Program Associate for Business Development Center

ABOUT PACE

PACE is a local community nonprofit organization founded in 1975 to provide services for communities in the greater Los Angeles area. PACE's services include Business Development; Workforce Development; Early Childhood Education (Head Start); Financial Education and Asset Building; Housing and Rehabilitation Services; Weatherization and Energy-conservation programs; and Affordable Housing Development. PACE serves more than 40,000 people each year with approximately 350+ staff. PACE is recognized as a leader in addressing problems of poverty and economic inequity in ethnic minority communities and has a reputation for being responsive to community needs and known to create innovative solutions to the myriad of challenges faced by our clients. Visit our website to learn more about our organization:

PROGRAM SUMMARY

PACE BUSINESS promotes the start-up, stabilization, and growth of small business communities through one-on-one business consultation, training, workshops, events, and access to capital. PACE targets low- and moderate-income residents, entrepreneurs and business owners with business advisory services and educational programs to entrepreneurs looking to start or grow their small business. PACE counselors work with entrepreneurs in one-to-one sessions in the areas of management, marketing, sales, finance, accounting, business development, contracting, and other disciplines required for small business growth, expansion, and innovation.

POSITION SUMMARY

PACE BUSINESS is seeking a highly motivated PROGRAM ASSOCIATE who will carry out the day-to-day program activities supporting business and / or procurement counselors to meet and exceed program performance outcomes & requirements for the program. The Program Associate will provide administrative, operational, and technical support to ensure the overall delivery and success of programs operated by PACE Business. When directed, the Program Associate also will have opportunities to represent PACE and participate in external events to learn from and meet with partners, key stakeholders, and other community partners. This is a great opportunity for individuals looking to work or continue career growth in the nonprofit sector and to serve the community, while building a fulfilling career and making a real difference and impact on the community.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES

Administrative and Project Management Activities (10%)

• Provide project management support across multiple programs based on program-specific needs
• Provide administrative support when needed, including notetaking, scheduling and coordination, and document management
• Other administrative and project management duties as requested by Program Manager(s)

Operational Activities (50%)

• Participate in staff meetings and training
• Work with Program Manager(s) to organize team meetings
• Assist in preparing presentation materials for events, workshops, training, and key meetings
• Maintain key program-related data (e.g., new clients from outreach events, enrolled clients, performance outcomes, events / workshops, trainers, resource providers, strategic partners) in PACE's database systems, including collection, tracking, reporting, and sharing with key internal partners
• Assist in preparation of management information and client reports
• Assist individual counselors in tracking client progress by organizing, creating, and maintaining client files in compliance with program requirements
• Support coordination of activities with key clients and resource partners for purposes of program implementation
• Coordinate activities to prepare, execute, and closeout events, workshops, and training in collaboration with the Program and Marketing & Outreach teams
• Other operational duties as requested by Program Manager(s)

Direct Technical Assistance Activities (35%)

• Be knowledgeable of the basics of all PACE Business / PFC service offerings, and provide clients with relevant information
• Provide support and services to procurement and / or business counselors with their day-to-day client-related work
• Collect clients' documents to complete business enrollment
• Assist clients apply for DBA, EIN, sellers' permit, business license, and any other required license/permits
• Assist counselors with the preparation of grant applications, loan applications, and contracting opportunities for clients
• Work with counselors to identify new business development opportunities (e.g., contract sourcing) for clients
• Represent the organization at events, workshops, business forums, partner meetings, and community events
• Other client-related duties as requested by Program Manager(s)

Special Projects (5%)

• Provide support on special projects assigned by the Director of PACE Business.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Economics, or related field, highly desirable (or, equivalent professional work experience).
• Minimum 2 years of work experience in program coordination, project support, business counseling, or similar role
• Professional work experience in small business advisory services, banking, or a related field, highly desirable
• Experience in operating business-related conferences, events, workshops, and training, highly desirable
• Experience in underwriting loans or loan packaging desirable
• Experience in analyzing financial statements, interpreting financial data, and effectively communicating financial information to clients, preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Familiarity with CRM or loan management systems.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to work with low-income individuals and groups of multi-background; demonstrated ability to be patient, listen, and respond appropriately and interact positively with individuals, especially clients
• Familiarity with financial statements, including balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow.
• Strong project management skills
• Excellent organizational and management skills, and detailed oriented
• Proven self-starter
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced office setting
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with staff, building and stewarding an organizational culture that embraces inclusion
• Have excellent communication skills - both written and spoken; ability to communicate and deliver clear, concise, effective manner for internal and external stakeholders
• Build positive, effective, collaborative cultures and teams wherever you work, including willingness to share skills and knowledge with others
• Proficiency with data and reporting, preferably using client relation management (CRM) software / system, especially Salesforce
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Social Media and On-line Marketing
• Bilingual skills are highly desired.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must satisfactorily pass background and employment/reference check.
• This position is on-site in the PACE Los Angeles office.
• Must have reliable transportation, a current and valid Driver's License, vehicle registration and adequate automobile insurance coverage as local travel may be required on occasion.
• COVID vaccination required; must have two-dose series of Pfizer or Moderna or a single-dose of Johnson & Johnson. Those that need a medical or religious exemption must reach out separately.
• This position is on-site and will be based in our DTLA office

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Pay range is $55,000 to $75,000 annual depending on experience
• Affordable and robust Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life insurance plans for employee plus family with generous employer contributions
• Robust 401(k) retirement plan
• We offer paid holidays, vacation pay and paid sick leave

APPLICATION PROCESS

• All interested candidates MUST apply directly on our PACE website by uploading a resume AND completing the online application to be considered. We will only be reviewing applications submitted directly from the website. Please visit following link to apply:
  
  
• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until position has been filled.We will only be reaching out to candidates who you been selected to move forward in the process.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

These physical demands are representative of the physical requirements necessary for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the Program Associate. Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the described essential functions of the position. While performing the responsibilities of this position, the employee is required to talk and hear. The employee is often required to sit and use their hands and fingers, to handle or feel. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, reach with arms and hands, climb or balance, and to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, carry up to 30 lbs. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision.