Small Business Program Coordinator

IRC Background:  

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933, the IRC is at work in over 40 countries and 25 U.S. cities helping people to survive, regain control of their future and strengthen their communities. The IRC in Salt Lake City opened in 1994 and provides resettlement services through extended case management to newly arrived refugees for up to 24-months as well as over twenty different programs to educate and empower refugees. 

Job Summary

The Small Business Development Coordinator provides refugees and new Americans currently in business with opportunities for business training, one-on-one business technical assistance, and assistance with access to capital.  They are primarily responsible for program recruitment, the coordination of direct service provision, and outcomes tracking.  Additionally, the Program Coordinator assists with program development and partnership management. 

Major Responsibilities:

• Provide ongoing resources to ethnic community-based organization leaders to solicit qualified entrepreneur candidates
• Ensure participants are eligible per donor requirements
• Provide one-to-one technical assistance to clients, making outside referrals when needed
• Develop loan applications, including business plans, cash flow projections and other required documentation; underwrite loans to ensure alignment with IRC’s loan policies prior to submission
• Provide credit building and small business loans to eligible participants
• Develop and coordinate training workshops as needed, including arrangement of guest speakers/trainers, identification and purchase of appropriate incentives as needed
• Collect appropriate documentation ensuring participant eligibility to receive services
• Keep case files all for program clients
• Conduct participant surveys, especially for business workshops
• Enter data into the program’s information data systems
• Provide Economic Empowerment Program Manager with data for narrative reports to program funders
• Comply with all IRC policies, procedures and protocols including adherence to the IRC Way and Child Safeguarding.

Key Working Relationships:

Position Reports to:   Economic Wellbeing Program Manager
Position directly supervises:  Interns and volunteers within program

Job Requirements:

• Undergraduate degree in Economics, Finance, Business, Development or related field required
• 2+ years of related professional small business experience.
• Demonstrated understanding of U.S. businesses and U.S. business development systems and laws, with experience in business counseling, banking, entrepreneurship, or related endeavors.
• Lived experience as refugee or immigrant. In lieu of lived experience, experience working with refugees and/or immigrants; cross-cultural or overseas experience accepted.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English, bilingual ability preferred in Swahili, Kinyarwanda, Arabic, French or other refugee/immigrant language used in Arizona. Cross-cultural understanding and strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Computer proficiency with an emphasis on Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Teams, Outlook). Proven experience in web-based data entry systems, with both data extraction and design preferred.
• Highly organized self-starter with shown success prioritizing multiple tasks, making critical decisions, and delivering results in a fast-paced environment
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to prioritize time effectively.
• Flexibility with demonstrated ability to maintain responsibility for multiple tasks in the context of a diverse, fast-paced work environment.
• Strategic, creative, problem solver capable of working well independently and as a part of a team.
• Demonstrated understanding of coaching and motivational interviewing
• Must have a valid driver’s license, active insurance policy, access to reliable transportation and the ability to travel regularly throughout the service delivery area for home visits.

Working Environment: 

Current remote work.  Standard office work environment combined with some travel throughout service delivery area.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement: In accordance with IRC’s duty to provide and maintain a workplace that is free of known hazards and our commitment to safeguard the health of our employees, clients, and communities, IRC requires candidates who are selected for interview to furnish proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to be considered for this position.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusivity: IRC is committed to building a diverse organization and a climate of inclusivity.  We strongly encourage applications from candidates who can demonstrate that they can contribute to this goal. 

Equal Opportunity Employer: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Please apply at http://www.rescue.org/careers