Small Business Program Navigator

Clues; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 28,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits package

Paid holidays

Paid time off

Retirement plan

Educational assistance

ID theft protection

Job summary

CLUES is hiring a Small Business Program Navigator in St. Paul, MN. The role supports Latine micro businesses with bilingual coaching, technical assistance, training, and access to capital. You will help clients obtain certifications and insurance, and coordinate courses and workshops across the state.

The position requires 2–4 years in customer service, 1–2 years in retail, and strong English/Spanish communication. Evening/weekend availability and travel may be needed.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree or comparable experience in business or related field.
• 2-4 years of customer service experience; 1-2 years in retail.
• Fully bilingual in English and Spanish; strong written and oral skills.

Responsibilities

• Deliver technical assistance and one-on-one coaching to Latine businesses.
• Assist with certifications, insurances, and compliance documents in Minnesota.
• Develop, coordinate, and deliver business courses and workshops.
• Build relationships with community orgs, government agencies, financial institutions, and experts.
• Provide program support, including resource navigation; flexible with schedule.

Skills

Bilingual English/Spanish

Customer service

Project management

Marketing knowledge

Bookkeeping basics

Communication skills

Education

Undergraduate degree or equivalent

Tools

MS Office Suite

MS Teams

SharePoint

Zoom

Facebook for business

Canva

Google Hangouts

Job description

POSITION SUMMARYThe Small Business Program Navigator (Navigator) is a hands-on, entrepreneurial collaborator in CLUES Micro Business / Small Business Development Program. The Navigator supports aspiring and existing Latine small and micro business owners with bilingual customized coaching, technical assistance, training, access to capital, networking opportunities, and other resources.Department: Economic ProsperityReports to: Manager of Small Business & Asset Building ProgramsLocation: CLUES St. Paul, MN (primary location)Position Type: Regular, non-exemptSchedule: Full-Time. Generally, Monday – Friday business hours, with some evening &/or weekend hours.Estimated Pay: $20.00 - $22.00 per hour (depending on experience & qualifications).Benefits: Full benefits package available in accordance with current CLUES policies—includes: medical, dental, vision, critical illness, accident, and life insurance (with AD&D); long term and short-term disability; pre-paid legal services and ID theft protection; retirement plan; educational assistance; paid holidays; and paid time off.ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESProgram & Participant ServicesDeliver technical assistance, assist with one-on-one coaching, and provide general support to Latine businesses in all aspects of business growth.Assist business owners in obtaining certifications, insurances, and other compliance documents required to do business in the State of Minnesota.Assist with the development, coordination, and delivery of business courses, specialty workshops, and financial literacy sessions.Build, cultivate, and maintain strong relationships with community organizations, government agencies, financial institutions, and subject matter experts to expand resources and opportunities for small businesses.Provide general support for Small Business & Asset Building programming and initiatives, including direct participant services like coaching and resource navigation.General DutiesPromote the mission, operating values, and agency services of CLUES within the community.Maintain client confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA, agency policies, and applicable laws.Maintain open communication with supervisors and seek feedback when necessary.Participate in assigned training and department activities.Provide services in multiple locations, including the Twin Cities Metro Area and Greater MN, as directed.Maintain a flexible schedule, including some nights and weekends, to accommodate participant availability.Carry out all other duties as assigned by supervisor.To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Other duties or tasks may be assigned as required. Management may modify, change, or add to the duties of this description at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIPSThis position is not responsible for supervising employees but may require supervising and coordinating volunteers and interns (recruited to assist in facilitation of workshop related activities, etc.)Education, Experience & Key AbilitiesAn undergraduate degree or comparable experience in business management, entrepreneurship, marketing, or related field.2-4 years of experience in customer service and 1-2 years of experience in retail.Must be fully bilingual in English and Spanish- strong written and oral skills; culturally proficient.Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.Basic knowledge of marketing principles including social media, material design, and website management.Knowledge of basic bookkeeping principles.Ability to work evening and weekend hours; ability to travel to off-site venues for meetings, events, and professional development is required.Passionate about entrepreneurship, education, social justice, diversity, and women’s empowerment.Language SkillsEffective communication in English and Spanish, both verbally and in writing required.Ability to read, analyze, and interpret written materials, maintain accurate documentation, and respond appropriately to questions and requests.TransportationMust have access to use a reliable motor vehicle for independent transportation, valid driver’s license, proof of automotive insurance, and maintain a good driving record. Must submit to and pass annual recertification of compliance with CLUES Automobile and Transportation Policy and driving record check.Computer SkillsProficient working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint and online technology platforms such as MS TEAMS, MS SharePoint, Zoom, Facebook, Canva, and Google Hangouts.Must be willing to attend training to advance technical skills and maintain appropriate skill levels to perform job duties.WORKING CONDITIONSBackground checkMust pass a criminal background check and driving record check. As a condition of continued employment, staff person may be required to submit to periodic re-verification of these background checks.HOW TO APPLYPlease visit www.clues.org/careers to apply online. Please include a résumé, cover letter, and salary requirements when applying. Contact HR with questions at 651-379-4244 or [e-mail]. Please note that all applicants are required to apply online by following the above link (we no longer accept emailed or faxed applications). CLUES is an Equal Opportunity Employer.ABOUT USComunidades Latinas Unidas En Servicio (CLUES) is a non-profit provider of behavioral health and human services. The organization was founded in 1981 with a vision for improving the quality of life of the Latino population in Minnesota. Our mission is to advance social and economic equity and wellbeing for Latinos by building upon our strengths and cultures, uplifting our community, and enabling leadership for systemic change. Although our services focus on the Latino family, our experience and capabilities enable us to serve individuals and families from all walks of life including new immigrants and low-income families who dream of a better future. Our programs and services encompass a holistic approach to addressing the complex and interrelated barriers our community faces, including programming that advances Community Wellness, Community Leadership, and Community Prosperity. Our approach is always to uphold and celebrate cultural richness and community assets as we connect individuals and families to resources, skills, institutions, and opportunities. Our Board of Directors is entirely volunteer based and comprised primarily of experienced Latino professionals. We employ a diverse, multicultural staff to ensure our services are linguistically and culturally relevant, including approximately 140 employees and over 700 volunteers annually.