District Director Role Description

Title: District Director

Supervisor Title: Regional Vice President

Date Revised: January 2025

Summary of Position: 

The District Director (DD) is a key Volunteer Leadership role, serving as the connector of SCORE chapters within the District, to SCORE's regional leadership and nationwide mission. DDs are selected and appointed by the Regional Vice President, with approval from the Vice President of Field Operations. This role is essential in disseminating information and resources in support of clients, volunteers and community parents, ensuring operational excellence, fostering collaboration, and supporting the successful implementation of plans and initiatives within the district. 

Key Responsibilities: 

Leadership and Mentoring

• Build trust through inclusive environments that encourage integrity and competence. 
• Provide leadership mentoring to assigned chapter leaders. 
• Identify future leaders and provide succession planning and guidance at both the chapter and district levels. 
• Approve, in collaboration with the Regional Vice President, the assignment of new Chapter Chairs. 
• Approve, in collaboration with the Regional Vice President, and mentor Associate District Directors (ADDs) to assist in leadership and succession planning. 
• Assist chapter leaders with growth initiatives and connect them with SCORE resources and people to support their efforts. 
• Encourage the use of SCORE Training and Development resources. 
• Act as an escalation point for chapter conflict resolution. 
• Recognize, celebrate, and reward chapter and member efforts. 

Communicator 

• Embrace and communicate SCORE's mission, vision, and goals. 
• Facilitate effective communication and a culture of inclusion among chapters within the district. 
• Conduct two-way communication between SCORE HQ and RVPs to Chapter Chairs. 
• Conduct district calls or virtual/in-person visits with chapters to review performance and gather best practices. 
• Develop relationships with the SBA District Administrators, business organizations, community organizations, and local media to heighten awareness of SCORE. 
• Encourage regular sharing, feedback, and innovation through outreach and communication. 
• Reinforce SCORE Core Values and quality standards. 
• Assist in building partnerships across the district and state(s). 

Financial & Operational Stewardship

• Manage the budget and distribute funds to best support the chapter's Annual Operational Plans in alignment with SCORE's strategy. 
• Determine budget needs in partnership with chapter leaders. 
• Monitor and review chapter performance with chapter leaders and gather innovations and successes to share within SCORE. 
• Support local fundraising strategies to support chapters in and across the district. 
• Map SCORE objectives into the Annual Operating Plan for the district and chapters. 
• Conduct annual SCORE reviews of each chapter to ensure adherence to the SCORE Operation Manual (SOM) and Minimum Standards. 
• Review and address each chapter's business plan, goals, and budget monthly. 
• Make recommendations to SCORE Regional Vice President and HQ for the establishment or consolidation of chapters to maximize market penetration. 

Qualifications 

• 10+ years of experience in business management, community development, and small business preferred. 
• 5+ years of experience in volunteer leadership and mentoring experience preferred. 
• Strong leadership and mentoring skills. 
• Preferred experience leading a SCORE chapter. 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. 
• Proven ability to manage budgets and financial resources effectively. 
• Experience in strategic planning and project management. 
• Ability to foster collaboration and build effective relationships. 
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to handle complex situations. 

Professional Competencies: 

The District Director ensures the successful operation and growth of the district, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment, and maintaining alignment with the organization's overall strategy and goals. 

• Integrity - have the highest personal standards of honesty, reliability, and commitment to the role. They should lead by example and be trusted to always do the right thing. 
• Ability to influence others without dominating - they should ensure all members use their skills for the good of the organization and allow each member to express their views. 
• Personal Strength - the role requires resilience and the ability to support others while also being strong in the face of challenges. 
• Clear Vision and Passion - have a clear vision for the organization and a passion for the work to maintain commitment during tough times. 
• Diplomacy - they must be able to maintain order and be diplomatic with individuals throughout the chain of command, staff, volunteers, clients, and community partners. 
• Persuasion and Negotiation - use persuasion and negotiation skills to resolve conflicts and problems effectively. 
• Leadership Skills - strong leadership skills are crucial to guide the Region and its volunteers and employees towards achieving the Organizational goals.