HIRING

Position: Center Manager, Solidarity Microfinance Program

Position Description: Iowa Community Capital is an Iowa-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit seeking a bilingual Center Manager fluent in Spanish and English for the Solidarity Microfinance Program in Greater Des Moines Area. This position is initially part-time (30 hours per week) but hours may be expanded in the future.  The Center Manager is responsible for coordination of lending activities involving peer groups of low-income entrepreneurs.  The Solidarity Microfinance Program is a poverty-alleviation and credit builder program where a limited amount of credit is provided for eligible low-income clients in a culturally relevant approach.  Solidarity is the first microfinance program in Central Iowa to use a peer-group lending model.  Solidarity currently has 260 active clients.  Loan payment collections occur every two weeks and provide clients with an opportunity to learn and practice good financial habits, demonstrate character, build financial competence and develop support networks for marketing and managing small enterprises.

The Center Manager position is accountable to and directly reports to the Program Director of the Solidarity Microfinance program.  The Center Manager will be expected to implement and follow program rules and collaborate with the ICC Board and staff, community networks, and other entities as may be needed for the development of a successful program.  The target population and community networks include low-income households, neighborhoods in the community, nonprofit service organizations, governmental agencies, foundations, and community partners.  The Center Manager is responsible for (1) managing program activities including group formation, orientation for group members, bi-weekly center meetings, loan disbursements and loan payment collections, collection and deposit of savings, reporting and record keeping, supervision and monitoring of accounts, (2) ensuring proper implementation of the approved program plans including goal setting for weekly/monthly/yearly outreach activities, events planning, volunteer involvement, and program marketing as needed, and (3) and reporting to and carrying out of plans approved by the Program Director and authorized by the Board of Directors. Training will be provided.

Fluency in English and Spanish are required.  Ability to drive throughout the area is required.  Strong ties and experience with the local Latinx community networks in the Greater Des Moines Area, especially those who are low-income, are important in reaching goals established for the program. The position requires a highly motivated individual and desire for reducing poverty.  Experience or knowledge in entrepreneurship, finance, or small business development is desired, but not required. 

Key Responsibilities and Job Duties

·        With director’s guidance, prepare annual, monthly, and weekly community outreach goals 

·        Under director’s supervision, identify target populations in the community

·        Participate in and help develop program outreach to potential low-income clients in the Greater Des Moines Area

·        Visit potential client households to verify program eligibility

·        Facilitate loan group formation and organize orientation training for new clients

·        Organize special educational training seminars and workshops for program clients

·        Request and review credit reports in accordance with loan policies and guidelines.

·        Supervise and review of client’s loan plans and utilization of loan

·        Participate with the director in the client loan request process in accordance with loan policies and guidelines

·        Disburse loans to the clients in accordance with approved policy and procedures for the Solidarity Microfinance program 

·        Coordinate and facilitate weekly center meetings with program participants.  These involve being responsible for cash transactions and leading group discussions about business activities, social concerns, and community issues

·        Assist with opening savings accounts and monthly savings activity review

·        Complete necessary forms, documents for maintaining daily transaction records and records for monthly and quarterly reports

·        Ensure proper financial, operational and management controls for the Solidarity program

·        Oversee and represent Solidarity Microfinance in timely collections, deposits and reporting of loan payments & savings

·        Participate in and help implement marketing, promotion, and fund raising activities

·        Respond to program inquiries and facilitate expansion of the program

·        Perform other duties as may be assigned by the Program Director

Ideal candidates should be bilingual, trustworthy, self-starters, organized, good with people, familiar with marketing or accounting and have interest in poverty reduction and community service.

Minimum Eligibility Requirements

·        High school diploma or equivalent experience

·        Fluency in written and spoken English and Spanish

·        Access to reliable vehicle & possession of valid driver’s license

·        Ability to communicate and work with persons from diverse economic & cultural backgrounds

·        Organizational skills and proficiency in basic math, use of spreadsheets, and laptop computer is required.

Additional Desirable Skill Preferences

·        Finance, business and/or marketing experience

·        Nonprofit experience

·        Interest in poverty reduction

Compensation

·        Successful candidate will be compensated based on skills, experience, and education.

·        Compensation: $20.00 per hour or commensurate with experience.

·        Group Health Insurance Available with part of costs paid by employer.

Interested applicants should provide their resume or curriculum vitae, cover letter, contact information, and the names and contact information of two employment references by mail to the address below or by email <alomgir@solidaritymicrofinance.org>.

Solidarity Search Committee

607 Forest Ave

Des Moines, IA  50314

Please submit your resume and a forwarding cover letter as soon as possible.  Subsequent interviews will be scheduled. Employment starting date is August 2023 or as negotiated.  The search may be extended until a suitable candidate is hired.  For more information or questions, please contact: Alomgir Hossain, Director of Solidarity Microfinance by Phone: 515-991-0750 or by email alomgir@solidaritymicrofinance.org.

Iowa Community Capital is an equal opportunity employer organized as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization under the laws of the state of Iowa.   Iowa Community Capital is organized to serve low income populations and underserved communities as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI).