Business Advisor
Navigate Resources. Teach. Lead. Learn. Solve Problems. Build Community. Crunch Numbers. Fight Inequality. Bring your Passion to Support Others in Realizing Their Success.
If this describes your desires for your next professional endeavor, join the Livelihood NW team! We are hiring a Business Advisor(s) - for a ¾ time (average 30 hrs/week) with the opportunity to grow to a full-time position.
Overview
As a business advisor you will get to work with small business owners to help them achieve their potential. You’ll help entrepreneurs grow their skills by contributing your expertise and navigating resources. You need to be resourceful in helping people find answers, solve problems, and think about the “big picture”. You don’t have to know it all, instead, it's important that you are able to seek resources to help clients rise to new challenges. You need to demonstrate multicultural competency that supports the development of trust and confidence in the diverse clientele supported though our work.
As a local nonprofit in Portland, OR, our mission is to foster business sustainability and growth for historically under-served entrepreneurs within local communities. We provide exceptional business development support services to promote lifelong learning, empowerment, and positive economic impact. With more than twenty-seven years experience providing technical assistance and business advisory services to small businesses, Livelihood NW provides education, resources, and relationship building opportunities to businesses owned by people of color, women, LGBTQA+, immigrants and refugees, veterans, and low-to-moderate income individuals, with the goal to equip entrepreneurs with the capabilities to create wealth for their families, employees, and communities.
By joining our team, you’ll work with a group of incredibly passionate individuals that are both intensely collaborative and communicative, while also excellent with self directed projects and managing client case work. Be part of a team that supports each other, embraces the diverse perspectives we each contribute, values work/life balance. Our team is committed to continuous personal and professional development opportunities for ourselves, which carries forward for our clients.
Our team is growing, and we are seeking passionate and talented individuals who are great coaches, advisors, mentors, and community members. Candidates who demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and business acumen are encouraged to apply!
POSITION DESCRIPTION
POSITION PURPOSE
The primary purpose of the Business Advisor is to provide one-on-one technical assistance, mentorship, and consulting services to Livelihood NW small business clients through our partnerships and contracts. Additionally, this position facilitates and teaches workshops and trainings to small peer-based groups of entrepreneurs. This position will have responsibility for some of the organization's program development activities, as well as engagement with various community partners throughout the Pacific Northwest. The role offers flexible scheduling options and opportunities to telecommute. As of March 2020, Livelihood NW is delivering business support services virtually only, however all Livelihood NW staff need to be located near Portland, Oregon, or willing to commute, as we consider resuming in-person support in the future.
EXPECTED RESULTS OF JOB PERFORMANCE
Ensure that all Livelihood NW clients and participants receive exceptional support and learning opportunities that meet their needs, forward their goals, and continually improve their business skills, while maintaining the overall integrity of Livelihood NW, our funders and partners, and the local business community.
Ensure that all contract funding requirements and program standards are understood, communicated, and continually met. Ensure that data is collected to meet all reporting requirements.
Engage as a contributing member of the Livelihood NW team, ensuring a collaborative and effective work environment that strengthens the program's mission and our service delivery to small business clients, and community partners.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS (DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES)
Build trust and relationships with new and established small business owners, in order to provide one-on-one technical assistance, advising and consulting services to small business clients utilizing a professional approach with relevant and accurate business acumen.
Conduct a needs assessment for each business, identifying the support needs and creating an action plan for how those needs can be met through program services, local opportunities, and referrals.
Counsel and train small business clients on how to plan, develop, and operate a successful small business, specifically in relation to business strategy, marketing, operations, human resources, compliance, and/or financial planning. (e.g. understanding business financial statements, budgeting & creating projections).
Formulate business recommendations to clients and provide support and education needed to carry out recommendations. Connect clients to referrals and additional resources as needed.
Develop and maintain cooperative relationships with other economic development and business assistance agencies and professionals.
Effectively document activities and outcomes including: time tracking, client goals and action plans, project progress, and client activities and achievements. Perform administrative duties in conformance with contract guidelines and Livelihood NW reporting requirements. Input client data and outcomes into tracking/database systems.
Demonstrate accuracy, attention to detail, maintenance of confidentiality, and the ability to meet deadlines and appropriately interact with sensitive information.
Act in support of the Livelihood team, administrative staff, advisors, and students to ensure a supportive environment and effective collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Provide limited administrative support for the Livelihood NW office.
Assist with program development & business outreach.
Other duties as assigned.
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE
Professional or educational experience meeting one, or more of the following, is required:
Experience in advising and/or mentoring BIPOC-owned and/or women-owned small businesses.
Three years experience in, or combination of, entrepreneurship, small business ownership or management, microenterprise development, business assistance, consulting, training, teaching and/or mentoring adults.
And/or a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, or equivalent professional experience.
PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES
Bilingual preferred, not required.
Demonstrate multicultural competency, including the ability to consider alternative and diverse perspectives, interact effectively with people in a positive manner that engenders confidence and trust.
Demonstrate enthusiasm for small business and/or entrepreneurship.
Superior communication skills, including verbal, written, and active listening skills.
Ability to follow-up with clients, partners and colleagues in a timely manner.
Ability to lead and teach others. Effective leadership skills.
Effective time management and organizational skills with demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and maintain quality.
Highly motivated, self-starter.
Ability to think critically and problem solve.
Ability to work independently, while also seeking support from team members and resources.
Willingness to learn new skills, perform relevant research, and seek professional development opportunities, to better assist clients.
Knowledge of small business and community resources in Portland, Oregon, and/or throughout the State of Oregon, preferred.
Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite, as well as G Suite, Google Docs, and Zoom.
Optional: Experience teaching and facilitating in a small classroom environment.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Compensation: Position is paid hourly. Hourly wage from $24-$30/hr. depending on experience. Weekly hours are not expected to exceed an average of 32 hours a week. Benefits include cell phone stipend and a retirement match program for eligible staff. Opportunities to grow to full-time status with salaried compensations that include medical and retirement benefits.
Position Location: Livelihood NW delivers business support services virtually only, however all Livelihood NW staff need to be located near Portland, Oregon, or willing to commute, in order to attend periodic in-person staff and community events.
Physical Requirements: Position requires sitting for extended periods of time. Position requires physical lifting of 35lbs. or less, on a limited basis.
Work Schedule: The hours will vary, on average, around 30 hours per week , while never exceeding 32 hours per week. Employees must be able to work effectively by telecommuting. Responsibilities must be met four to five days a week during business hours. Some evening and weekend work engagements required. Specific weekly schedule is flexible.
Livelihood NW is an Equal Opportunity organization and encourages applications from diverse candidates and candidates who support diversity, equity and inclusion.
TO APPLY
Click the button below to submit an application package. Applications accepted until the position is filled. If you have questions feel free to contact us at hr@livelihoodnw.org.