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 50 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 deliver 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.
Job Overview: The Small Business Counselor will support the implementation and continued development of the IRC Small Business Development Program. The Small Business Counselor offers one-on-one business advising on several topics including but not limited to start-up assistance, personal and business financial literacy, business operations, sales and marketing, and more. Further, the Small Business Counselor provides direct support to individuals accessing small business loans and capital through the provision of assistance identifying financing options, preparing required documents, and navigating the funding process. The Small Business Counselor will develop, engage, and sustain relationships with key stakeholders in the local ecosystem including SBA Centers and Resource Partners, municipal small business and economic revitalization efforts, and area small business lenders.
Major Responsibilities: Include, but are not limited to:
- Assist in the outreach and recruitment of program participants; screen and assess interested individuals for program eligibility and participation.
- Provide one-on-one business counseling and management assistance to new and existing small businesses in all areas of business start-up and expansion.
- Lead training programs on a variety of topics including business operations, accessing loans and capital, marketing and sales, taxes, and more.
- Data entry in IRC and other mandated data systems to log client information, service delivery, and key outcomes such as changes in revenue and job creation.
- 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 databases.
- 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 them for review to the IRC’s CDFI and/or other lenders.
- Proactively facilitate referrals to outside service providers as necessary to meet the diverse needs of the program participants.
- Conduct individual case management and loan collections, including “off-site” technical assistance visits to the businesses or homes of program participants.
- Assist in the planning and coordination of training activities and special events, especially in partnership with SBA Centers and Resource Partners, municipal small business events, and similar activities.
- Develop outreach materials and assist with communication to community and partners.
- May train and lead activities of support staff, volunteers, and interns.
- Attend regularly scheduled meetings with other IRC staff and volunteers as part of the review, evaluation, and program maintenance process.
- Other duties as assigned.
Position Reports to: Economic Empowerment Manager
Position directly supervises: N/A
Indirect Supervision: Volunteers and Interns
Other Internal and/or external contacts:
Internal: Collaborate closely with other departments where there is overlap in client caseload, including communication with other department managers. Coordinate with Finance, Community Relations and Development teams as needed.
External: Community-based organizations and small business agencies.
Job Requirements:
- Undergraduate degree in Business Administration, Finances, Public Administration, or related field. Business experience in lieu of formal business education is acceptable.
- Minimum 1 year of experience in small business development counseling and training required; minimum of 2 years’ of experience strongly preferred.
- Prior experience working with immigrant and refugee entrepreneurs is strongly desired.
- Excellent computer skills, including Word, PowerPoint, Excel.
- Familiar with assessing business training needs and analyzing business-related materials, including financial reports, business, and marketing plans as well as conducting market research required.
- Experience developing business loan packages strongly preferred.
- Experience in the non-profit sector strongly preferred.
- Excellent organizational, record keeping, and analytical skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Proven ability to conduct affective instructional sessions to colleagues and entrepreneurs.
- Proficiency in a second language a plus.
- Ability to work independently, be a self-starter and maintain responsibility for multiple tasks.
Working Environment:
- A combination of standard office environment, remote work, and ‘field’ time within the service delivery area to perform the above outlined responsibilities.
- May require occasional weekend and/or evening work.
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.
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: 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.
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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.