CEDS Finance Overview:

CEDS Finance is a non-profit, micro-lender whose mission is to support the American Dream of financial self-sufficiency, by assisting refugees, immigrants, and those from under served communities in Metro Denver through small business support. The organization is a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) that has debt capital from a range of sources, including the CDFI Fund, Office of Refugee Resettlement, PRI for local community foundations, and the Small Business Administration (among others). CEDS Finance has invested over $6M into the local community and created/retained 820+ jobs. CEDS Finance is proud to have been named the 2018 Colorado Community Lender of the Year and 2019 Aurora Chamber of Commerce ‘Diversity & Inclusion Champion’.

Position purpose:
The Business Consulting Officer shall create and implement a pre- and post-loan technical assistance program and will develop micro- and small-business clients by assessing needs and directly providing in-depth pre- and post-loan technical assistance (TA).

Essential Functions:
PROGRAM MANAGEMENT
Coordinates (with an outside contractor) the development of, and manages, CEDS’s Business Technical Assistance program that provides pre- and post-loan support, in collaboration with the underwriting and portfolio management teams. Defines the services that are offered and helps set the strategic direction for the program. Develops a workplan for how to achieve the strategic direction. Develops policies and processes to implement a robust TA program
BUSINESS CONSULTING
Provides in-depth, one-on-one business consulting to applicants/clients. Collaborates with the portfolio management team if/when loan modifications are needed
MONITORING & EVALUATION
Develops and implements a monitoring, evaluation, and learning system to gauge if the organization is achieving its mission and goals (including impact goals). Drafts policies and procedures to implement the new system. Ensures system provides insight into the quality of TA that clients are receiving

Other Job Duties:
PROGRAM MANAGEMENT
Updates and maintains all TA materials (e.g., homework assignments, workshop curriculum, TA resource guide), and ensures materials are right-sized and most effective for CEDS’s applicants and clients
Updates and maintains all TA referral information, which includes building new, and maintaining existing, relationships with other service providers to ensure clients receive the best support. Communicates TA opportunities to applicants/clients in collaboration with the communication team
Ensures compliance aspects of the TA program are met, such as tracking and reporting TA hours and other client impact metrics to internal/external parties
Administers periodic surveys to gauge the status and needs of clients and identifies program gaps and opportunities for internal improvement. Analyzes results and reports out to team, management, and board
Manages the TA calendar including both CEDS-hosted and externally-hosted TA opportunities
Communicates TA calendar events with the CEDS team and clients (coordinating with communication team)
Develops and manages a volunteer/mentor program to support applicants/clients
Identify and organizes TA training opportunities for staff, as needed
BUSINESS CONSULTING
Collaborates with underwriting and portfolio management teams to assess client needs; develops and implements TA recommendations (e.g., action plans, internal TA resources, and referral opportunities)
Proactively monitors client progress (following the TA Recommendation Plan) and follows up with clients on outstanding requirements (coordinating with portfolio officers)
MONITORING & EVALUATION
Collects, tracks, and reports data to internal and external parties
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & BOARD SUPPORT
Supports the Executive Director in preparation for board meetings, as needed, including building the agenda, creating slides, compiling data and materials
OTHER DUTIES
Performs other duties as assigned by direct supervisor and Executive Director
Qualifications and Essential Skills:
Undergraduate degree or equivalent experience in a related field
2 years experience in micro enterprise development or operation of a small business
Knowledge of and experience with a wide array of business topics and processes, including marketing, management, financing, and overall operations
Experience supporting entrepreneurs and new businesses
The ability to troubleshoot and identify business issues to promote success
Experience with immigrant entrepreneurs preferred
Familiarity with business software and technologies
Proficiency with MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Salary & Benefits:
Hiring range $45,000 – $60,000 annual salary
Annual performance-based bonus
Competitive health, dental, and vision benefits, a Flexible Spending Account, 403(b) retirement plan with employer match, and generous paid time off and holiday policies
A flexible schedule with a mix of in-office and remote work permitted
How to Apply:
Candidates should submit their resume and a cover letter that addresses the responsibilities and qualifications listed above to HR@CEDSFinance.org with the text “Business Consulting Officer” in the subject line. Applications are due by August 9, 2021.

CEDS provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, religion, ancestry, mental or physical handicap, or age. In addition to federal law requirements, CEDS complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.