Make a Gift Today
Your gift to Mercy Connections directly supports the hundreds of students and participants relying on this work to take steps forward in their lives. Invest in your community—support Mercy Connections.
Employment
Employment
Interested in working for a meaningful mission with a collaborative team?
The staff of Mercy Connections work together to ensure that everyone, regardless of their life circumstances, is treated with dignity and compassion. We provide people with the opportunity to pursue personal aspirations within a supportive learning community.
If we do not currently have any open positions, we are still happy to hear from you. Please send your cover letter & resume to Alana Shaw at ashaw@mercyconnections.org to be considered when positions do become available.
Title: Business Start Up Instructors for Finance and Operations
FLSA: Non-exempt, part-time
Pay Range: $3,000 per semester
Mercy Connections is a community-based, education and social service organization empowering people to make significant life changes through education, mentoring, entrepreneurship, and community. Programs and classes support re-entry into community for formerly incarcerated women and educate underserved adults, including immigrants and refugees. Programs are designed to help participants with improved well-being, academics, literacy, job readiness, business ownership, leadership, English and U.S. citizenship.
Accountability: Reports to the Director of Inclusive Entrepreneurship
Supervisory Responsibilities: N/A
Position Summary: The Start Up Instructor is part of a three-person instruction team for the Start Up business planning course. The 16-week course delivers primarily online instruction to a cohort of students learning to start or enhance a business. The Start Up Instructor provides general support to students as well as specialized business planning instruction in either Finance, Marketing, or Operations. The instructor works closely with the Director of Inclusive Entrepreneurship and other Start Up instructors to provide high quality education in their area of expertise, create an enriching classroom community, and ensure consistent and meaningful opportunities for participants to learn new skills and develop a business plan. Instructors meet regularly, teach independently and as a team, and provide ongoing and final feedback on students’ business plans.
Essential Functions:
- Teach business planning curriculum for area of expertise (Marketing, Operations, or Finance)
- Co-teach opening and closing class sessions, which may occur in person
- Prepare curriculum and class materials prior to each session for area of expertise
- Work with instructor team to develop class schedule and syllabus prior to each semester
- Provide students with thoughtful, timely feedback throughout the semester
- Attend weekly instructor team meetings
- Monitor email and communication channels and respond to students and staff within 48 hours during business hours for routine inquiries, or sooner for time-sensitive inquiries
- Review student business plans and work with the instructor team to develop substantive written feedback for students
- Participate in student feedback sessions with instructor team
- Participate in ongoing program planning and evaluation
Qualifications (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
- Formal education in business, business planning, and/or experience as a business owner
- Experience teaching and/or facilitating adults; knowledge of adult learning styles; comfortable with online teaching
- Interest in contributing to the growth of aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly those who have been traditionally left out of the business world
- Extensive knowledge of topic area of expertise
- Previous experience writing and reviewing business plans highly desired
- Commitment to diversity, equity and 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
- Demonstrated analytical and project management skills
- Ability to prioritize tasks and work independently
- Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality
- Strong teamwork skills, ability to team teach and work well with other team members
- Desire and ability to inspire and encourage others; demonstrate kindness and respect
- Sensitivity and respect for Mercy Connections mission
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Suite applications, Zoom, and generally comfortable with web-based applications, and a willingness to learn new web-based applications where needed
Travel
- In-person instruction, when required, takes place at Mercy Connections in Burlington, Vermont. Employee is expected to use their own means of transportation.
Additional Information
Applications comprised of a resume and a letter of interest (cover letter) specifically addressing the desired qualifications and required skills and abilities can be sent to Alana Shaw at ashaw@mercyconnections.org
Mercy Connections is an equal opportunity employer. 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.