Director of the Economic Development Center

Job Description

Job TypeFull-timeDescription About UsChinese Mutual Aid Association (CMAA) is a community-based 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Chicagoland’s diverse immigrant and refugee communities. Established in 1981, CMAA is a cornerstone of the “Asia on Argyle” corridor of the Uptown Neighborhood of Chicago with a satellite office in Elgin, IL, providing programs to serve our community across generations. We offer after-school, summer camp, and mentoring programs for young people.

For adults, we provide case management and social services, education including English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, job preparation and placement services, and immigration and citizenship case assistance. We connect older adults to in-home care support and community enrichment through our Golden Age Club. Finally, we support entrepreneurs and small businesses as the only AAPI-led Small Business Development Center in Illinois. Who we are!

| Economic Development Center (EDC)The Economic Development Center (EDC) at Chinese Mutual Aid Association is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U. S.

Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity. Job DescriptionChinese 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. Essential Functions & ResponsibilitiesManage Staff and Partners; Support ClientsLead the Small Business Development Center which provides no-cost business advising to new and potential small businesses, entrepreneursSupervise and manage a department that consists of several full-time staff, contract business advisors, student interns and professional consultantsOversee business advisors in using CRM database for tracking client sessions, analyzing metrics, and documenting success stories to showcase the achievements of EDC clientsMaintain an effective local Board of Advisors which reflects the centers market sector focusProvide direct business advising and training to clients through 1:1 meetings and workshopsBudgetingDevelop and monitor the annual department budget (revenue and expenses) in coordination with the finance departmentEnsure timely submission of expense reports, reimbursement forms, etc for self and staff in the departmentModify budgets internally and for specific funders as necessary in coordination with finance departmentDevelopment of programs and funding resourcesPlan 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 timeWork 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 BusinessesDevelop the annual calendar of events; oversee implementation of events including business expos, periodic meetings for the board of advisors, press conferences, and educational seriesEnsure timely submission of grant funding proposalsCultivate relationships with potential funders and sponsors; steward relationships with current funders in coordination with the development and communications departmentOversee communications, such as the newsletter for business clients and partners to promote opportunities for and convey the needs of the small business communityCoordinate and cultivate relationships with other US Small Business Association or related resource partners, local and ethnic chambers of commerce, professional associations, and economic development groupsOversee 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 documentsCompliance, Quality Assurance and ReportMaintain a current reference library and database as required by the fundersMaintain CMAA’s own centralized database with relevant EDC client and partner data, case notes, etcProvide timely and accurate reports to funders as required, external partners and CMAA board of directors upon requestMaintain and analyze data on program effectiveness; review logic models, outcome measurements and key performance indicators; use findings to inform future program planningLead the department to meet or exceed the annual performance goals of each programOther ResponsibilitiesTravel 25% locally to meet with business clients and partnersMay include overnight business travel within the United States for conferences, conveningsOther duties as assignedWork EnvironmentThis job operates in a clerical office setting however occasional field work is required for events, conferences, and other outreach activities.

This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines as well as specialized programs such as Canva, Excel, CRMs, etc. This is a largely sedentary role, however, some filing is required. This could require the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets and bending or standing on a stool as necessary.

This position is expected to be on-site at the associated office(s) or approved satelite office(s)/location(s). PerksComprehensive Health benefits package to include medical, dental, and vision plans with employer contribution between 60%-90% of premiums403(b) retirement plan with company match after one (1) year and fully vested at year six (6)10 Company Holidays a yearPersonal Time Off, Sick Leave, and Vacation time off policiesParking/Transit benefitsTravel Reimbursements for eligible commuting routesOpportunities for growth and to give back to communitiesFun, high-energy culture!Access to an exceptional leadership teamThe approximate salary for this position is $85,000.

00 annually. Please note that the indicated base salary is provided in good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Final compensation may vary based on factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge, skills, etc.

CMAA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

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