Relationship Associate

Relationship Associate

Location: Chicago, IL

Salary: $17.36 per hour

Grameen America is a nonprofit microfinance organization dedicated to helping low-income women entrepreneurs build businesses to enable upward financial mobility. We envision an inclusive society in which all entrepreneurs, regardless of gender, race or income, have access to fair and affordable financial services. We provide affordable capital, credit- and asset-building, education and peer support to enable our members to boost their business income, create jobs and transform communities.

Founded by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus in 2008, Grameen America is now the fastest growing nonprofit microfinance organization in the U.S., having achieved tremendous milestones in its first 16 years of operations, investing in 220,000 low-income women entrepreneurs while demonstrating measurable impact. Our members have repaid their loans at a rate of over 99% and have become economic drivers in their communities.

About the Job

The Relationship Associate position is an entry level position at GAI, designed to be the first step in a career path with the organization. We are seeking a motivated individual who thrives on delivering exceptional customer service, engaging in outreach activities, enjoys working with people, providing excellent customer service, and contributing to member recruitment and outreach efforts of the branch. A positive attitude, strong communication skills, and a willingness to learn are key to success in this role. The Relationship Associate reports to the Branch Manager.

Grameen America operates on the ground, within the communities we serve. Employees are expected to work in person at both the branch and in the community based on program needs and in consultation with their Branch Manager. At a minimum, employees must be present at the branch at least three (3) days per week but based on operational needs you may be required to be onsite for up to five (5) days per week per your supervisor's discretion.

Key Responsibilities as a Relationship Associate:

Relationship management

• Conduct weekly center meetings during which we collect and follow-up with loan repayments, share program updates and educational discussions
• Build strong and positive relationships with members to support both retention and business growth.
• Respond to member inquiries promptly and professionally, assist with problem solving & engagement.
• Conduct in-person home verification and business visits to verify and ensure the legitimacy and accuracy of borrower's information.
• Uphold high standards of service, quality, and productivity.
• Adhere to all company policies and procedures.

Recruitment & Outreach

• Conduct outreach through various channels within the neighborhoods your branch serves, which requires regular local travel. This includes in-person & virtual touch points with entrepreneurs and potential future members at local businesses, residential and commercial areas, etc. Outreach activities also include conducting info sessions, group training, etc. at various locations within the community.
• Use these outreach techniques to grow the program by recruiting new members to achieve designated membership growth targets.

Financial Methodology

• Monitor member loan activity, ensuring compliance with loan criteria, disbursement guidelines, and repayment schedules.
• Reconcile and accurately input payment data into internal systems, ensuring proper documentation and compliance with required notifications.

The Skills You Will Bring:

• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish.
• Strong customer service and communication skills.
• High level of integrity, discipline, punctuality, and work ethic.
• Ability to multitask, manage time effectively, and maintain strong attention to detail.
• Basic numeric and problem-solving skills.
• Collaborative and self-motivated able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Flexibility to work varied hours (early mornings/evenings) Monday through Friday.
• Comfortable using computers, email, smartphones, tablets (iPad), Zoom, and related technologies.
• Willingness to learn.

Education and Experience:

• High School diploma or equivalency preferred, or two years of relevant work experience required.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Word and Excel a plus.

Requirements:

Valid driver's license required depending on business location.

What We Offer You:

Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans

Paid Holidays, vacation and sick time

401K retirement savings plans

Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

Training and development opportunities

Wellness platform with two free coaching sessions per month

And more!

Grameen America is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO) committed to diversity and inclusion in its workplace. Grameen America employment decisions are based on job requirements and individual skills and qualifications without regard to the applicant's race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Grameen America, Inc participates in the E-Verify program.

Visa sponsorship is not provided.

Must be able to legally work in the U.S.