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 Positions:

RISE Navigator & Program Manager

Communications & Events Coordinator, Small Business Development Center, Central Virginia

FULL TIME

POSITION TITLE:  RISE NAVIGATOR & PROGRAM MANAGER, SOUTHERN VIRGINIA

A.  JOB SUMMARY

CIC is currently seeking a candidate to serve as a full-time RISE Navigator & Program Manager. The position will contribute to the overall growth and sustainability of the RISE Collaborative regional entrepreneurship and innovation initiative, as a member of the RISE Collaborative Leadership Team. This position will be based at the SOVA Innovation Hub in South Boston, Virginia, and will require weekly travel within the RISE region and occasional evening or weekend events. The RISE Navigator & Program Manager role will have a dual focus, 1) locating aspiring and existing entrepreneurs in the region, with a focus on traded sector, target industries, and working directly with them to help them access capital (financial, knowledge, and human) for their businesses and 2) coordinating with the RISE Navigator Team and the RISE Collaborative Leadership Team to ensure measurable impact across the region. The position will report to the CIC Director of Communications + Engagement and also will be accountable to the RISE Project Director through the SOVA Innovation Hub .

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 homebase 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.  The successful candidate will need to live within the Virginia/North Carolina area. 

B.  DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

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

Lead Navigator (approx 60% of duties)

  • Conducts outreach across the RISE region, with a focus on 10 localities, to identify and build relationships with existing solopreneurs and small business owners, resulting in one-on-one intake sessions to match the entrepreneur with resources within the RISE Collaborative Ecosystem Map and assist the entrepreneur in finding new ones at the appropriate time. 
  • 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. a small business loan application or a business website).
  • Facilitates mentorship and networking opportunities for program participants.
  • Maintain a referral network of local service providers, business, state, and federal agency resources, and financial institutions for emerging and growing business owners to access.
  • Tracks referrals from organizations and service providers and follows up to ensure the entrepreneur has received the necessary and desired assistance.
  • Creates and maintains an outreach schedule to include systematically visiting businesses, and business resource providers in the assigned service area. Attends business and community events to represent RISE Collaborative and CIC. 
  • Document activities and events through photos and short-form videos that can be incorporated into RISE Collaborative and/or CIC communications and social media.  Be willing to share with appropriate personnel or post independently to represent work taking place in the region.
  • Assist with marketing and program development to 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.
  • 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, target industry, and/or scalable business opportunities.
  • Work with local and regional partners including SBDC, economic developers, chambers of commerce and others, to understand resources available to start or expand small businesses.
  • Collaborates with other RISE Business Navigators and aspiring & 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.
  • 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. 

Program Management (approx 40% of duties)

  • Day-to-day Operations: Implements, oversees, and grows the RISE Navigator Program, in accordance with the program vision set by the SOVA Innovation Hub’s RISE Collaborative initiative, including identifying and developing relationships with promising startups and existing businesses, with a high priority on identified traded sector and target industries and ensuring smooth execution, timely services, and high participant satisfaction. 
  • Personnel Management and Teamwork Facilitation: Manage a part-time RISE Navigator and collaborate with internal teams, external partners, stakeholders, other RISE Navigators, and the RISE Project Leadership Team to ensure program performance aligns with grant deliverables and ensure ongoing coordination and timely reporting of grant-required information.
  • Data Performance Tracking and Reporting: Drive achievement of grant metrics through collaboration and data management. Assist in achieving and documenting key performance indicators (KPIs) for program success, monitoring progress regularly and tracking program achievements. Prepare comprehensive reports and presentations for stakeholders and senior management. 
  • Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Building: Collaborate with the SOVA Innovation Hub RISE Collaborative Project Leadership Team to convene, coordinate, and facilitate ecosystem building activities, including but not limited to: monthly calls between RISE project staff and the Longwood SBDC, RISE Ecosystem Builder meetings, RISE Economic Development meetings, RISE Summit for Entrepreneurs. Act as a catalyst for entrepreneurship-led economic development, engaging with local entrepreneurs, startups, investors, and government agencies. Foster strategic partnerships and collaborations to support innovation and economic growth.
  • Event Planning and Execution: Organize and execute various events with the RISE Collaborative Marketing & Events Team and CIC fostering entrepreneurship, including workshops, boot camps, demo days, and networking sessions. Ensure well-coordinated, impactful events aligned with program goals.
  • Other duties as assigned.

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.
  • Excellent project management skills, with the ability to handle multiple initiatives simultaneously and meet deadlines.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, and Outlook), OneDrive, Google Suite, database management, and task management systems (e.g. Trello, Asana), 
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders, including entrepreneurs, investors, government officials, and industry professionals.  
  • 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.
  • Excellent time management skills, including proven ability to prioritize tasks to meet deadlines. 
  • Education or training in relevant field(s) (business, entrepreneurship, accounting, etc.). 
  • Strong attention to detail.
  • 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 three (3) years of demonstrated experience in program management, entrepreneurship, or innovation-related roles.
  • Proficient in digital marketing or willing 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 $50,000 to $55,000 annually plus health insurance, dental insurance, and retirement benefit.

F. HOW TO APPLY

Please send a cover letter and resume to people@cicville.org. Priority consideration will be given to applications before January 8, 2025 and applications will be accepted until the position is filled.


POSITION TITLE: COMMUNICATIONS & EVENTS COORDINATOR, SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER, CENTRAL VIRGINIA

Central Virginia Small Business Development Center (CV SBDC) is seeking a communications and events professional for a 40 hour/week, full-time position (Monday-Friday) to work out of our Charlottesville office with one work from home day. A successful candidate will possess project management and communications skills.

Virginia SBDC Mission:
To advance Virginia’s diverse economy by providing small businesses the expertise and resources to succeed.

Community Investment Collaborative (CIC) is the employer and host of Central Virginia SBDC.
CIC’s mission is to strengthen our community and contribute to economic development by fueling the success of under-resourced entrepreneurs through education, mentoring, financing, and networking. CIC is the host and fiscal agent of CV SBDC.

Virginia Small Business Development Centers are supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration and are accredited members of America’s SBDC.
Regional SBDC offices, including CV SBDC, are supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration, George Mason University, Virginia SBDC, and regional sponsors and donors in the communities in which they serve. Our team is dedicated to serving entrepreneurs throughout the life cycle of business, from startup through international expansion.

The Communications & Events Coordinator will:

  • Project manage events and communications following SBDCs branding guidelines
  • Professionally represent and promote the SBDC brand in our office and in public venues
  • Interact effectively and professionally with a diverse group of people
  • Possess excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Demonstrate a strong emphasis on personal service and responsiveness
  • Be able to work independently within a team environment
  • Respect and maintain confidentiality in all interactions
  • Be detail oriented with responsibility for precise reports and public facing materials
  • Work closely with office management and client service team members, providing back up as necessary

Follow Virginia SBDC Core Values:

Integrity: Demonstrate honesty, confidentiality, accountability and conduct above reproach

Trustworthy: Provide quality service, innovative approaches, practical advice and objective guidance

Respect: Recognize the views and opinions of all clients, stakeholders, partners and colleagues, and be responsive to their needs regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability or national origin

Continuous Improvement: Expand our effectiveness through professional accreditations, increasing impacts, implementing effective and innovative programs, and developing staff’s skills and expertise

Other Responsibilities:

  • Assist with communications from social media and newsletters to client stories and our annual report
  • Support and/or design flyers, programs, rosters, name tags, etc. for events
  • Collecting attendee event evaluations and preparing reports related to attendees, and preparing other post-event reports and electronic training files
  • Work with SBDC leadership team to ensure events are scheduled, supported and promoted
  • Coordinate services for events such as accommodation and transportation for speakers/instructors, facilities, catering, signage, displays, special needs requirements, printing and event security
  • Maintain the SBDC Calendar of Events, events related SBDC data management, and external calendars regarding events
  • Use computers for various applications, such as database management, word processing, website events/calendars, social media postings, reports and other documents
  • Provide back-up to the Client Services manager position (when CSC is off or unable to greet callers or visitors). These responsibilities include:
    • greet callers and visitors, handling their inquiries and/or direct them to the appropriate persons according to their needs;
    • work with student interns by involving them in the activities related to SBDC events;
    • operate office equipment, such as fax machines, copiers, or phone systems, troubleshoot problems and arrange for repairs when equipment malfunctions.

Key Skills

  • Project Management — Track and keep events moving forward with adequate time for design completion, promotion, execution and reporting and recordkeeping while facilitating timely execution of communications.
  • Clerical, Creative and Written Expression— Knowledge of word processing, managing files and records, designing forms, flyers and event descriptions and reporting.
  • Customer and Personal Service—Customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
  • Sales and Marketing — Ability to follow principles and methods for communicating and promoting events. Includes marketing tactics and following SBDC professional and brand standards.
  • Active Listening— Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, clarifying at appropriate times.
  • Speaking— Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Time Management— Managing one’s own time and the time of others to perform duties.
  • Organization – using and prioritizing resources and activities needed for a variety of assignments, and the ability to perform work in a manner to meet deadlines.
  • Service Orientation— Actively looking for ways to help people.
  • Judgment and Decision Making— Considering the relative costs and benefits of
    potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

This is a full time, 40 hour per week, salary range is $45,000- $50,000. This position reports to the Central Virginia Small Business Development Center Director and is an employee of Community Investment Collaborative (CIC), CV SBDC’s host. As such, this position receives full-time employee benefits and a 401K match as described in the CIC employee handbook.

This position works out of the Charlottesville VA office at 300 Preston Avenue, at the end of the historic downtown mall with free parking. The service territory includes the City of Charlottesville and Counties of Albemarle, Culpeper, Orange, Greene, Rappahannock, Madison, Louisa, Fluvanna and Nelson. Reliable transportation is required with some anticipated travel. Mileage is reimbursed for travel beyond commute to and from the Charlottesville office. Occasional flexible hours are required with some evening or weekend events.

SBDC will provide training and professional development. A successful candidate will be capable of using tools to manage their time and tasks efficiently to keep multiple projects moving forward in a timely manner. This position is supported by and/or collaborates with interns, contractors, and the CIC/CV SBDC team.

How to Apply:
Please send resume and cover letter to people@cicville.org. Applications will remain open until the job is filled. Please direct questions to the above email or call 434-295-8198.


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.


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.

Together we are strengthening our community.