Director of Economic Development & Strategy

← All rolesAI & ResearchRemoteFull-timeDirector of Economic Development & StrategyApply for this role →About Cyphr: Cyphr is the capital readiness infrastructure the modern small business economy is being written against. We score the 80% of small businesses traditional credit scoring can't see, and we do it through government distribution — states, cities, ESOs. The Role: The Director of Economic Development & Strategy owns Cyphr's external positioning with the economic development ecosystem — states, cities, federal agencies, CDFIs, MDIs, and national philanthropy. You'll architect our capital readiness center network, lead the policy and white paper agenda, build the principal-level relationships that open new markets, and represent Cyphr in the rooms that matter. This is a senior, externally-facing role built for a program builder — someone who has done the work and is ready to lead it. The role reports to the CEO and is designed to grow into Chief Economic Development Officer as the portfolio scales. What You'll Do Build the capital readiness center network. Design the operating model, stand up the first centers in priority geographies, structure the capital stack, and build a replicable playbook. Lead statewide program strategy. Own agency relationships, ESO onboarding, and program outcomes from contract signing through scale. Anchor planned rollout alongside partners and funders. Set the policy agenda. Publish 4–6 substantive pieces per year building on Cyphr's existing body of work (Capital Readiness Scoring Methodology, Transaction Enrichment, SBSS Sunset, Section 1071). Proactive research, not reactive commentary. Represent Cyphr externally. Brief federal and state officials, congressional staff, funders, and press. Keynote and panel at ULI, OFN, CDFI Coalition, NADO, Aspen, and equivalent convenings. Deepen the ecosystem. Build and steward principal-level relationships at EDA, SBA, Treasury CDFI Fund, HUD, priority state agencies, and national philanthropy (Kauffman, Urban Institute, LISC, Enterprise, OFN). Lead the team. Manage Cyphr's Economic Development Intelligence team and partner closely with the CEO on board, fundraising, and Series A positioning. What You Bring Required 8+ years in economic development, community finance / CDFI work, public policy, or government, with leadership responsibility in at least one role Track record of building and launching programs — capital access initiatives, CDFI programs, statewide economic development programs, or equivalent Established relationships across a meaningful part of the ecosystem: federal agencies (EDA, SBA, Treasury CDFI Fund), state economic development offices, CDFI/MDI networks, or national philanthropy Published body of work: white papers, policy briefs, reports, or equivalent Strong writer who can produce publication-grade work on short timelines Comfortable and effective as a public representative — closed-door briefings, stage, press Preferred Experience with SBA programs, CDFI lending, Section 1071, SSBCI deployments, or bond-funded economic development structures Prior role in federal or state government, a national intermediary (LISC, Enterprise, OFN, Prosperity Now, Aspen), a major foundation, or a respected research institution Existing relationships across Cyphr footprint or target cities/states Degree in public policy, economics, urban planning, business, or related field (equivalent experience considered) Growth Path This role is designed to scale into Chief Economic Development Officer as Cyphr's portfolio grows. We'll discuss what that trajectory looks like in detail during the interview process. How to Apply Send a cover letter, resume, and two writing samples (published or internal) demonstrating policy analysis or program design to alaiam@cyphrai.com. Applications reviewed on a rolling basis. Cyphr is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a team that reflects the communities we serve.Apply for this role →Send your resume, a...