Jobs

We’re a team of passionate professionals who LOVE the work we do, the communities we do it for AND the people we do it with! If you or someone you know has an inherent interest in entrepreneurship and wants to come on board to help us empower small business for big change, then introduce yourself and let’s work!

Full Time / Part Time Position(s):

RISE Business Navigator, Southern Virginia

POSITION TITLE:  RISE BUSINESS NAVIGATOR, SOUTHERN VIRGINIA

The Community Investment Collaborative (CIC) is a Community Development Finance Institution (CDFI) with a mission of strengthening our community and contributing to economic development by fueling the success of under-resourced entrepreneurs through education, mentoring, financing, and networking. CIC is expanding its operations into southern Virginia and is partnering with RISE Collaborative and the SOVA Innovation Hub.

A.  JOB SUMMARY

CIC is currently seeking a candidate to serve as a RISE Business Navigator. The position will contribute to the overall growth and sustainability of the RISE Collaborative regional entrepreneurship and innovation initiative. This position will be based at the SOVA Innovation Hub coworking space in South Boston, Virginia, and will require weekly travel within the RISE region and occasional evening or weekend events. The RISE Business Navigator will be responsible for working directly with entrepreneurs and business owners to help them connect to and access resources (ex: capital, technical assistance, mentor or peer support) for their businesses and coordinating with the RISE Navigator Program Manager to ensure collective impact across the region. The position will report to the RISE Navigator Program Manager in partnership with the Chief Operating Officer, CIC.

RISE Collaborative is a regional entrepreneurship and innovation initiative serving 15 localities in Southern Virginia, spanning Brunswick County west to Patrick County and north to Buckingham County. Note: Through an agreement with the SOVA Innovation Hub and GO Virginia, this is a grant-funded position for up to 18 months and may be extended if additional grant resources are identified. 

The SOVA Innovation Hub (715 Wilborn Avenue, South Boston, VA 24592) will serve as the home base for the RISE Navigator & Program Manager. This is an in person position, with an expectation of 50-75% travel throughout the region to attend events and to meet with entrepreneurs and occasional remote work.  The successful candidate will need to live within the Virginia/North Carolina area. 

Learn more about living and working in Southern Virginia by visiting https://sovaishome.com and https://www.halifaxchamber.net/LiveHereWorkHere.

B.  DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Within the limits of the CIC’s programs, policies, procedures, and budget, the RISE Business Navigator is responsible for and has authority to perform the duties listed below:

• Communicate systematically with local and regional economic developers within their footprint to share updates on RISE Collaborative to develop and maintain a referral pipeline of potential entrepreneurs and innovators aligned with traded sector and/or scalable business opportunities.
• Work with local and regional partners including SBDC, economic developers, Chamber of Commerce and others, to understand resources available to start, or expand, small businesses. Maintain a referral network of local service providers, business resources, state and federal agency resources, and financial institutions for emerging and growing business owners to access.
• Collaborates with the RISE Navigator Program Manager, other RISE Community Business Navigators, aspiring and local entrepreneurs to ascertain the needs of business owners in the region 
• Implements and grows the SOVA Innovation Hub’s RISE Collaborative initiative, including identifying and developing relationships with promising startups and existing businesses. 
• Works to help entrepreneurs navigate resources in the RISE Collaborative Ecosystem Map and find new ones. Tracks referrals from organizations and service providers and follows up to ensure the entrepreneur has received the assistance necessary.
• Conducts outreach to existing solopreneurs and small businesses, resulting in one-on-one intake sessions to match the entrepreneur with the right resources at the right time.
• Facilitates networking opportunities for program participants. Mentors entrepreneurs one-on-one and in small groups in technical skill sets and sit side by side with entrepreneurs to deliver tangible outcomes (ex. Small Business Loan Application or a Business Website).
• Participate in the development, promotion, coordination, and delivery of entrepreneurial boot camp programs, workshops, training programs, webinars, and panels relevant to small business and organizational needs, as well as the creation and maintenance of the appropriate tools and databases. Marketing and program development should target scalable and/or traded sector business opportunities to fulfill grant requirements.
• Document, monitor, and evaluate activities and services, grant hours, and efficacy, including use of reports, data management, and other tools as appropriate.

C.  REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Have a passion for small business/entrepreneurship, creating a more equitable ecosystem for entrepreneurs of diverse backgrounds, and driving economic development through entrepreneurship and innovation.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders, including entrepreneurs, investors, government officials, and industry professionals.  
• Understanding of the principles, standards, and practices of small and micro business operations including financial management and/or digital marketing.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with others and successful work in teams.
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment and be adaptable to change.
• Must be able to work independently to manage multiple activities, prioritize tasks, and resolve problems.
• Must be comfortable reaching out to communities and individuals without prior engagement.
• Ability to develop, and present programs and training in an engaging manner, to either a virtual or in-person audience.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, and Outlook), OneDrive, Google Suite, database management, and task management systems (e.g. Trello, Asana), 
• Must possess a valid driver’s license due to travel expectations, including weekly travel within the project region.

D. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• Experience working with or servicing under-resourced or under-served populations.
• Minimum of one (1) year of demonstrated experience in entrepreneurship or innovation-related roles.
• General understanding of digital marketing or willingness to learn basic digital marketing skills, including social media, Canva, and email marketing platforms.
• Proficiency in leveraging technology and digital tools to enhance program delivery and participant engagement. 
• Ability and willingness to utilize new technology solutions (e.g. ChatGPT).

E. COMPENSATION

Full time compensation of $45,000 to $48,000 annually plus health insurance, dental insurance, and retirement benefit. Part time opportunities may be available for suitable applicants. Interested parties for either scenario should apply.

F. HOW TO APPLY

Please send a cover letter and resume to people@cicville.org. Priority consideration will be given to applications before March 24, 2025 and applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

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INTERNSHIPS

POSITION TITLE:  PROGRAMS AND OPERATIONS SPECIALIST (INTERN)

A. OVERVIEW OF OPPORTUNITY

CIC is looking for a student to join its team in the role of Programs and Operations Specialist. Working at CIC is a unique opportunity to be fully involved in a diverse organization and the chosen applicant will have a meaningful impact in the development of a local community organization that supports small businesses. The Programs and Operations Specialist will be offered a variety of experiences, including but not limited to the following:

• Facilitate scheduling for pitch competitions
• Assist in community networking and outreach efforts
• Provide technological assistance for entrepreneurs and volunteers
• Assist with special projects as needed
• Assist with management of coworking space
• Organize the biannual Resource Fair
• Manage Office Hours program

B. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

The  Programs and Operations Specialist will experience the organic process of entrepreneurship not only through assigned projects but also through the stories and daily realities of CIC clients as they launch and grow their businesses. CIC maintains intimate relationships with its entrepreneurs in order to ensure full and ongoing support.

Students will hone their communication skills through CIC’s education programs and stakeholder engagement, expand their knowledge of business through the loan program and through the interaction with clients applying for financing.

C. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Curiosity/interest in learning
• Interest in small business and entrepreneurship
• Interest in working with others and teams
• Ability to work independently
• Strong communication skills
• Strong technology skills (G Suite, Microsoft Office)
• Interest in helping individuals from low-income backgrounds
• Strong writing skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects at one time
• Preferred: Experience in working with business financial statements

D. SCHEDULE

The  Programs and Operations Specialist will collaborate with the Operations Coordinator and the Director of Programs to establish a mutually agreeable, required, and consistent schedule of 10-20 hrs/wk. We request that the student work in the office two to four days per week depending on their hours. CIC understands classes are a priority and as such, some flexibility with remote work is allowed as needed. Our office is located at 300 Preston Ave. Suite 201, Charlottesville VA. Our office is located at 300 Preston Ave. Suite 206, Charlottesville VA.

E. COMPENSATION

This role pays $15.00 dollars per hour for a maximum of 20 hours per week.

HOW TO APPLY:

For consideration for opportunities during the 2024-2025 academic year, please email a resume and cover letter to Sarah Gibbons at sarah@cicville.org.

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POSITION TITLE:  COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT (INTERN)

A. OVERVIEW OF OPPORTUNITY

CIC is looking for a student to join its team in the capacity of Communications Assistant. Working at CIC is a unique opportunity for students to be fully involved in a local and diverse organization. Students will be offered an array of experiences to include: developing marketing materials and client outreach, evaluating and monitoring success metrics associated with the financing and education of entrepreneurs, researching organizational funding opportunities and writing grants, arranging special events, website and social media management, developing programmatic elements, assisting with micro loan applications and proposals. Interns can be assured of having a meaningful impact in the development of a local community organization that supports small businesses.

B. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT 

The Communications Assistant will experience the organic process of entrepreneurship not only through projects assigned but also through the stories and daily realities of CIC clients as they launch and grow their businesses. CIC maintains intimate relationships with its entrepreneur clients in order to ensure full support. Therefore, will similarly have strong connections with the struggles and triumphs of business.

Students will learn the art of communication through CIC’s education programs and stakeholder engagement, the basics of business through the training courses and live client examples (Conducting interviews, writing stories, successful fundraising strategies, community impact measurement, researching businesses, and collecting information.) Furthermore, they will have the opportunity to branch out and learn about other parts of CIC. 

The Communications Assistant will experience the organic process of entrepreneurship not only through assigned projects but also through the stories and daily realities of CIC clients as they launch and grow their businesses. CIC maintains intimate relationships with its entrepreneurs in order to ensure full and ongoing support.

Students will hone their communication skills through CIC’s educational programs and stakeholder engagement and expand their knowledge of business throughout the course of their internship.

C. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• Curiosity/interest in learning 
• Interest in working with others and teams 
• Interest in marketing (social media, email newsletters, website management) Interest in event planning and coordination 
• Interest in small business and entrepreneurship 
• Interest in helping individuals from low-income backgrounds 
• Strong communication skills 
• Strong writing skills, interest in grant writing 
• Strong technology skills (G Suite, Microsoft Office) 
• Ability to manage multiple projects at one time

D. SCHEDULE 

The Communications Assistant will collaborate with the Operations Coordinator and the Director of Lending and Operations to establish a mutually agreeable, required, and consistent schedule of 10-20 hrs/wk. We request that the student work in the office two to four days per week depending on their hours. CIC understands classes are a priority and as such, some flexibility with remote work is allowed as needed. Our office is located at 300 Preston Ave. Suite 201, Charlottesville VA. Our office is located at 300 Preston Ave. Suite 206, Charlottesville VA.

E. COMPENSATION 

The student will be compensated $15.00 dollars per hour for a maximum of 20 hours per week.

HOW TO APPLY:

For consideration for opportunities during the 2024-2025 academic year, please email a resume and cover letter to Sarah Gibbons at sarah@cicville.org.

COMMUNITY INVESTMENT COLLABORATIVE

Community Investment Collaborative (CIC) is a Community Development Finance Institution (CDFI) with a mission of strengthening our community and contributing to economic development by fueling the success of under-resourced entrepreneurs through education, mentoring, financing and networking.

CIC is an equal employment opportunity (EEO) employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, color, religion, citizenship, political activity or affiliation, marital status, age, national origin, race, traits historically associated with race, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, military status, sexual orientation, sex or gender (which includes harassment and discrimination based on gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), taking or requesting statutorily protected leave, or any other characteristics protected under federal, state, or local laws.