Bilingual Small Business Advisor

Overview

Washington Heights and Inwood Development Corporation (WHIDC) is a community based, nonprofit organization established in 1978 to promote economic development, job creation and prosperity in the predominantly immigrant communities of North Manhattan. For decades, WHIDC has provided programs and resources to educate and empower local entrepreneurs as a means to facilitate, foster and fund the expansion of private enterprise, job creation and prosperity in the communities it serves. WHIDC directly helps local entrepreneurs start and grow successful businesses by providing financial support, one-on-one business counseling, in-language training, referral services and technical assistance.

Washington Heights and Inwood Development Corporation (WHIDC) is seeking a Bilingual Small Business Advisor. 

The Business Counselor works closely with WHIDC’s Executive Director and staff and provides confidential, one-on-one counseling to business owners and start-up owners in business management, marketing, sources of capital, planning, etc.

Responsibilities

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Bilingual Small Business Counselor is responsible for communicating with loan clients, providing business counseling and technical assistance to clients, providing outreach to local entrepreneurs and represents WHIDC at marketing and outreach events

·       Counsel clients on the technical aspects of their businesses

·       Share best practices in business counseling and financial analysis

·       Make recommendations to the management on whether to originate a loan, and recommend loan amount, interest rate, as well as length of term

·       Make site visits to client business locations

·       Conduct marketing and outreach activities to promote WHIDC’s services and attract more clients

·       Conduct workshops and talks to share knowledge and resources for small business owners if needed

·       Maintain close customer contact to ensure continued satisfaction and to anticipate additional financing needs

·       Maintains the highest level of confidentiality with all client information obtained

·       Meets expectations for attendance and punctuality

·       Perform other related work and duties as assigned

·       Support efforts that ensure a safe and healthy work environment

·       Understand and embrace the value in collaborating with people of different cultures, races, genders, ethnicities, beliefs, experiences and ideas

Qualifications

·       Bachelor’s degree or combination of education and experience

·       Bilingual/fluent in English and Spanish

·       Formal/informal experience or knowledge in managing a small business

·       Excellent knowledge of local businesses and resources in NYC

·       Strong background in client management and customer service

·       Experience in marketing

·       2+ years’ experience with small business counseling

·       Strong analytical, verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to present information to a diverse customer base- specifically racially, ethnically and socially diverse

·       Must be able to maintain confidentiality of sensitive materials and information

·       Strong organizational skills with demonstrated attention to detail and focus

·       Ability to quickly gain knowledge of local businesses and resources

·       Experience working with low-income individuals in diverse communities

·       Demonstrated ability to multi-task, perform under pressure and to meet deadlines

·       Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (specifically MS Word and Excel), Salesforce and Google Documents

·       An understanding of the concepts of institutional and structural racism and bias and their impact on underserved and underrepresented communities

·       Maintain a positive, helpful attitude

Benefits

WHIDC offers rich benefits, recognition, opportunities for professional growth and competitive salaries

The range for this position will be between $50,000-$60,000

Salary offers will be based on the candidate’s experience in similar roles

If interested in Applying:

Please send cover letter and resume to careers@whidc.org