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 Communications & Development Officer supports the development and implementation of a communication and marketing strategy, manages existing grants (which includes drafting and submitting reports), supports the development of funding opportunities, and supports external relationships management.

Essential Functions:
GRANTS MANAGEMENT: Manages all aspects of the grants for the organization, including supporting external relationships, and writing and submitting grant reports
COMMUNICATION: Supports the development and implementation of a communication and marketing strategy for the organization to increase brand awareness and application numbers
OUTREACH: Develops and implements outreach plan to increase applications, and to strengthen relationships with current clients, partner organizations, and funders
DEVELOPMENT: Supports the development of new funding opportunities for CEDS

Other Job Duties:
GRANTS MANAGEMENT
Creates and submits all programmatic funder reports (collaborating across the teams as necessary)
Maintains the report tracker to ensure all reports are completed in time
Manages the application process for all grants/funding opportunities, which involves coordinating with others to collect needed documents and writing the proposal. Maintains the proposal tracker to know which proposals/grant applications are due when
Manages programs that require comprehensive involvement and support (such as being engaged in monthly meetings, engaging on the listserv, representing CEDS and our program, attending conferences, participating in workshops, in collaboration with the Underwriting, Portfolio Management, and Business Consulting teams)
Drafts and submits invoicing to funders, as needed, and ensures payments are made (coordinating with the finance team)
Updates and maintains all grant applications/reporting materials (e.g., standardize reporting templates), and ensures materials convey an effective message

COMMUNICATION
Develops and implements a social media strategy, including create content & managing accounts, that aligns with the broader CEDS marketing strategy
Creates website content & manages updates to the site that align with the broader CEDS marketing strategy
Drafts and publishes press releases and other new/timely information to the public that convey recent developments and success stories
Creates regular communications to borrowers working in collaboration with the underwriting, portfolio management, and business consulting teams
Establishes and maintains media contacts to facilitate new coverage of the organization
Establishes and enforces a consistent brand image for the organization
Updates and maintains all communication/marketing materials (e.g., annual infographic, press release templates, flyers); and ensures materials convey an effective message. Coordinates with respective teams to support their needs
Creates and maintains email distribution lists (one for clients, one for applicants, and one for partners). Creates content and schedule for emails, and administers the implementation process
OUTREACH
Creates and maintains a schedule for outreach events (such as tabling at conferences, speaking engagements). Develops repeatable processes for what to take and what to say at outreach events
DEVELOPMENT
Supports the development of new funding opportunities for CEDS working closely with the Executive Director and the management team
Supports donor relationship development (including attending calls and assisting with correspondence)
Maintains the fundraising tracker (to monitor progress against annual goals) and collaborates with the finance team to ensure accuracy of financial transactions

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:
A Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, public relations, journalism, English, or a related field
Two years of professional experience in a communications, marketing, or public relations role
Proficiency with MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Powerpoint)
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Decision-making and problem-solving skills
Good networking skills and the ability to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences and stakeholder groups
Fluency in more than one language preferred
Ability to work with raw data to create engaging presentations and reports

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.