders, in collaboration with the leadership team.
- Promote MESO’s visibility as a convener and thought leader, leveraging the expertise of the marketing, partnerships, and program teams.
Board Engagement & Governance
- Maintain a strong, transparent partnership with the Board Chair and Committees.
- Provide timely updates on MESO’s finances, programs, organizational health, and external environment to the Board.
- Support board development efforts and foster inclusive, accountable governance practices.
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QUALIFICATIONS
To successfully perform this role, an individual must be able to meet all essential duties and responsibilities to a satisfactory level. The qualifications listed represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions, provided such accommodations do not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of the employee or others.
- 5+ years of executive or senior leadership experience, preferably in a nonprofit or community-based organization.
- Direct experience communicating with and engaging with business owners and their challenges.
- Strong fiscal management skills, including experience developing and managing budgets over $5,000,000.
- Proven experience in diversifying funding streams, including public funding, private philanthropy, and income-generating programs.
- Ability to work effectively within a multicultural, diverse environment and to cultivate equity and inclusion across all aspects of the organization’s work.
- Demonstrated ability to coach, mentor, supervise, and evaluate department leaders in a timely, constructive, and collaborative manner.
- Strong understanding of community development finance, microenterprise development, or CDFI (Community Development Financial Institution) ecosystems.
- Experience working in partnership with a Board of Directors to strengthen governance and execute organizational strategy.
- Advocacy experience at the local and state levels, with the ability to elevate MESO’s visibility and influence.
- Knowledge of regional partners, public agencies, and community partners that align with MESO’s mission and programs.
- Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, public administration, business, or a related field—or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
Leadership Competencies
- Visionary, action-oriented leadership with a people-first approach.
- Culturally competent, emotionally intelligent, and grounded in equity practices.
- Skilled communicator and public speaker.
- Knowledge of the Pacific Northwest business and funding landscape.
- Strong understanding of community development finance, technical assistance, and microenterprise ecosystems.
Cultural & Mission Alignment
- Demonstrated commitment to economic justice and empowerment of BIPOC, women, LMI, and historically underserved communities.
- Ability to build consensus and motivate diverse teams in a rapidly changing environment.
- Deep alignment with MESO’s history, values, and future direction.