Title: Inclusive Entrepreneurship Program Coordinator
FTE: 0.8 – 4 days/week
FLSA: Exempt
Pay Range: $38,000 - $42,000 /year
Mercy Connections is a community-based, education and social service organization empowering people to make significant life changes through education, mentoring, entrepreneurship, and community. Our programs and classes support the education of underserved adults, including immigrants and refugees, people at various transition points in their lives, and justice-involved women needing support for re-entry into their communities. Programs are designed to help participants with improved well-being, academics, literacy, job readiness, business ownership, leadership, English and U.S. Citizenship Preparation.
In addition, the organization is a center for community and fellowship with a culture of radical hospitality; all people are welcome to join programs and social events.
Accountability/Supervisor: Work directly with and supervised by the Director of Inclusive Entrepreneurship
Supervisory Responsibilities: N/A
Position Summary: The Inclusive Entrepreneurship Program Coordinator will add administrative capacity to grow the Inclusive Entrepreneurship program. The Program Coordinator will work closely with the Director of Inclusive Entrepreneurship to support recruitment, registration, and evaluation efforts for classes, to codify and develop core curriculum, and to conduct outreach to reach more Vermonters who are interested in entrepreneurship.
The Inclusive Entrepreneurship program at Mercy Connections has grown out of the Women+’s Small Business Program to serve Vermonters who are traditionally locked out of the business world. Core curriculum includes: Start Up, a 16-week intensive business planning course for people with marginalized gender identities; Mercy Marketplace, a 10-week vendor training course for crafters and makers; Idea to Action, a 3-part exploratory workshop on self-employment; Small Business Lunch + Learn, a 5-part lunch hour series on key business concepts; Launch Pad, a supported co-working space for anyone starting a business; and 1:1 Coaching which offers up to 3-hours of one-on-one support to existing or aspiring entrepreneurs. Curriculum development is underway for a course designed for English Language Learners, as well as a course for women+ who have been in business for 2-5 years. The program is always looking for opportunities to fill gaps and reach new audiences within the network of small business support providers in Vermont.
Essential Functions:
- Support the planning and implementation of mission-based program goals
- Acts as a resource person for program information
- Respond to inquiries about classes and course offerings
- Register participants for classes by collecting required enrollment paperwork and entering participant data into organizational database
- Manage communication with participants around registration and enrollment
- Update participant and alumni records to maintain accurate information
- Collect and maintain participant feedback through surveys and individual outreach
- Implement appropriate procedures to ensure efficiency, accuracy and flow
- Develop relationships to advance program goals
- Review research data and other literature for application to program initiatives
- Support the development of flyers, social media posts, program-specific website pages, reports, internal forms and other program materials
- Support program-specific projects and tasks (i.e. alumni networking, evaluation, marketing, strategy)
- Work with Mercy Connections staff for organization-wide events
- All employees are expected to perform other duties as may be assigned from time to time, to meet the needs of the organization
Qualifications:
- Interest in contributing to the growth of aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly those who have been traditionally left out of the business world
- Knowledge of small business development with a focus on startup and micro businesses
- Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience
- Prior experience working in a team environment
- Understanding of race equity, socioeconomic class, adult learning styles, cultural norms, gender sensitivity and trauma-informed practices and commitment to inclusion
Required Skills/Abilities
- Ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations across diverse learning styles
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Solid organizational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to prioritize tasks and work independently
- Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality
- Ability to create a safe, hospitable, and effective learning environment for adult learners
- Desire and ability to inspire and encourage others; demonstrate kindness and respect
- Sensitivity and respect for Mercy Connections mission, values and culture
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Suite applications, Zoom and generally comfortable with web-based applications. Willingness to learn new tools where needed.
Physical Requirements
- Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working indoors on a computer
- Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times
Travel
- This position will require a mix of meeting in person at Mercy Connections in Burlington, Vermont as well as some remote work. Employee is expected to use their own means of transportation.
Additional Information:
Application materials must include a resume and a letter of interest (cover letter) specifically addressing the desired qualifications. Mercy Connections is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All members of the Mercy Connections community are valued as individuals.
How to Apply:
Interested applicants may send their resume and cover letter to Alana Shaw at ashaw@mercyconnections.org
Deadline to Apply: Open until filled
