Mosaic Small Business Counselor

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 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world’s largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and more than 25 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees delivers lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you’re a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

The IRC’s Mosaic Business Program helps newly arrived refugees and other low-income individuals reach self-sufficiency by starting and scaling small businesses. The Mosaic Center then helps families move sustainably out of poverty by offering high-quality, culturally and linguistically accessible, integrated business technical assistance, training, access to products leading to capital readiness and access to capital through IRC’s subsidiary lending arm, IRC’s Center for Economic Opportunity or another lender.

Job Overview:

Under the supervision of the Program Officer, Small Business Development, the Mosaic Small Business Counselor will support the implementation of the IRC Mosaic Center. The Mosaic Center offers training, technical assistance, and access to capital to help California residents start and scale small businesses.

Major Responsibilities:

• Assist in the outreach and recruitment of program participants; screen and assess interested California residents for program eligibility and participation;

• Provide one-on-one business counseling and management assistance to new and existing California residents owned- businesses in all areas of business start-up and expansion;

• Assist entrepreneurs to become ready for business financing through preparation of loan applications, business plans, and financial statements;

• Underwrite and package loan applications, and present for review to the IRC’s CDFI;

• Conduct individual case management and loan collections, including “off-site” technical assistance visits to the businesses or homes of program participants;

• Proactively facilitate referrals to outside service providers as necessary to meet the diverse needs of the program participants;

• Ensure that information required for program eligibility and reporting purposes is collected and that accurate records are maintained, including case files and client data entry across multiple data bases. Ensure necessary steps are taken to obtain relevant data in a timely fashion; follow-up with all clients regularly and record all contacts with case notes;

• Attend regularly scheduled meetings with other IRC staff and volunteers as part of the review, evaluation and program maintenance process;

• Assist in the planning and coordination of training/workshop activities and special events;

• Other duties as assigned.

Key Working Relationships:

Position Reports to: Program Officer, Small Business Development

Job Requirements:

• Undergraduate degree or related field preferred;

• Demonstrated understanding of U.S. business climate and systems, business development;

• At least 2 years of experience in microenterprise development or operation of a small business;

• At least 2 years of experience in non-profit sector and experience with immigrant entrepreneurs is strongly preferred;

• Proficiency in written and spoken English, with bilingual ability in another language required;

• Demonstrated multi-cultural experience;

• Knowledge and experience with an array of business topics, including marketing, management, financing, and entrepreneurship;

• Familiar with business software and technologies, especially low-cost online marketing strategies;

• Excellent organizational skills;

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including ability to make presentations;

• Ability to work independently, be a self-starter and maintain responsibility for multiple tasks.

Working Environment:

• Standard, professional office environment; if near local IRC office – hybrid environment

• Virtual setting for many client interactions;

• Offices hours are scheduled as Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5pm; evening and weekend hours as client needs arise.

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 requirements.

US Benefits:

The IRC offers a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. All US employees are eligible for sick time, a 403b retirement savings plans: up to 4.5% immediately vested matching contribution, plus an 3-7% additional IRC contribution, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support in times of crisis and mental health struggles.

In addition, full-time employees are eligible for 10 US paid holidays, 20-25 paid time off days, disability & life insurance, medical, dental, and vision insurance (employee contribution starting at $135, $7, and $5 per month respectively) and FSA for healthcare, childcare, and commuter costs. Part-time employees are eligible for a proportionate amount of paid time off. These additional benefits apply to employees who work at least 6 months within a 12 month time period.

Standard of Professional Conduct: The IRC and the IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality.

Commitment to Gender, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion: The IRC is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, respectful, and safe work environment where all persons are treated fairly, with dignity and respect. The IRC expressly prohibits and will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or bullying of the IRC persons in any work setting. We aim to increase the representation of women, people that are from country and communities we serve, and people who identify as races and ethnicities that are under-represented in global power structures.