Chinese Mutual Aid Association (CMAA) · 4 weeks ago
Director of the Economic Development Center
Chicago,IL,US
Full-time
Onsite
Lead/Staff, Director/Executive
$85K/yr - $85K/yr
5+ years expChinese Mutual Aid Association (CMAA) is a community-based nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting immigrant and refugee communities. The Director of the Economic Development Center will lead and manage various business development programs, ensuring effective operations and support for small businesses, while cultivating relationships with clients and partners.
CommunitiesNon ProfitSocial
Responsibilities
Manage Staff and Partners; Support Clients
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
Qualification
Required
B.A. or B.S. degree in business, economics or another relevant field
Budget and program management experience
Strong marketing and sales orientation
Excellent communications skills, including public speaking
Strong Excel skills, including V-lookups, linked sheets, and formatting for reporting, are very important
Preferred
At least five (5) years of small business management or business consulting experience preferred
Familiarity with PowerPoint and CRM (eg- Neoserra and/or Salesforce) is a plus!
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
Company
Chinese Mutual Aid Association (CMAA)
Originally founded by Chinese immigrants, Chinese Mutual Aid Association (CMAA) has evolved into a pan-immigrant social services agency serving clients from over 40 countries.
201-500 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageTotal Funding
$0.09M2024-05-23Grant· $0.09M
Recent News
24-7 Press Release Newswire
2025-03-26
Company data provided by crunchbase