Small Business Engagement Specialist

Compensation & Benefits:
Renaissance offers a competitive compensation package designed to reward your impact and support your long-term career growth.

• Salary range: $50,000 – $60,000, commensurate with experience.
• Annual performance-based bonus opportunities tied to both individual and organizational success.
• Comprehensive benefits package (medical, dental, vision, retirement plan).
• Generous PTO and paid holidays.
• Hybrid work model: flexibility to work remotely after training period with initial 3 months of onsite training.
• Ongoing professional development, coaching, and opportunities for advancement within the organization.
• Be part of a mission driven non-profit CDFI that empowers entrepreneurs, strengthens communities, and fuels economic growth in NYC.

Position Summary:
The Small Business Engagement Specialist serves as a key ambassador for the organization, promoting small business education, technical assistance, and microloan programs throughout the community. This role is responsible for conducting outreach, building relationships with entrepreneurs and community partners, representing the organization at events, and connecting small business owners to available resources and financing opportunities. The ideal candidate is energetic, people-oriented, and passionate about helping entrepreneurs succeed.

Key Responsibilities:
Community Outreach & Engagement

• Promote the organization's small business training, educational programs, and microloan products to entrepreneurs and community stakeholders.
• Conduct outreach to small businesses through networking, community events, workshops, and direct engagement.
• Build and maintain relationships with local business owners, chambers of commerce, community organizations, municipalities, and referral partners.
• Identify opportunities to expand awareness and participation in organizational programs.

Events & Representation

• Represent the organization at community events, trade shows, resource fairs, conferences, and networking events.
• Coordinate and staff outreach tables, information booths, and promotional activities.
• Deliver presentations and informational sessions to prospective participants and partners.
• Assist with planning and execution of workshops, trainings, and special events.

Program Recruitment & Enrollment

• Recruit entrepreneurs and small business owners into educational programs and loan readiness initiatives.
• Conduct initial screenings and provide information regarding program eligibility and participation requirements.
• Maintain regular communication with prospective participants and applicants.
• Support participant onboarding and follow-up activities.
• Serve as a trusted resource and connector within the small business ecosystem.

Marketing & Communications

• Collaborate with marketing staff to develop outreach campaigns and promotional materials.
• Create and distribute content for social media, newsletters, and community communications.
• Track outreach activities, event participation, and engagement metrics.
• Maintain accurate records of contacts, referrals, and prospective participants within Renaissance’s CRM system.

Qualifications Requirements: 

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, Community Development, Public Administration, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• 2+ years of experience in community outreach, business development, sales, marketing, customer engagement, or related work.
• Excellent interpersonal, presentation, written and communication skills.
• Ability to engage diverse audiences and build strong community relationships.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Experience working with small businesses, entrepreneurs, nonprofit organizations, or economic development programs.
• Familiarity with small business lending, microfinance, or business assistance programs.
• Bilingual skills in English/Chinese, English/Korean, or English/Spanish is required.
• Precise attention to details, excellent organizational, interpersonal and time management skills.
• Commitment to the confidentiality of sensitive materials and information.
• Meets expectations for attendance and punctuality.
• Excellent knowledge of local businesses and resources.
• Proficiency in Salesforce, Zoom, Google applications, and Microsoft Office Suite (specifically MS Word and Excel).

• Location Requirement: This is a hybrid remote position with an initial 3 months of non-remote on-site training.

Travel Requirements: 

• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
• Ability and willingness to travel frequently throughout the New York metropolitan area, including New York City (all five boroughs), Long Island, the Mid-Hudson Valley, and New Jersey.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends to attend community events, workshops, networking functions, and outreach activities.
• Ability to transport outreach materials, event supplies, and promotional materials as needed.

Physical Requirements: 

• Ability to travel extensively within the service area.
• Ability to stand for extended periods while staffing outreach tables, resource fairs, and community events.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds of outreach and event materials.
• Ability to set up and break down event displays and informational booths.

How We Work:
At Renaissance, we are committed to serving the communities we support with dedication and excellence. We are a results-driven organization focused on empowerment and impact. Our employees are accountable, pragmatic, innovative, and collaborative, with a strong commitment to community service and development. We embrace strategic thinking and a commitment to treating each other and the communities we serve with respect and dignity. We have an aptitude for technology and a strong desire to continuously learn. This philosophy expands to the way we manage our work and the way we put our best foot forward.  Expectations for all staff: 

• Support efforts that ensure a safe and healthy work environment.
• Appreciates the value of working collaboratively with individuals who bring a wide range of perspectives, experiences, and ways of thinking.
• An understanding of how systems and structures can affect people's opportunities and experiences in different settings.
• Maintain a positive, helpful attitude.
• Enjoy your time at work!

Who We Are:
Renaissance’s mission is to transform low-to-moderate income (LMI) communities and under-resourced entrepreneurs in our target markets by providing affordable small business loans, training, and counseling services. We serve the New York Metro Area, including New York City, Long Island, the Mid-Hudson Valley, and New Jersey.

We are US Treasury certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), Small Business Administration (SBA) Intermediary Microlender, and SBA Community Advantage (7a) lender.