Community Revitalization Program Officer

Community Revitalization Program Officer

The Community Revitalization (CR) Program Officer (CDFI/NMCIC) is accountable for assisting entrepreneurs and small business owners with financial education, business planning, and personalized support to achieve successful small business ownership and/or business expansion. The officer will also support loan pipeline development, loan portfolio management, CDFI certification and reporting, strategic planning, financial management, revenue development, marketing, and childcare provider loan opportunities.

• Develop programming designed to support underrepresented and under-resourced entrepreneurs.
• Establish a training and educational program that can be customized to meet individual entrepreneurs’ needs, including developing partnerships and delivering trainings internally.
• Provide robust, one-on-one assistance to entrepreneurs, referring them as appropriate to other local resources.
• Remain a constant support and guide from business idea through knowledge building to business launch.
• Act as a resource to clients, providing guidance, referrals, and accurate information as they seek potential small business financing.
• Meet with clients and partners across the region, utilizing virtual meetings to strengthen connections.
• Assist with CDFI certification compliance and reporting, and other reporting requirements of state, federal, or private funders.
• Develop expertise in regional small business loan products and resources.
• Maintain confidentiality and discretion for the protection of small business clients/borrowers and for NMF and NMCIC.
• Maintain accurate client data.
• Collaborate with the CR team to develop the loan pipeline and provide loan servicing activities.
• Process childcare loan applications, collaborating with CR staff and utilizing existing processes to originate, underwrite, approve, and service loans.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

• Meet people where they are in terms of small business management experience and help set and achieve financial goals.
• Demonstrate cultural sensitivity and engagement with diverse backgrounds in northwest Minnesota.
• Understand principles of rural economic development, business finance, and entrepreneurship.
• Initiate learning about best practices among CDFIs, loan products, loan servicing, and technical assistance, evaluating and implementing them to support NMCIC’s mission.
• Show high initiative and collaboration to implement solutions for underrepresented and under-resourced entrepreneurs.
• Work collaboratively with internal and external partners.
• Lead by example with courteousness, prompt resolutions, and answers to inquiries and requests from external and internal sources.
• Cultivate a culture of high operational excellence and nurture growth across the region.
• Engage in continuous skill growth and strengthen work across the region.

• Program creation and implementation.
• Client management.
• CDFI certification and compliance reporting.
• Marketing and promotion of NMF and NMCIC loan programs and products.
• Revenue development and financial management to support the long-term success of the NMCIC.
• Successful management of the NMF and NMCIC loan portfolios.

• Associate Degree (A.A.) from a two-year college or technical school or higher educational achievement in business finance, economic development, social work or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in small business finance, consumer loans, mortgage lending, or other lending or financial management and in working with individuals who may be underrepresented or under-resourced.
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, grants, or loan portfolios.
• Proven ability to engage individuals to assess their financial knowledge.
• Successful record of guiding individuals to meet their goals.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, strong problem-solving skills, and leadership abilities.

• Bachelor’s degree in business, economic development, social work, or a related field.
• Experience with CDFIs, small business lending, rural economic development, consumer loans, mortgage lending, or other lending or financial management.
• Case…