The Organization

A job where you can make a real, systemic difference and help grow an innovative grassroots organization.

The Working World is a non-profit offering a new way for people to take control of their economic lives and change the heart of the working equation. We turn the financial system on its head and offer socially conscious investment to businesses and factories owned and operated democratically by workers themselves. It’s an idealistic vision, but it’s not just an idea– we’ve been doing it for ten years in Argentina, Nicaragua, and now, the United States. We have lent over $6 million to more than 300 worker cooperatives, and over 98% of these investments have paid themselves off, resulting in growing businesses, new jobs, and more workers in positions of ownership. Our goals are idealistic, and our methods are practical – we work for concrete results. Our aim is to see how far we can go: How many workers can be brought into positions of power in the system of production; how much finance can be given that empowers people rather than drowning them in debt; and how much can we challenge a global economy that puts profit before people.

The Position

This position is for someone with relevant experience working in business and/or economic development in marginalized communities. This experience could include relevant academic work in undergraduate or master’s programs and ideally some on-the-ground experience working as an economic development practitioner or educator in low-income or marginalized communities.

We are looking for people who are equally idealistic and practical and who are open and eager to learn The Working World’s lending methodology. Candidates must also be organized self-starters and have the patience and drive to work toward longer-term goals.

Ideally, we are looking for candidates from or with extensive experience in the different communities where we work, particularly African-American, Latino, and/or immigrant communities.

Our target start date is January 17, 2017 for one full-time position in New York, NY.

Key Responsibilities:

• Coordinate and lead weekly meetings with cooperatives and worker-owners

• Conduct research and financial analysis to prepare new investments and business plans

• Lead community meetings and cooperative business workshops

• Measure progress on business goals and problem-solve with cooperatives

• Develop weekly progress reports

• Partner with organizational and government affiliates, among others

• Contribute to organizational strategic planning and growth

Key Qualifications:

• Significant post-undergraduate work experience in Community Development, Business, Sociology, Economics, Public Administration or other related field. Experience could be in the form of work, further education, such as a Master’s degree, or other exposure to the relevant issues and skills involved.

• Business development experience, including feasibility studies, project planning, and financial projections.

• Experience working in African-American, Latino, and/or immigrant communities.

• Spanish fluency a plus.

• Experience with community organizing a plus.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills

• A strong interest/background in worker-cooperative business development, community organizing, workers’ rights

How to Apply:

Email cover letter and resume to jobs@theworkingworld.org. Be sure to include “Senior Project Officer” in the subject line of the email.

Application deadline November 27, 2016

The Working World is committed to a diverse staff team and encourages candidates of all racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds to apply. Staff are chosen on the basis of ability without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression, in accordance with federal and state law.