Join the Birthright Tribe!

Birthright AFRICA is committed to providing a free educational trip to Africa for every youth and young adults of African descent ages 13 – 30 in the United States. Formed in 2015, Birthright AFRICA’s heritage-based leadership program inspires Scholars to draw pride, confidence, and creativity from exploration of their cultural roots and legacy of innovation in the U.S. and a select nation in Africa. Right now, only 2% of US managers, leaders, and entrepreneurs are of African descent. To address this gap in diversity and talent in collaboration with our partners, Birthright AFRICA is creating the next generation of global leaders and entrepreneurs that are  proud of their African heritage, confident in their innovative aspirations  and connected to the African continent. After completing the  program, 100% of Birthright Alumni say the experience is life-changing and 98% feel they have more resources, clarity, and belief in themselves to pursue their career and life goals. We are creating the next generation of global leaders that are proud of their  heritage, confident in their innovative aspirations, and connected to the African continent. We are committed to ensuring the Birthright AFRICA experience is a part of our culture to transform the future of the African diaspora for generations to come.

Position Overview
Birthright AFRICA is looking for an experienced Finance/Accounting Intern to join our small collaborative team part-time 20 hours a week. The Finance Intern will work closely with the  Chief Executive Officer and Accountant in maintaining the finances of the organization. Responsibilities include recording financial  transactions, generating journal entries and  producing financial reports. This position requires basic knowledge of accounting principles, analytical skills, ability to learn quickly and meet deadlines, precision and attention to detail, and strong communication skills. The ideal candidate is able to contribute to a growing and dynamic organization. This is a $500 stipend paid internship per calendar quarter (Early Professional) or semester (College Student) that could possibly qualify for college credit. As a
start-up non-profit, this individual plays a key role in furthering the mission of the organization.

Responsibilities:
● Review bank transactions daily in Quickbooks to confirm accurate accounting of donations, other income, program expenses, and general & administrative expenses
● Update Quickbook chart of accounts, transaction rules, vendor details, etc.
● Prepare Weekly Income/Expense (P&L) Report and Balance Sheet statements
● Prepare monthly and quarterly financial reports with notes for the CEO and Executive Board
● Collaborate with Bookkeeper to conduct monthly and quarterly reconciliations
● Support preparation of annual federal and state filings including IRS Form 990
● Support enhancement of financial and accounting systems and research trends in non-profit

Qualifications
● Junior or Senior pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or Finance or Early Finance/Accounting Professional with 1-2 years of experience
● Experience with Quickbooks accounting software (highly preferred but not required)
● Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google Suite
● High degree of independent judgment and able to solve complex problems
● Comfortable in start-up environments requiring resilience and ingenuity
● Passion for African and diaspora culture, heritage, and innovation (required)
● Experience with African diaspora related missions (preferred but not required)
● Strong organizational, collaborative, process management and interpersonal skills

This is a US-based remote working position reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer of Birthright AFRICA. To apply for the internship position, please submit a resume, linkedin profile, and cover letter to inspire@birthrightafrica.org.

Join the Birthright Tribe!

Birthright AFRICA is committed to providing a free educational trip to Africa for every youth and young adults of African descent ages 13 – 30 in the United States. Formed in 2015, Birthright  AFRICA’s heritage-based leadership program inspires Scholars to draw pride, confidence, and creativity from exploration of their cultural roots and legacy of innovation in the U.S. and a select nation in Africa. Right now, only 2% of US managers, leaders, and entrepreneurs are of African descent. To address this gap in diversity and talent in collaboration with our partners, Birthright AFRICA is creating the next generation of global leaders and entrepreneurs that are proud of their African heritage, confident in their innovative aspirations and connected to the African continent. After completing the program, 98% of our Birthright Alumni confirm they have more resources, clarity, and belief in themselves to pursue their career and life goals. We are committed to ensuring the Birthright AFRICA experience is a part of our culture to transform the future of the diaspora for generations to come.

Birthright AFRICA is looking for an experienced Social Media Intern to join our small collaborative team part-time 20 hours a week and drive implementation of the organization’s social media calendar. This is a $500 stipend paid internship per calendar quarter (Early Professional) or semester (College Student) that could possibly qualify for college credit. As a start-up non-profit, this individual plays a key role in furthering the mission of the organization through our robust and dynamic social media presence and outreach, driving awareness and engagement with a broad array of stakeholders including donors, partners, scholars, alumni,  influencers, etc.

Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with Social Media Manager to develop posts to maintain Birthright AFRICA’s social media content calendar and execute engaging daily posts to enhance social media presence on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Linkedin, YouTube, and TikTok, etc.
• Create and disseminate original content, including contests, video, live events, social advertising, and other duties as assigned.
• Engage communities on social media platforms.
• Research new opportunities, best practices, and emerging tactics for social outreach and building awareness with new audiences

Qualifications

• Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in communications, Marketing, or related field
• 1-2 year of relevant Social Media experience
• Loomly and Canva experience required
• Graphic design experience and skills required
• Copyright experience strongly preferred
• Passion for African and diaspora culture, heritage, and innovation
• Strong organizational, collaborative, process management and interpersonal skills
• Comfortable in start-up environments requiring resilience and ingenuity
• Proficiency with Google Suite applications and software i.e. Google Drive, doc, etc.

This is a remote working position reporting directly to the Social Media Manager of Birthright AFRICA. To apply for the internship position, please submit a resume, linkedin profile, sample social media posts, and cover letter to inspire@birthrightafrica.org

Title: Communications Director

ID:1003

Location: New York City, NY, Remote, Massachusetts

The ICA Group, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing businesses and institutions that center worker voice, grow worker wealth, and build worker power, seeks a full-time Communications Director. The Communications Director will build and lead ICA’s communications team to expand ICA’s external presence and support the growth of worker owned companies and other social enterprises.

The Director of Communications is a seasoned communications professional who will develop and run the organization’s communications strategies, products, and campaigns. Working closely with senior leadership and program teams, the Director of Communications will leverage their expertise in communications, media, and marketing to guide the teams in smart, holistic work and jump in as needed to provide tactical support. Their work will demonstrate ICA’s impact and expertise in the field of employee ownership and worker centered business models; elevate the profile of the organization; and support fundraising and business development efforts.

This is a hybrid position that can be based out of the ICA Group’s offices in Boston or Northampton, Massachusetts or New York City, with the option of remote work within the United States for the appropriate candidate. ICA staff are not currently traveling due to COVID-19, but once conditions permit, this position requires traveling within the United States.

About the ICA Group

The ICA Group is a leading expert on worker ownership and the oldest national organization dedicated to the development of worker cooperatives. We are a mission- driven nonprofit organized as a worker cooperative and are dedicated to bringing strategic analysis and industry-focused support to the worker ownership sector. Our business expertise is bolstered by a deep understanding of worker ownership and other worker-centered structures, and a commitment to serving low-wage workers and communities of color.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Communications (30%).

• Lead strategic communications for the organization to advance ICA’s goals and enhance our external presence in service of our mission.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate communications plans for ICA’s program areas and consulting practice in collaboration with ICA’s program teams.
• Identify emerging issues, strategies, and narratives related to ICA’s work and seize opportunities associated with them.
• Oversee, and execute as needed, the content creation of major publications, convenings, and client or funder reports and proposals (including designing, writing, and editing of annual and program reports, resources/tools, video, graphics).
• Prepare talking points, speeches, presentations, scripts, blogs, and other supporting material as needed.
• Support leadership and fundraising staff with new business development proposals, reports, and stewardship by ensuring persuasive and accurate representation of ICA’s mission and programs.

Media Relations (30%)

• Oversee media strategy to secure coverage by national, local, and industry media outlets in order to build awareness of ICA’s mission, successes, and reputation of ICA staff as subject matter experts.
• Continuously build, expand and manage media contacts and relationships.
• Draft talking points, op-eds, media advisories, background materials, and prepare colleagues for interviews.
• Pitch stories, conduct interviews, and serve as company spokesperson as needed.
• Train and support colleagues to engage confidently and successfully with reporters.

Marketing (30%)

• Design and execute sales, marketing, and fundraising campaigns and tactics in collaboration with ICA’s program teams to reach target audience and customer segments.
• Oversee, and execute as needed, the strategy and management of ICA’s owned media channels (website, newsletter, blog, social media accounts), leveraging analytics to optimize impact and budget.
• Oversee, and execute as needed, strategy and management of paid media.
• Work with ICA’s program teams and contractors/vendors to produce exciting digital content that utilizes narrative and multimedia formats to make complex concepts accessible to a diverse audience.
• Identify, track, and analyze data to inform content development, measure engagement and effectiveness of campaigns, and guide strategy.

Organizational Development (10%)

• Identify and deliver insights that will be broadly applicable to other areas of the ICA Group’s work.
• Contribute to the ICA Group’s strategy, internal communications, and systems and operations by developing tools and resources and serving as a subject matter resource.

Minimum Requirements

• At least 7-10 years of communications, media, and marketing experience.
• Excellent writing/editing and verbal communication skills; attention to detail.
• Creative and can execute themselves on design, data visualization, and storytelling as well as guide teams and vendors.
• Proven track record of running successful campaigns that consist of creating and managing content for owned channels, securing earned media, and managing paid media buys.
• Fluency across social media platforms and experience working with a variety of digital marketing tools and services.
• Thrives working independently as well as collaborating with colleagues.
• Ability to communicate with a broad range of people and institutions confidently and effectively, with a critical analysis of power, privilege, race, class and gender.

Additional Desired Capabilities

• Familiarity with cooperative business models, economic democracy, business services, economic development, community or labor organizing.
• Commitment to racial and economic justice.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) oral and written communication skills are highly desirable.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $73,000-$78,600. ICA uses a salary scale and the specific salary within that range is determined by years of experience. The ICA Group provides a generous benefits package including 4 weeks of vacation, 12 paid holidays, 8 days of sick leave, and health insurance. In addition to holidays, ICA’s offices are closed the week between 12/25 and 1/1 each year.

About Working at the ICA Group

The ICA Group is a rapidly growing nonprofit. All staff members are expected to help build organizational capacity, processes, and culture. The ICA Group has offices in New York City and Massachusetts and a hybrid remote/office work culture, although due to Covid-19 most are currently working from home. We utilize technology and virtual meetings on a daily basis, and prior to Covid-19, held quarterly in-person meetings. Our staff enjoy highly satisfying work in a diverse and stimulating environment. We are committed to a workplace culture that supports work-life balance and flexibility for working parents and other caregivers.

At the ICA Group, we value equity, diversity, and inclusion. We believe that in order to build a new economy where working people lead and own democratic workplaces, leaders in cooperative development must reflect the communities they serve. We

support equitable opportunities for all people and we strongly encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds, people of color, women, individuals from the LGBTQIAA+ community, and others who identify as a part of historically marginalized communities to apply for open positions at the ICA Group.

To Apply

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis; however, applicants are strongly encouraged to apply by February 14. To apply, please upload a resume and cover letter as a single PDF and a short writing sample and provide answers to the screening questions using the form on our website at: www.icagroup.org/careers

Apply Here

The ICA Group, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing businesses and institutions that center worker voice, grow worker wealth, and build worker power, seeks a senior-level Director to run the Massachusetts Center for Employee Ownership (MassCEO) and Strategic Partner Development for the Alternative Staffing Alliance. The Director will engage in field and network building around worker ownership and employment social enterprise.

The MassCEO Director will join ICA’s New Ownership Opportunities team to expand employee ownership in Massachusetts and help integrate it within the existing workforce, economic development, and business development landscape. A portion of their time will also involve serving as Director of Strategic Partnerships for the Alternative Staffing Alliance, a national network of staffing social enterprises managed by ICA. The Director is an entrepreneurial and strategic-minded individual who excels at building partnerships and is excited to take our work to the next level and grow with the role and the organization.

The MassCEO Director will work closely with local and regional governments, business associations, and coalitions to build awareness and excitement around employee ownership as a key strategy for equitable economic recovery and racial justice. They will support an existing employee ownership eco-system that includes worker cooperatives, ESOPs, cooperative developers, community-based organizations, professional advisors, technical assistance providers, lenders, and other state and national networks. In their work with the Alternative Staffing Alliance, they will collaborate with national organizations that invest in employment social enterprises and advocate for policies and practices that improve job quality across industrial, retail, allied health and service sectors. This is a unique opportunity to play a leading role in the employee ownership and alternative staffing sectors and help scale worker-centered business models.

The MassCEO Director will be located in Massachusetts. This is a hybrid position based out of ICA Group’s Massachusetts office with the option of working remotely. ICA staff are not currently traveling due to COVID-19, but once conditions permit, this position requires traveling within Massachusetts as well as traveling within the United States.

About the ICA Group

The ICA Group is a leading expert on worker ownership and the oldest national organization dedicated to the development of worker cooperatives. We are a mission- driven nonprofit organized as a worker cooperative and are dedicated to bringing strategic analysis and industry-focused support to the worker ownership sector. Our business expertise is bolstered by a deep understanding of worker ownership and other worker-centered structures, and a commitment to serving low-wage workers and communities of color.

ICA has developed worker ownership networks in the home care and child care sectors and built two state-based ownership opportunities programs that focus on preserving firms whose owners are looking to exit the business through transitions to employee ownership. ICA launched the Fund for Jobs Worth Owning (FJWO) in 2019 to provide financing for businesses transitioning to employee ownership and create and sustain quality jobs. The ICA Group founded the Alternative Staffing Alliance in 2007 and manages this peer network of some 50 staffing social enterprises across North America that annually employ and support over 32,000 job seekers with significant barriers to work.

While ICA has a national footprint, in the last two years we have been able to expand the depth and breadth of our work with businesses in the Commonwealth through administering the Massachusetts Center for Employee Ownership (MassCEO), funded by the Massachusetts Office of Business Development (MOBD). MassCEO provides training, education, and direct assistance to grow and sustain a strong network of employee-owned businesses in the Commonwealth. MassCEO provides the necessary education and support to ensure that retiring business owners or those at risk of closure have an exit plan in place, and are exploring all available options, including selling to their employees.

Key Responsibilities
Field Building and Network Development (60%)

• Lead and oversee the strategy and execution of all facets of ICA’s contract to administer the Massachusetts Center for Employee Ownership, amplifying our state presence, increasing our impact, and contributing to eco-system development. This includes management and fundraising, outreach, technical assistance, education, strategic partnerships, coalition building, and communications.
• Build on our relationships with strategic national partner organizations that invest in employment social enterprises and advocate for policies and practices that improve job quality and skill-building for low-wage workers.
• Conduct and disseminate qualitative and quantitative research and data analysis, including industry and market studies, surveys, and interviews.
• Identify and convene stakeholders for sector-wide knowledge exchange and learning opportunities; represent ICA in state and national coalitions.
• Develop resources, tools, and trainings to support the growth and expansion of employee-owned companies, in collaboration with Outreach Managers and Cooperative Developers.
• Act as a content expert related to employee ownership, worker-centered business models, and the alternative staffing industry.

Client Support (30%)

• Provide education and technical assistance to worker cooperatives and traditional businesses considering or pursuing conversion to employee ownership including financial and operational assessments, business planning, democratic management, and governance design.
• Support incoming clients in determining their goals for engaging with ICA and scoping project work with consultants.
• Provide education and technical assistance to professional advisors, cooperative developers, business support organizations, government representatives, and strategic partners, including strategic consulting, training and curriculum development, and communications and marketing.
• Manage monthly Alternative Staffing Alliance peer RoundTables and document “best practice” learnings for member Toolbox.
• Build and maintain strong, collaborative client relationships.

Organizational Development (10%)

• Identify and deliver insights from partners and clients that will be broadly applicable to other areas of the ICA Group’s work
• Contribute to the ICA Group’s strategy and communications by developing consulting tools and resources, generating research from client work, and serving as a subject matter resource

Minimum Requirements
5+ years of relevant experience, including in planning, economic development, workforce development, business development, community development, government, community organizing, social entrepreneurship, or employee ownership sector.

• Outstanding interpersonal skills, demonstrated ability to build relationships with diverse clients and stakeholders, strong diplomatic skills and judgement.
• Ability to communicate complex concepts and information into accessible, compelling narratives and excellent writing skills
• Personal and intellectual commitment to systemic economic change and racial justice.
• Excitement and interest in helping a growing organization scale effectively, and an enthusiastic interest in taking on new responsibilities and roles as this happens
• Comfort in working in a self-directed environment
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills, including the ability to do data analysis and visualization (preferred but not required)
• Familiarity and experience with worker cooperatives (preferred but not required)
• Spanish oral and written communication skills (preferred but not required)

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this full-time position is $68,000-$73,200. ICA uses a salary scale and the specific salary within that range is determined by years of experience. The ICA Group provides a generous benefits package including 4 weeks of vacation, 12 paid holidays, 8 days of sick leave, and health insurance. In addition to holidays, ICA’s offices are closed the week between 12/25 and 1/1 each year.

About Working at the ICA Group

The ICA Group is a rapidly growing nonprofit. All staff members are expected to help build organizational capacity, processes, and culture. The ICA Group has offices in New York City and Massachusetts and a hybrid remote/office work culture, although due to Covid-19 most are currently working from home. We utilize technology and virtual meetings on a daily basis, and prior to Covid-19, held quarterly in-person meetings. Our staff enjoy highly satisfying work in a diverse and stimulating environment. We are committed to a workplace culture that supports work-life balance and flexibility for working parents and other caregivers.

At the ICA Group, we value equity, diversity, and inclusion. We believe that in order to build a new economy where working people lead and own democratic workplaces, leaders in cooperative development must reflect the communities they serve. We

support equitable opportunities for all people and we strongly encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds, people of color, women, individuals from the LGBTQIAA+ community, and others who identify as a part of historically marginalized communities to apply for open positions at the ICA Group.

To Apply

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, however applicants are strongly encouraged to apply by February 7, 2021. To apply, please upload a resume and cover letter as PDFs and provide answers to the screening questions using the form on our website at: www.icagroup.org/careers

Apply Here