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The Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone seeks a Business Development Officer

The mission of the Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone Development Corporation (UMEZ) is to sustain the economic revitalization of all communities in Upper Manhattan through job creation, corporate alliances, strategic investments and small business investments. UMEZ facilitates economic development in the neighborhoods of Central, East and West Harlem, Washington Heights; and Inwood.

UMEZ is a recognized Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), certified by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s CDFI Fund, with over $80 million in assets. UMEZ is proud to be a part of a national network promoting economic growth by financing businesses, creating jobs, and rebuilding neighborhoods.

Job Title: Business Development Officer

Reports to: Senior Vice President for Commercial Lending

Summary:

Under the direction of the Senior Vice President for Commercial Lending, the BDO is responsible for sourcing new clients, as well as, interfacing with existing clients. The BDO provides outreach and awareness to the community regarding small business lending products offered by UMEZ, conducts interviews with prospective borrowers, and participates with the local community and business organizations to promote UMEZ’s products and services.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (Include the following and other duties may be assigned):

  • Under the guidance of the Senior Vice President for Commercial Lending participate in various business development activities by building purposeful relationships to procure new loan applicants for UMEZ loan products with local businesses in the target market.
  • Provide one-on-one counseling, referral opportunities, and customer support to small businesses in order to assist their efforts to secure funding.
  • Develop new referral and partner relationships and maintain existing ones.
  • Cultivate new lead referrals to enhance conversion rates from loan inquiry to completed application.
  • Engage in public speaking and participate in networking events.
  • Assist local entrepreneurs and strategizing with them to overcome business development issues; advises clients on the loan application process and basic criteria used to determine creditworthiness.
  • Gather client application information and visit clients’ and loan applicants’ business locations to verify information, check on progress and offer technical assistance, referrals, and follow-up as necessary.
  • Recommend appropriate UMEZ loan products to fit the needs of small business owners.

May be asked to attend non-work hours events or meetings as it relates to engaging and representing UMEZ’s mission to cultivate community partnerships and promote lending activities.

Background and Experience

  • Undergraduate degree in business or a related field
  • Basic knowledge of finance and acumen for reviewing and analyzing financial statements.
  • Advanced writing and oral presentation skills
  • 1-2 years in lending experience with small businesses or work experience in community development.
  • Excellent business development, outreach, detail-oriented, and have strong follow-up skills.
  • Must be able to engage in a tactful manner with potential borrowers, existing borrowers, and community partners.
  • Strong presentation, communication, customer service and relationship-building skills.
  • Effective communicator with cultural competency to connect with a diverse audience.
  • Community residence and/or familiarity with Upper Manhattan community preferred.

Personal Characteristics

  • An energetic and resourceful person with a strong interest in community engagement
  • A self-starter; a team player; a strategic thinker; a creative problem solver.

Language Skills: Bi-Lingual, English and Spanish, a plus but not necessary

Education: Undergraduate degree in business or a related field

Supervisory Responsibilities: This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

Employment Type: This is a full-time position

Salary Range: The salary for this position is commensurate with experience.

Benefits:

The benefit package includes medical, dental and vision insurance as well as a 401K plan.

Interested candidates should e-mail or mail a resume and cover letter to:

Danessy Pico

Human Resources Manager

55 West 125th Street, 11th Floor

New York, New York 10027

HR@umez.org

Attn: Community Lending Officer

No Phone Calls or Faxes Please

The Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone seeks a Loan Administrator

The mission of the Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone Development Corporation (UMEZ) is to sustain the economic revitalization of all communities in Upper Manhattan through job creation, corporate alliances, strategic investments and small business investments. UMEZ facilitates economic development in the neighborhoods of Central, East and West Harlem, Washington Heights; and Inwood.

UMEZ is a recognized Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), certified by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s CDFI Fund, with over $80 million in assets. UMEZ is proud to be a part of a national network promoting economic growth by financing businesses, creating jobs, and rebuilding neighborhoods.

Job Title: Loan Administrator

Reports to: Senior Vice President for Commercial Lending

Summary:

The Loan Administrator assists the lending team and will support the team’s responsibility for loan deployment and credit administration. The Loan Administrator is responsible for verifying materials submitted by applicants are accurate and ensuring checklist items are collected and complete. The Loan Administrator works closely with underwriting to package material and ensure that all required documentation is accurate and complete prior to the underwriter’s evaluation and risk assessment. The loan administrator also works to facilitate closings, including obtaining pre-closing items, and assisting with properly documenting files after closing.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (Include the following and other duties may be assigned):

  • Responsible for developing an appropriate level of product knowledge to assure documentation for underwriting is collected in advance
  • Review all borrower application materials thoroughly examining for completeness and accuracy
  • Follow up with applicants to obtain accurate and timely documentation
  • Address applicant inquiries and questions relating to application materials
  • Evaluate application eligibility to submit to underwriting
  • Maintain loan application tracking
  • Organize application information to facilitate underwriting and closing in accordance with all documentary and collateral requirements.

 

Background and Experience:

  • Experience working with Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI)
  • Proven experience in loan administration or loan processing
  • Advanced writing and oral presentation skills
  • 3-5 years of experience as a loan processor, loan administrator, or paralegal
  • Understanding of direct lending procedures
  • Strong organizational, communication, and customer service skills.
  • Excellent attention to detail
  • Community residence and/or familiarity with Upper Manhattan community preferred.
  • Bi-Lingual, English and Spanish, a plus but not necessary.

 

Personal Characteristics:

  • An energetic and resourceful person with a strong interest in community engagement
  • A self-starter; a team player; a strategic thinker; a creative problem solver.

Language Skills:  Bi-Lingual, English and Spanish, a plus but not necessary

Education:  Undergraduate degree in business or a related field; paralegal experience is a plus

Supervisory Responsibilities: This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

Employment Type:  This is a full-time position

Salary Range: The salary for this position is commensurate with experience.

Benefits:

The benefit package includes medical, dental and vision insurance as well as a 401K plan.

Interested candidates should e-mail or mail a resume and cover letter to:

Danessy Pico

Human Resources Manager

55 West 125th Street, 11th Floor

New York, New York 10027

Locke’d Out

Written by: Alvin Baugh

In my first semester at the School of Labor and Urban Studies I was asked to read some writings by John Locke, a philosopher whose ideas are fundamental to the founding of the United States. As I read Locke, I saw an intersection between his ideas and my own life. Whether knowingly or unknowingly, adherents to Locke’s 17th century theories have allowed many Black Americans, African Americans, and descendants of African slaves to have their possessions, homes, and land robbed from them by means of deception, thievery, even murder, resulting in no generational wealth, limiting a Black family’s ability to own a home even into this 21st century.

The application of Locke’s theory of possessions and property have had negative consequences, over and over throughout my life. My family is not an anomaly. Many Black American families have had similar experiences living in this country.

Continue reading Locke’d Out

SEIU (Service Employees International Union) seeks a Senior Political Program Manager (Member Programs)

SEIU (Service Employees International Union)

JOB TITLE: Senior Political Program Manager (Member Programs)

SALARY: MGT E; Annual salary starts at $107,543

LOCATION: Remote

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW:

The 2 million members united in the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) are at the forefront of a movement to build power for working people and empower all workers to form unions, no matter what job they do. SEIU members are from every walk of life, every political party, every background, every faith. They come from communities with their own stories and strengths, and that makes the Union all the more powerful because there’s strength in numbers. SEIU members work across the healthcare spectrum providing high quality care and services. They are the workers who keep our nation’s airports running and make sure landmark buildings are clean and secure. They provide essential public services and give a foundation of learning to our youngest and brightest. SEIU members believe in and are fighting for a Just Society where all workers are valued and all people respected—no matter where they come from or what color they are; where all families and communities can thrive; and where we leave a better and more equitable world for generations to come.

PURPOSE: The Senior Political Program Manager assists the International Union in strengthening its National member political engagement program and works closely with SEIU national, area, state and local leadership to build lasting, sustainable infrastructure and capacity for member political programs. The Senior Political Program Manager will help design and implement:

  • The national member political engagement program, which includes candidate pipeline, national leadership academy, member communication and education support and support for locals with their member political engagement to support the work of the political department
  • Ongoing political education, skills development and training programs for local union political staff and members.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: (Any one position may not include all of the specific duties and- responsibilities listed. Examples provide a general summary of the work required and should not be treated as a total and complete list of expected duties to be performed by employees in the classification.)

  • Assist Local Unions with developing member programs focused on education, mobilization and leadership development;
  • Build and coordinate National Member political engagement workshops, toolkits and other national programs;
  • Enhance the political infrastructure of SEIU through partnering with Area Political Directors to include member leadership development as a core component of State Council plans; political and legislative programs, and through developing grassroots training and education programs for members and local union staff.
  • Recruit, hire, train, supervise and evaluate staff assigned to member political programs in the Region when called upon to do so by State Councils or Local Unions.
  • Track and report national member political activism, development and mobilization

CONTACTS: SEIU International Union staff, Local Union and affiliate leadership, State Councils, and other organizations and individuals as required.

DIRECTION & DECISION-MAKING: This position reports to the Assistant Political Director of Member Political Programs and the incumbent works largely independently.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE: The Senior Political Program Manager position requires a high level of proven leadership and judgment and must demonstrate knowledge of grassroots political organizing. At least five years of direct experience with electoral campaigns, legislative campaigns, or union organizing, and a background that would provide for the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

  • Developing and implementing comprehensive political plans.
  • Working independently with elected SEIU leaders and staff at various levels of the organization in complex political situations.
  • Possessing thorough knowledge of political campaign strategies, planning and execution.
  • Working with voter files, Voter Activation Networks (VANs) and voter targeting.
  • Possessing effective oral and written communications.
  • Developing strong working relationships and the ability to work on a team.
  • Managing and assessing multiple high-priority programs and priorities in different
  • Managing a program budget and implementing strategic plans.
  • Managing and developing electoral and grassroots campaign plans, logistics and
  • Meeting deadlines with minimal supervision.
  • Working with leaders, staff, and partners and operating with a high level of judgment
  • and discretion.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must have the ability to work in an office (or similar) setting with or without reasonable accommodation. Travel in addition to long and extended work hours are required.

VACCINATION REQUIREMENT: Candidates will be required to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 upon commencing employment. Reasonable accommodations will be considered on a case-by-case basis for either a) a certain medical condition(s); b) on the basis of sincerely held strong religious beliefs and practices or c) as otherwise required by law.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

A resume is required for all applications and a cover letter is highly suggested. Your cover letter should explain your reason for wanting to work for SEIU, an example of how you demonstrated success in a similar position and a description of how this position fits into your long-term career plan.

Apply Here

The ICA Group seeks a Cooperative Business Developer

Title: Cooperative Business Developer
ID: 1001
Location: New York City, NY, Remote

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 Business Developer to develop, manage, and deliver on projects in the cooperative business sector.

The Business Developer will work with a team of consultants, analysts, and program staff. The work involves business consulting, research, development of tools, resources, and communications documents, and engaging in strategy to strengthen and grow the New York City cooperative business sector.

The Business Developer will be located in New York City. This is a hybrid position based out of ICA Group’s New York City 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 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. We are founding and currently active members of the Worker Cooperative Business Development Initiative in New York City. 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

Client Support (60%)

  • Meet with business owners to identify their personal and financial goals, as well as their business strengths and challenges
  • Provide exit planning guidance to business owners and assess the financial and operational viability of businesses considering a transition to employee ownership
  • Analyze company financial information to identify trends and opportunities
  • Provide technical assistance to business clients through the development of financial models, business valuations, operational assessments, business plans, and loan proposals
  • Participate in the development, promotion, coordination, and delivery of business resources, tools, and trainings

Industry Research and Sector Development (30%)

  • Conduct qualitative and quantitative research and data analysis, including industry and market studies, surveys, and interviews
  • Act as a content expert for business- and industry-wide strategies that center workers
  • Work closely with Outreach Manager to identify and convene stakeholders for sector-wide knowledge exchange and learning opportunities.
  • Develop and disseminate program materials to support client and partner outreach, program promotion, and awareness of worker ownership among business, government, and industry stakeholders
  • Prepare white papers, op eds, articles and blogs

Organizational Development (10%)

  • Identify and deliver insights from 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

  • 2+ years of relevant experience, including in business development, business operations, business consulting, planning, economic development, and/or community lending.
  • Outstanding interpersonal skills and a demonstrated ability to build relationships with diverse clients and stakeholders
  • Ability to communicate complex concepts and information into accessible, compelling narratives and excellent writing skills
  • Strong diplomatic skills and judgment, ability to identify problems and ask hard questions with respect and discretion
  • Commitment to using business skills for social good
  • Comfort working in a self-directed environment and alongside a team
  • Personal and intellectual commitment to systemic economic change and racial justice

Additional Desired Capabilities 

  • Bilingual in Spanish
  • Excellent analytical and quantitative skills, including the ability to do data analysis and visualization
  • Ability to work well under pressure and manage multiple concurrent projects and deadlines
  • Demonstrated team orientation and ability to provide and accept feedback
  • Excitement and interest in helping a growing organization scale effectively, and an enthusiastic interest in taking on new responsibilities and roles as this happens

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $62,000 to 66,800. 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.

Apply Here

Department of City Planning (DCP) seeks a City Planner

Office Title: Associate Project Manager

Civil Service Title: City Planner

Level: 1

Salary Range: $65,000 – $74,000

Division / Work Unit: Environmental Assessment and Review Division

Number of Positions: 1

Job ID: 509755

Hours / Shift: Mon – Fri (9am – 5pm)

Position Status: Full-Time / Permanent

Application Deadline: Until Filled

 

THE AGENCY:

The Department of City Planning (DCP) plans for the strategic growth and development of the City through ground-up planning with communities, the development of land use policies and zoning regulations applicable citywide and sharing its perspectives on growth and community needs with sister agencies in collaboration with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

DCP’s six strategic objectives include: (a) catalyze long-term neighborhood improvement through integrated planning and targeted accompanying public investments; (b) encourage housing production, affordability, and quality; (c) promote economic development and job growth; (d) enhance resiliency and sustainability of neighborhoods; (e) ensure integrity, timeliness and responsiveness in land use reviews; and, (f) supply objective data and expertise to a broad range of planning functions and stakeholders.

Central to its mission, DCP supports the City Planning Commission in its annual review of approximately 450 land use applications. The Department also works closely with OMB in developing the Ten-Year Capital Strategy, and helping administer the Neighborhood Development Fund, geared toward ensuring that growing neighborhoods undergoing rezoning have accompanying infrastructure investments.

The New York City Department of City Planning is a great place to work – cultivating intellectual inspiration, professional development and creativity. Visit our website at www.nyc.gov/planning to access the full listing of job opportunities and to learn more about our great agency.

THE DIVISION:

The Environmental Assessment and Review Division (EARD) is responsible for preparing and reviewing City Environmental Quality Review (CEQR) applications for the City Planning Commission. The Division coordinates the review of CEQR applications between DCP and other government agencies and conducts CEQR reviews, including the review and preparation of draft and final Environmental Impact Statements. In addition, the Division prepares final CEQR determinations, letters and memos; and provides technical assistance in the preparation and submission of applications.

THE ROLE:

The Division is seeking a mid-level project management team member to support the efficient preparation, analysis and review of CEQR applications. The position is an opportunity to work closely with DCP staff throughout the agency, interagency CEQR teams, and project teams to analyze and disclose potential environmental impacts related to discretionary land use actions. The candidate should possess strong communication and problem-solving skills; an ability to grasp complex policy issues; and a desire to contribute to an engaging, collaborative team environment.

Under limited supervision of a Team Leader, Deputy Director and Director, with latitude for independent judgment, the candidate will be expected to perform work including – but not limited to – the following:

  • Seek guidance on the Division’s policies and procedures, and meet project schedules and deadlines;
  • Prepare and review City Environmental Quality Review (CEQR) applications, including Environmental Assessment Statements (EAS) and Environmental Impact Statements (EIS). Review must ensure that these applications are complete and accurate, and adhere to CEQR policy, technical standards, and other planning considerations;
  • Work closely with staff and CEQR applicants to aid in the preparation and submission of CEQR applications to the Department;
  • Coordinate inter- and intra- agency technical reviews related to the preparation and review of CEQR applications. Conduct meetings to resolve issues and recommend solution strategies;
  • Work collaboratively with Team Leaders to develop and implement training programs related to rules, guidelines and timeframes set forth by State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA), City of New York Rules of Procedures and CEQR;
  • Prepare CEQR determinations and other letters and memos as needed;
  • Communicate effectively with staff and other stakeholders, as needed;
  • Perform related tasks.

PREFERRED SKILLS:

  • At least 2 years of experience in city planning, urban planning or transportation planning desired; environmental review experience considered a very strong plus.
  • Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work effectively with different personalities and roles and a solution-oriented attitude.
  • Excellent research, analytical and organizational skills.
  • Demonstrated writing, editing, and oral communication skills.
  • Proven ability to complete tasks in a timely fashion under minimal supervision and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Familiarity with environmental regulations, the CEQR Technical Manual and the New York City Zoning Resolution.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Authorization to work in the United States is required for this position. NYC Department of City Planning does not provide sponsorship for international employees. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that they meet all minimum qualifying requirements for this position, at the time of application.

  1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university and three years of satisfactory full-time experience in city planning; or
  2. A satisfactory combination of education and/or experience that is equivalent to “1″” above.

Graduate education in city planning, urban planning, urban design, architecture, landscape architecture, transportation engineering, public administration, economic development or related fields may be substituted for experience based on 30 graduate semester credits from an accredited college for one year of experience. However, all candidates must have a baccalaureate degree.

Special Qualification Requirements

Assignment Level III

To be eligible for placement in Assignment Level III, individuals must have, after meeting the minimum requirements, one additional year of professional experience as described in “2” above.

Assignment Level IV

To be eligible for placement in Assignment Level IV, individuals must have, after meeting the minimum requirements, two additional years of professional experience as described in “2” above.

TO APPLY: All applications must be submitted through the NYC Careers / ESS Website

City Employees – Click here to apply directly

  1. Log in to ESS.
  2. Search for job ID number: 509755
  3. Click on the job business title: Associate Project Manager
  4. Click on “Apply Now” at the bottom of the posting

Non-City Employees – Click here to apply directly, or visit: https://www1.nyc.gov/jobs/ and follow the steps below:

  1. Search for job ID number: 509755
  2. Click on the job business title: Associate Project Manager
  3. Click on “Apply Now” at the bottom of the posting

Only applicants under consideration will be contacted. Appointments are subject to Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval.

As of August 2, 2021, all new hires must be vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus, unless they have been granted a reasonable accommodation for religion or disability. If you are offered city employment, this requirement must be met by your date of hire, unless a reasonable accommodation for exemption is received and approved by the hiring agency.

PLEASE NOTE: New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with a Human Capital representative.

THE DEPARTMENT OF CITY PLANNING IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND A COPY OF THE EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROGRAMS IS AVAILABLE IN THE HUMAN CAPITAL DIVISION. THE DEPARTMENT MAKES AVAILABLE ACCOMMODATIONS FOR DISABLED APPLICANTS.