Careers

ORGANIZATION: The National Institute of Minority Economic Development

PROGRAM: Women's Business Center of Charlotte

POSITION: Program Manager

ABOUT THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF MINORITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT:

The National Institute of Minority Economic Development exists to strengthen the asset base of diverse populations through policy, education, and economic opportunities. We do this by helping diverse small businesses, HBCUs, and nonprofit organizations to grow, thrive, create jobs, become sustainable, and be valued partners within their local communities. Our vision is economic prosperity for diverse populations and an environment in which race, gender, and geography are no longer a barrier to economic opportunity and prosperity. Our core values are trust, excellence, innovation, and collaboration. We believe that all people should have equal opportunity to participate in and contribute to our economy and civic life.

ABOUT THE WOMEN'S BUSINESS CENTER OF CHARLOTTE:

The Institute's Women’s Business Center of Charlotte (WBCC) helps women-owned businesses start and grow.

We empower women by offering tools and support to establish businesses, stabilize their companies, generate sustainable profits, strategize for future growth and contribute to the growth and economic development of the community.

Our small business experts offer:

• Customized, one-on-one business counseling.
• Seminars and classes focused on key business topics, such as marketing, finance, certification and small business resources.
• Review and feedback on written business plans.
• Loan package preparation assistance and lender referrals.
• Certification assistance and review.
• Networking opportunities to find mutual support, access to resources and business referrals.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:

The Small Business Administration is a program partner and funding entity of WBC of Charlotte.
• The program services 12 counties: (Anson, Alexander, Cabarrus, Catawba, Cleveland, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Rowan, Stanly, Union)
• There exist partnerships, affiliations, and alliances with local organizations and other resource partners across the state such as (Institute, MBDA, NCDOT (OJT), SBTRC, Public Allies, SBC Network, The Support Center, SBTDC, BEFCOR, SCORE, Asian Chamber, Charlotte Chamber, Urban League, Charlotte Housing Authority, CVMSDC)
• Offers over 50 technical training sessions on various business development topic (Finance, Financial Management, Business Law, Technology, Business Resources, Certifications, Organizational Development)]

ABOUT THIS ROLE:

Reporting to the Program Director, the Program Manager provides overall professional customer service and administrative support in the general operations of the Women’s Business Center of Charlotte NC (WBCC). The Program Manager will assist in the promotion and coordination of workshops, seminars, and training sessions, schedule meetings and arrange travel, respond to customer inquiries, organize, and manage filing system, update client data in client Database Management System. The Program Manager will support the leadership team with answering calls, funneling customers to appropriate personnel, assisting with organizations marketing efforts on social media sites, as well as aid with the center’s signature events.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

•Serve as the primary point of contact for stakeholders, providing prompt and professional responses to inquiries and facilitating smooth communication channels.
• Guide clients through the intake process with clarity and empathy, ensuring a seamless transition into WBCC's programs and services.
• Facilitate one-on-one counseling appointments with the appropriate staff members, ensuring optimal utilization of resources and time.
• Attending staff meetings and monthly team meetings, contributing insights and updates as needed.
• Implement and maintain the WBCC Program calendar, ensuring accuracy and timeliness for trainings, events, and seminars.
• Collaborate closely with the Program Director to maintain and update WBCC's social media accounts, aligning our online presence with organizational objectives.
• Assist in marketing efforts across various platforms, maximizing our reach and impact.
• Support center operations by managing inventory and ordering supplies, ensuring the resource area is stocked with essential materials.
• Collaborate closely with the Program Director to develop and execute a comprehensive social media strategy that aligns with WBCC's mission and resonates with our audience.
• Plan and execute workshops, seminars, and training sessions with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring seamless logistics and exceptional participant experiences.
• Assist in the preparation of workshops, seminars, and training sessions, ensuring all materials and logistics are in place for a seamless experience.
• Report training and counseling data into the current CMS system, contributing to data-driven decision making processes.
• Attend events as necessary, providing support and assistance to ensure their success.

• Utilize data analytics to derive insights and inform decision-making processes, maintaining accurate client records and generating reports that drive program enhancements.
• Oversee calendar management, travel arrangements, and inventory control to uphold operational efficiency and support the smooth functioning of WBCC's programs and services.
• Update client status in the Database Management System and provide regular status reports to leadership, always maintaining confidentiality and accuracy.
• Administer client surveys, collect results, and prepare dashboards for leadership, demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement and client satisfaction.
• Exercise judgment in safeguarding confidential information, adhering to ethical standards and organizational policies.
• Demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills, fostering positive relationships with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders.

Perform other related duties deemed necessary.

WE'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU IF:

In addition to a proven track record above, the successful candidate must meet the following minimum qualifications and experience requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or a related field. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. Minimum of five years of experience related to the specified duties and responsibilities.
• Proven experience in implementing strategies to enhance inclusion, diversity, and equity-based outcomes within the Charlotte community and across WBCC programs and services.
• Demonstrated track record of successful project coordination and management.
• Maintain a positive, “can-do” attitude with a strong commitment to providing exceptional customer service to both internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to respond promptly and positively to changes, demands, and workload fluctuations.
• Consistent delivery of high-quality work products with reliability and attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse communities, leaders, and staff members.
• Proficiency in business and entrepreneurship principles, including budgeting, financial statements, and organizational behavior.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Suites, Excel Pivot Tables, CRM systems, LMS platforms, project management tools, and social media platforms.
• Demonstrated leadership skills in managing multiple teams within a dynamic environment.
• Event planning experience is advantageous.
• Willingness to learn, adapt, and work independently while meeting deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Flexibility to work a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings, weekends, and overnights as needed.
• Ability to multitask effectively and work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Must be capable of lifting at least 25 lbs. and carrying materials to and from training sessions.
• Ability to work independently, proactively, energetically, and professionally.
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively in teams.
• Proficiency with MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Experience with Salesforce a plus.
• Community economic development certification a plus.
• Willingness and ability to collaborate with diverse staff in a multi-faceted fast paced environment and meet deadlines.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel within the NIMED footprint and beyond as needed. Including day trips and some overnight travel.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to effectively engage and negotiate with diverse stakeholders.
• A background check conditional for job offer. Must satisfactorily pass a national service criminal history check that includes national sex offender registry, State Police, and FBI checks.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Close vision is required.
• Employees must be licensed drivers and have regular access to an automobile.
• Employees are regularly required to: sit; talk and hear; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.
• Employees are frequently required to type and use a keyboard.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

YOU CAN EXPECT:

• Starting salary range: $50,000- $55,000 based on education and experience plus commission.
• A compassionate and supportive work environment.
• A competitive benefits package including paid time off and sick leave, health and dental insurance, life insurance, and the option to participate in a 403b retirement plan with employer match.
• A background check conditional for job offer. Must satisfactorily pass a national service criminal history check that includes national sex offender registry, State Police, and FBI checks.
• The Institute and Women's Business Center is an equal opportunity employer.

HOW TO APPLY:

For consideration, interested candidates must submit a cover letter and resume. Cover letters must address candidate experience and qualifications being sought. All materials should be sent to SObregon@TheInstituteNC.org and RGonzalez@TheInstituteNC.org with e-mail Subject Title: Program Manager - WBCNC

The National Institute of Minority Economic Development, its Affiliates, and Subsidiaries provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, gender, sex, gender identity or expression, age, medical condition, sexual orientation, marital status, citizenship, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran states, military status, caregiver status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

ORGANIZATION: The National Institute of Minority Economic Development

PROGRAM: Institute Capital

POSITION: Commercial Loan Officer & Business Development

ABOUT THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF MINORITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT:

The National Institute of Minority Economic Development exists to strengthen the asset base of diverse populations through policy, education, and economic opportunities. We do this by helping diverse small businesses, HBCUs, and nonprofit organizations to grow, thrive, create jobs, become sustainable, and be valued partners within their local communities. Our vision is economic prosperity for diverse populations and an environment in which race, gender, and geography are no longer a barrier to economic opportunity and prosperity. Our core values are trust, excellence, innovation, and collaboration. We believe that all people should have equal opportunity to participate in and contribute to our economy and civic life.

ABOUT INSTITUTE CAPITAL (ICAP):

Institute Capital provides debt and investment capital to affordable housing developers, community-based development organizations (CBDOs) and small businesses. Our goal is to revitalize and transform diverse communities through affordable housing, entrepreneurship, HBCU collaborations and community development.

As a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), Institute Capital seeks to provide high-impact lending to borrowers who cannot typically get capital from mainstream financial institutions, and who are working to create thriving economies in communities that represent the most diverse populations.

ABOUT THIS ROLE:

The Commercial Loan Officer (CLO) is responsible for developing and leading Institute Capital’s (ICAP) small business lending market and affordable housing project lending. The market includes for-profit businesses, community-based non-profit organizations, and affordable housing developers, with a targeted effort to minority, women-owned, and rural businesses. The primary role of the CLO includes relationship-based marketing of ICAP’s community-based lending products to referral sources, including the other programs within the Institute family and potential borrowers throughout the Greater Raleigh/ Durham Area. The CLO will also perform credit analysis, work directly with the Senior Credit Officer on loans, and present their loans to the Internal Credit Committee (ICC) and Board Loan Committee (BLC) as appropriate. The CLO will coordinate marketing efforts for the designated region with the Senior Vice President of Operations to ensure all marketing is timely and accurate.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform credit analysis on loan applications received through ICAP’s web-based loan platform for funding consideration, working directly with Senior Credit Officer to ensure loans are well-prepared for credit committee presentation.
• Provide excellent customer service, including prompt responses, basic technical assistance, and referrals to internal technical assistance programs as appropriate.
• Follow through with closing team directly after loan approval to prepare Summary of Loan Terms (SOLT) for client to initiate process and ensure a timely loan closing.
• Market ICAP’s loan products to referral sources and potential borrowers through activities including 1-on-1 meetings, presentations on such topics as financial management and financing options, in conjunction with communications staff, e-blasts and other appropriate outreach.
• Coordinate marketing activities with SVP, Operations to reach potential clients through social media outlets and other community relationships, as well as Institute programs.
• Work with ICAP admin staff to enhance and update an internal referral process for other Institute programs.
• Manage existing and build new partnerships that further ICAP’s business lending goals.

Perform other ICAP related duties deemed necessary.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL, AND ABILITY:

• Demonstrate ICAP's core competencies:
  • Trust
  • Excellence
  • Innovation
  • Collaboration
• Excellent communication skills including:
  • Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, including developing a clear message and presenting ICAP’s products and programs to individuals and groups.
  • Ability to write clearly and concisely, including translating financial and numerical data into written form.
  • Ability to build effective business development networks that lead to loan deal flow and closed loans, while building long-term collaborative relationships with organizational partners and stakeholders.
  • Ability to work effectively and cooperatively in teams.
  • Proficiency with MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
  • Experience with Salesforce a plus.
  • Sensitivity to issues of low-wealth borrowers and a desire to work in a racially and socially diverse organization.
  • Ability and willingness to travel within the Institute’s geographic footprint as job requires, including many day trips and some overnight travel.

WE'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU IF:

In addition to a proven track record above, the successful candidate must meet the following minimum qualifications and experience requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field.
• Minimum of five years of experience in commercial lending or related financial services, preferably within a community development or CDFI setting.
• Strong understanding of financial analysis, credit risk assessment, and loan structuring.
• Proven track record of business development, client relationship management, and loan portfolio management.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to effectively engage and negotiate with diverse stakeholders.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel within the Greater Raleigh/Durham area and beyond as needed. Including many day trips and some overnight travel.
• Additional experience in community and economic development initiatives is highly desirable.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Close vision is required.
• Employees must be licensed drivers and have regular access to an automobile.
• Employees are regularly required to: sit; talk and hear; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.
• Employees are frequently required to type and use a keyboard.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

YOU CAN EXPECT:

• Starting salary range: $70,000 - $80,000 based on education and experience plus commission.
• A compassionate and supportive work environment.
• A competitive benefits package including paid time off and sick leave, health and dental insurance, life insurance, and the option to participate in a 403b retirement plan with employer match.
• A background check conditional for job offer. Must satisfactorily pass a national service criminal history check that includes national sex offender registry, State Police, and FBI checks.
• The Institute and Institute Capital is an equal opportunity employer.

HOW TO APPLY:

For consideration, interested candidates must submit a cover letter and resume. Cover letters must address candidate experience and qualifications being sought. All materials should be sent to RMcCullough@TheInstituteNC.org with e-mail Subject Title: Commercial Loan Officer & Business Development - ICAP