Director of the Economic Development Center

Chinese Mutual Aid Association Inc • Chicago, IL

3d • $85,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Chinese Mutual Aid Association (CMAA) is seeking a strategic, highly flexible and adaptable individual who can lead and manage our Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Neighborhood Business Development Center (NBDC), Cook County Business Source, and APEX Accelerator. The Director will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the center. The position calls for a wide variety of administrative, management and leadership skills due to the diversity of clientele the center serves and the dynamic needs of the organization.

Requirements

• B.A. or B.S. degree in business, economics or another relevant field
• At least five (5) years of small business management or business consulting experience preferred
• Budget and program management experience
• Strong marketing and sales orientation
• Excellent communications skills, including public speaking
• Knowledge of business suite applications; familiarity with PowerPoint and CRM (eg- Neoserra and/or Salesforce) is a plus!
• Strong Excel skills, including V-lookups, linked sheets, and formatting for reporting, are very important

Responsibilities

• Lead the Small Business Development Center which provides no-cost business advising to new and potential small businesses, entrepreneurs
• Supervise and manage a department that consists of several full-time staff, contract business advisors, student interns and professional consultants
• Oversee business advisors in using CRM database for tracking client sessions, analyzing metrics, and documenting success stories to showcase the achievements of EDC clients
• Maintain an effective local Board of Advisors which reflects the centers market sector focus
• Provide direct business advising and training to clients through 1:1 meetings and workshops
• Develop and monitor the annual department budget (revenue and expenses) in coordination with the finance department
• Ensure timely submission of expense reports, reimbursement forms, etc for self and staff in the department
• Modify budgets internally and for specific funders as necessary in coordination with finance department
• Plan and coordinate programs and activities consistent with the goals and objectives of the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Neighborhood Business Development Center (NBDC), Cook County Business Source, APEX Accelerator and other programs and partnerships that may be implemented over time
• Work with and supervise the Program Director of the APEX Accelerator, which supports small businesses in obtaining certifications applicable for Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Individuals (SEDI) – Owned Businesses
• Develop the annual calendar of events; oversee implementation of events including business expos, periodic meetings for the board of advisors, press conferences, and educational series
• Ensure timely submission of grant funding proposals
• Cultivate relationships with potential funders and sponsors; steward relationships with current funders in coordination with the development and communications department
• Oversee communications, such as the newsletter for business clients and partners to promote opportunities for and convey the needs of the small business community
• Coordinate and cultivate relationships with other US Small Business Association or related resource partners, local and ethnic chambers of commerce, professional associations, and economic development groups
• Oversee new client intake processes, both in-person and online, ensuring that clients are properly registered and assigned business advisors, while maintaining client documentation by saving dated meeting notes in individual folders and logging session details (time/topic) in Neoserra and Salesforce (CRM databases).
• Collaborate with external partners, agencies, and service providers to ensure clients are connected with the most appropriate resources when needs extend beyond EDC capabilities. Facilitate warm referrals and maintain relationships with outside entities to provide clients with comprehensive, wraparound support.
• Assist clients in preparing grant and loan applications by researching and understanding grant requirements, providing guidance on eligibility, and helping gather and submit required documents
• Maintain a current reference library and database as required by the funders
• Maintain CMAA’s own centralized database with relevant EDC client and partner data, case notes, etc
• Provide timely and accurate reports to funders as required, external partners and CMAA board of directors upon request
• Maintain and analyze data on program effectiveness; review logic models, outcome measurements and key performance indicators; use findings to inform future program planning
• Lead the department to meet or exceed the annual performance goals of each program
• Travel 25% locally to meet with business clients and partners
• May include overnight business travel within the United States for conferences, convenings
• Other duties as assigned

Benefits

• Comprehensive Health benefits package to include medical, dental, and vision plans with employer contribution between 60%-90% of premiums
• 403(b) retirement plan with company match after one (1) year and fully vested at year six (6)
• 10 Company Holidays a year
• Personal Time Off, Sick Leave, and Vacation time off policies
• Parking/Transit benefits
• Travel Reimbursements for eligible commuting routes
• Opportunities for growth and to give back to communities
• Fun, high-energy culture!
• Access to an exceptional leadership team

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees