Small Business Counselor

Background: The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises, and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. At work in over 40 countries and 25 U.S. cities to restore safety, dignity and hope, the IRC leads the way from harm to home.

Job Overview: The Small Business Counselor will support implementation of IRC Oakland’s 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, financial literacy, selling online and managing a business. The Small Business Development Program focuses on providing targeted outreach for small businesses in refugee and immigrant communities through leveraging partnerships with local organizations who will connect to specific sectors of the entrepreneurial community to provide assistance including: financial assistance and access to capital; contracting and procurement; marketing, operations, business development, and exporting; and industry-specific training.

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 marketing, financial literacy, starting a business, best business practices, etc;
• Data entry to log key outcomes such as milestones, scope of work, surveys, etc;
• 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;
• 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;
• 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;
• Develop outreach materials and assist with communication to partners;
• 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: Volunteers and Interns

Indirect Supervision: Financial Capability Coordinator

Other Internal and/or external contacts:

Internal: Collaborate closely with other departments where there is overlap in client caseload, including communication withother department managers. Coordinate with Finance, Community Relations and Development teams as needed.

External: Community-based organizations and small business agencies.

Job Requirements:

• 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 conduct market research;
• Undergraduate degree in Business Administration, Finances, Public Administration, or related field. Business experience in lieu of formal business education is acceptable;
• 1+ year of experience in small business development counseling and training. Experience operating a small business in lieu of small business development counseling and training may be acceptable;
• Prior experience working with immigrant and refugee entrepreneurs is strongly desired;
• 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.

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.

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 $120 per month, dental starting at $7 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching, 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.