Relationship Associate

Grameen America, Inc.; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 23,915; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans

Paid Holidays, vacation, and sick time

401K retirement savings plans

Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

Training and development opportunities

Wellness platform with two free coaching sessions per month

Job summary

A nonprofit organization is seeking a motivated Relationship Associate to support low-income women entrepreneurs. This entry-level position focuses on exceptional customer service, outreach activities, and member recruitment. Ideal candidates are bilingual in English and Spanish, possess strong communication skills, and are self-motivated. The role offers medical benefits, paid holidays, and opportunities for personal growth.

Qualifications

• Valid driver's license required depending on business location.
• Experience with local outreach and community engagement is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Conduct weekly center meetings for loan repayments and program updates.
• Build relationships with members to support retention and business growth.
• Conduct outreach activities to recruit new members.
• Ensure compliance with loan criteria and accurately input payment data.
• Assist with inquiry resolution and support business growth.

Skills

Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish

Strong customer service and communication skills

High level of integrity, discipline, punctuality, and work ethic

Ability to multitask and manage time effectively

Basic numeric and problem-solving skills

Collaborative and self-motivated

Comfortable using computers and technology

Education

High School diploma or equivalency

Two years of relevant work experience

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Join to apply for the Relationship Associate role at Grameen America, Inc.

About Us Grameen America is a nonprofit microfinance organization dedicated to helping low-income women entrepreneurs build businesses to enable upward financial mobility. We envision an inclusive society in which all entrepreneurs, regardless of gender, race or income, have access to fair and affordable financial services. We provide affordable capital, credit- and asset-building, education and peer support to enable our members to boost their business income, create jobs and transform communities.

Location: Union City, NJ

Salary: $17.36 per hour

The Job

The Relationship Associate position is an entry level position at GAI, designed to be the first step in a career path with the organization. We are seeking a motivated individual who thrives on delivering exceptional customer service, engaging in outreach activities, enjoys working with people, providing excellent customer service, and contributing to member recruitment and outreach efforts of the branch. A positive attitude, strong communication skills, and a willingness to learn are key to success in this role. The Relationship Associate reports to the Branch Manager.

On- Site Work Requirements

Grameen America operates on the ground, within the communities we serve. Employees are expected to work in person at both the branch and in the community based on program needs and in consultation with their Branch Manager. At a minimum, employees must be present at the branch at least three (3) days per week but based on operational needs you may be required to be onsite for up to five (5) days per week per your supervisor’s discretion.

Key Responsibilities

• Relationship management: Conduct weekly center meetings during which we collect and follow-up with loan repayments, share program updates and educational discussions
• Build strong and positive relationships with members to support both retention and business growth
• Respond to member inquiries promptly and professionally, assist with problem solving & engagement
• Conduct in-person home verification and business visits to verify and ensure the legitimacy and accuracy of borrower’s information
• Uphold high standards of service, quality, and productivity
• Adhere to all company policies and procedures

Recruitment & Outreach

• Conduct outreach through various channels within the neighborhoods your branch serves, which requires regular local travel. This includes in-person & virtual touch points with entrepreneurs and potential future members at local businesses, residential and commercial areas, etc. Outreach activities also include conducting info sessions, group training, etc. at various locations within the community.
• Use these outreach techniques to grow the program by recruiting new members to achieve designated membership growth targets.

Financial Methodology

• Monitor member loan activity, ensuring compliance with loan criteria, disbursement guidelines, and repayment schedules
• Reconcile and accurately input payment data into internal systems, ensuring proper documentation and compliance with required notifications

The Skills You Will Bring

• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish
• Strong customer service and communication skills
• High level of integrity, discipline, punctuality, and work ethic
• Ability to multitask, manage time effectively, and maintain strong attention to detail
• Basic numeric and problem-solving skills
• Collaborative and self-motivated — able to work independently and as part of a team
• Flexibility to work varied hours (early mornings/evenings) Monday through Friday
• Comfortable using computers, email, smartphones, tablets (iPad), Zoom, and related technologies
• Willingness to learn

Education And Experience

• High School diploma or equivalency preferred, or two years of relevant work experience required
• Familiarity with Microsoft Word and Excel a plus

Requirements

Valid driver’s license required depending on business location

What We Offer You

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans
• Paid Holidays, vacation and sick time
• 401K retirement savings plans
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Training and development opportunities
• Wellness platform with two free coaching sessions per month
• And more

Grameen America is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO) committed to diversity and inclusion in its workplace. Grameen America employment decisions are based on job requirements and individual skills and qualifications without regard to the applicant’s race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Grameen America, Inc participates in the E-Verify program. Visa sponsorship is not provided. Must be able to legally work in the U.S.

Seniorit y level

• Entry level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Sales and Business Development

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