Microenterprise Program Coordinator

***THIS ROLE IS ELIGIBLE TO BE FULLY REMOTE***

Job Overview:  

CEO is a subsidiary of the International Rescue Committee and a non-profit financial institution that offers accessible, small-dollar consumer and microenterprise loans primarily through partnerships with community-based organizations that serve refugees, immigrants and other traditionally underserved populations.

The Microenterprise Program Coordinator is a remote/work-from-home position based in San Diego. The position’s focus is ongoing implementation of CEO’s local San Diego SBA MicroLoan Program, including through provision of technical assistance (TA) to current or prospective SBA Microloan borrowers. The position will work in close collaboration with IRC’s local small business development staff in the City Heights and El Cajon communities. A secondary focus of the position is to increase the scale, scope & efficiency of CEO’s business lending in CEO’s other markets across the country.

CEO is rapidly expanding nationally and offers opportunity for career growth. 10% - 15% of each week may be spent gaining experience across any of CEO’s core operational areas – including customer service, project design, curriculum/resource development, grant and donor support, communications, partnerships or monitoring and evaluation.

Major Responsibilities:

Lead SBA Microloan Program in San Diego

Provision of Business Technical Assistance

• Provide 1:1 business technical assistance to current or prospective SBA Microloan borrowers in San Diego to support business launch or expansion, including business plan development, assistance in cashflow and financial analysis, marketing, licensing, taxes, leases/contracts, etc
• Assist in researching, planning and problem solving for starting or maintaining a small business
• Develop general and sector-specific training materials and lead in-person and web-based training sessions for entrepreneurs and partners
• Liaise between CEO loan processors, applicants, and IRC Business Counselors as needed to ensure timely and cohesive borrower experience;
• Collaborate closely with local IRC San Diego microenterprise staff to ensure efficient referral channels are established and maintained

Program Management, Reporting & Admin

• Ensure data quality, administrative compliance with relevant program terms, and timely submission of reports;
• Liaise with SBA staff on project progress and troubleshoot any challenges;
• Represent CEO in local community meetings, events, roundtables, etc; remain up to date on available resources and community services CEO clients may access

Increase Org-Wide Capacity for TA Quality & Business Loan-Making

• Identify tools, resources, platforms, technology or other supports that can help address barriers for underserved entrepreneurs
• Respond to loan inquiries, review loan requests, and conduct prospecting calls with potential applicants.
• Work closely with prospective borrowers to evaluate their overall financial health, verify credit readiness, determine financing needs, assist them in every stage of the loan application process; and make recommendations and offer resources to early prospects
• In close coordination with the Sr. Microlending Coordinator, support continued development of processes, policies and protocols for growing our portfolio of loans up to $50k in multiple markets while maintaining flexibility and accessibility to underserved communities
• Identify and execute strategies for enhancing efficiency of business loan application process for applicants, referring business counselors and CEO underwriters (internal and external) nationally
• Develop and deliver ‘train-the-trainer’ trainings for business counselors that refer clients to CEO; work directly with IRC business counselors in other markets and national Economic Empowerment staff to enhance quality of TA

Key Working Relationships

Position Reports to: Sr. Credit Strategy Manager, IRC’s Center for Economic Opportunity
Collaborates with:  CEO’s Sr. Operations Manager, Deputy Director, Finance & Admin and Senior Lending Manager; IRC San Diego Business Counselors and Small Business Development Center team; IRC National Economic Empowerment staff. As needed, the position may directly supervise interns and volunteers.

Job Requirements:

• Undergraduate degree is required; advanced degree or education in business or finance preferred
• At least 5 years of experience providing professional technical assistance or corporate consulting experience to businesses or business owners, including identifying and communicating KPIs for business clients;
• Must have direct experience packaging, underwriting or reviewing microenterprise loan applications;
• Must have knowledge of the local San Diego small business environment and the constellation of organizations that support entrepreneurship in San Diego
• Prior experience developing small business finance curriculum, tools and other training materials or templates including: Cash flow projections, business plan development, P&L, B/S and Statement of Cash Flow financial reports and educating client companies on utilizing these resources desired
• Strong speaking and communication skills; able to prepare and present engaging material to large groups, in-person or remotely
• Proficient in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google and business accounting software (I.e. QuickBooks or similar)
• Strong computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook); advanced Excel proficiency required;
• Must have access to reliable transportation
• Must have exceptional customer service skills and mindset; experience serving diverse clientele strongly preferred

Working Environment: The position is based in San Diego County but otherwise remote/work from home on a day-to-day basis. Regular local travel is required to visit and meet with business owners, IRC’s local team and offices, and to attend other relevant events or convenings. Less frequent travel for conferences, board or team meetings may be required but will be less than 5% - 10% time.

Compensation: Posted pay ranges apply to US-based candidates. Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget.  Exact offers are calibrated by work location, individual candidate experience and skills relative to the defined job requirement.

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 new hires to furnish proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to be considered for any in-office or hybrid positions.  All IRC US offices require full vaccination to attend any in-office functions (e.g., meetings, trainings).

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.

US Benefits: We offer a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits.  In the US, these include: 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, 20-25 paid time off days (depending on role and tenure), medical insurance starting at $145 per month, dental starting at $7 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare, childcare, and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with up to 4.5% immediately vested matching contribution, plus a 3-7% base IRC contribution (3 year vesting), disability & life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles. 

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