UCP Entrepreneurship Officer

Banksouthern; Little Rock (AR); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Banksouthern is seeking a Community Outreach and Engagement Specialist to drive participation in technical assistance and business development programs, focusing on underserved communities. The role builds referral networks, recruits participants, and supports training initiatives.

The position requires 3–5 years in related fields, strong communication, and travel readiness, with a preference for Spanish fluency. Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred; field related to business, finance, marketing or communications.
• 3–5 years of related experience in business development, community engagement, or outreach.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; Salesforce experience a plus.
• Fluency in Spanish strongly preferred.
• Ability to travel for meetings and events; valid driver's license and vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Develop new business by building networks and generating referrals for programs.
• Cultivate relationships with community partners to align with mission and targets.
• Maintain pipeline of participants through outreach, networking and recruitment.
• Conduct informational sessions to raise awareness of programs for entrepreneurs and small business owners.
• Provide prompt, friendly service and problem-solve for participants.

Skills

Communication skills

Relationship management

Business development

Community outreach

Recruiting

Sales

Public speaking

Travel planning

Spanish language

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Salesforce

Job description

Please Note: Funding for this position is currently secured through the end of fiscal year 2027. Continuation of the position beyond that time will be dependent upon future funding availability.

This role will be responsible for community outreach and engagement that drives participation in the organization's technical assistance and business development programs, with a focus on communities that historically have had less access to capital and credit. The primary responsibility is to build and maintain a robust network of referral sources within assigned markets to generate awareness, recruit participants, and create a strong pipeline of entrepreneurs and small business owners seeking resources designed to facilitate access to capital and credit. Additionally, this role will assist in recruiting for all programs, facilitate economic skills classes, and support other training and educational initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop new business by maintaining professional networks and establishing a favorable presence in local communities by participating in civic organizations and community activities togenerate program participation and referrals for technical assistance, business development, and asset development services.)

• Cultivate and nurture relationships with community partners within assigned markets to generate referral opportunities that align with the organization's mission and target markets

• Develop and maintain a pipeline of prospective program participants through community outreach, networking, referral partner engagement, and direct recruitment efforts.)

• (Conduct presentations, informational sessions, and outreach activities to increase awareness of the organization's programs, technical assistance services, and opportunities available to entrepreneurs and small business owners.)

• Provide all customers with prompt, efficient and friendly service, with an emphasis on problem-solving and solution-building

• Identify and evaluate technical assistance, financial education, and financial coaching needs of current and prospective clients and ensure proper and effective referral to the organization's financial counselors

• (Track outreach activities, referral sources, participant engagement, and recruitment outcomes to support program goals and performance metrics.)

• Complete all required training

• Performs other related duties as required or assigned, including assisting with wealth building programs

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in business, finance, accounting, economics, marketing, communications, or a related field preferred, plus three to five years of related experience.

• Experience in business development, community engagement, relationship management, sales, recruiting, or program outreach preferred.

• Experience developing referral networks, strategic partnerships, and community-based relationships preferred.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.

• Experience with Salesforce a plus.

• Fluency in Spanish is strongly preferred.

• Ability to travel for meetings and client appointments.

• Must possess and maintain a current and valid driver's license and a vehicle with appropriate insurance coverage.

• Willingness to travel for events and meetings.