Engagement Manager

ENGAGEMENT MANAGER - JOB DESCRIPTION

Reports to: President & CEO

Classification: Full-Time, Exempt

Background:  The New Impact Fund reshapes the narrative of wealth creation by connecting high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) with BIPOC businesses in the Twin Cities area. Over the last couple of years, our focus has been on Black-owned businesses.   We bridge the financing gap to unleash the power of small businesses while offering HNWIs the opportunity to invest in their community. By providing critical financial and social capital, we amplify the growth of Black businesses, fuel local job creation, and build an economy that unlocks opportunities for Black businesses. We drive tangible impact, one thriving Black business at a time, to build a more equitable future for all.  This is a unique chance to impact if you're passionate about innovative community development and thrive in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

Each year, the New Impact Fund (NIF) recruits cohorts of high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and pairs them with Black-owned businesses to drive growth in underinvested and underestimated communities within the Twin Cities. NIF provides training, context, and guidance to empower HNWIs to support these businesses directly.

After successfully running four cohorts, NIF is ready to take the next step. We're seeking an experienced leader, an Engagement Manager, to not just maintain but expand our cohort program. This role is crucial in fostering alumni engagement and overseeing all sourcing and programming initiatives. If you're an experienced program manager looking for a new challenge, this is your role.

Summary:

The Engagement Manager plays a crucial role in driving the New Impact Fund's (NIF) mission to support BIPOC businesses in the Twin Cities.  This individual will strategically expand NIF's cohort program, cultivate relationships with key stakeholders (businesses, philanthropic investors, community), and lead all program development and pipeline initiatives. The Engagement Manager will also oversee the sourcing pipeline, the cohort program, social capital and alumni engagement, impact reporting, and the outreach efforts that raise NIF's profile. This position demands leadership, innovation, and a commitment to building a more equitable economic landscape. If you're ready to take on these responsibilities and make a real impact, we want to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities (include, but not limited to)

• Program Development: As the leader of the NIF program, you will develop and implement our cohort programs, operations, continuous improvement, and impact reporting.
• Pipeline:  Build and manage a pipeline of promising Black-owned businesses. Drive collaboration and meet stakeholder expectations (cohort members, partners, funders).
• Engagement & Relationship Building: Design and implement a comprehensive alum program. Promote continuous engagement and nurture long-term connections with past participants and supporters.
• Risk Management & Reporting: Conducting thorough business assessments and evaluations of potential businesses, preparing quarterly/annual portfolio reports, and tracking key impact metrics for internal and external stakeholders will be crucial in maintaining our credibility and ensuring the success of our mission. Develop clear and concise Executive Summaries on each business that will be considered for potential financial and social capital. 
• Outreach & Representation: Represent NIF at events, webinars, etc., and proactively identify opportunities to showcase NIF's work.

Who You Are:

• Small Business Lending or Economic Development:  A small business lending or similar economic development institution is preferred. Proven experience evaluating and assessing businesses' financial health and growth potential is preferred.
• Relationship-focused: Excellent relationship-building skills and a deep commitment to centering the needs of businesses, philanthropic investors, and communities. 
• Strategic & Innovative: Ability to design and implement effective processes, systems, and policies aligned with NIF's goals and vision.
• Project Management: Strong project management skills and the ability to handle multiple priorities effectively.
• Problem-Solver: Proactively identify challenges, present solutions, and take initiative.
• Communication Excellence: Exceptional written and verbal communication, plus the ability to distill complex information for stakeholders.
• Adaptable & Growth-Oriented: Relationship-focused team player with a creative, problem-solving mindset. Committed to ongoing improvement and strong stakeholder relationship building and partnerships.

Requirements:

• Culture competency:  Proven ability to build relationships, understand perspectives, and collaborate effectively with individuals and communities from diverse cultural, racial, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Champion of diversity, equity, and inclusion, fostering a culture of belonging. 
• Strategic Actor: Anticipates obstacles and outcomes, crafting proactive solutions to support strategic goals.
• Innovative Problem Solver: Applies critical thinking and creativity to develop fresh, effective solutions.
• Decisive Leader: Makes timely, well-informed decisions based on analysis, experience, and sound judgment.
• Emotionally Intelligent: Demonstrates self-awareness and strong emotional intelligence. Effectively communicates across interactions and influences positively. Builds trust and rapport with internal and external stakeholders, resolving concerns constructively and avoiding defensiveness.
• Organized and Efficient: Excels in time management, prioritization, and guiding to optimize performance with others. 
• Ethical and Inclusive: Acts with integrity, maintains unwavering honesty in communication, protects confidential information, readily admits mistakes, and ensures factual accuracy.
• Positive and Adaptable: Thrives in dynamic environments and brings energy, flexibility, and an empathetic leadership style.
• Excellent Communicator: Possess a comprehensive communication skillset, including exceptional writing, proofreading, Microsoft Suite proficiency, and the ability to adapt communication styles for diverse audiences and platforms, all with a customer-centric approach.
• Results-Oriented: Sets clear goals, holds self and others accountable, recognizes achievements, and maintains an open mindset for growth.

Educational and Related Requirements:

• Candidates with a bachelor's degree and at least three years of relevant experience in small business lending or community and economic development preferred.
• Proven experience supervising and managing staff is a strong plus.
• Experience with HubSpot CRM is a plus.
• Experience working with high net-worth individuals a plus. 

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary Range: $75k to $85k annually with a potential for up to a 20k annual bonus.
• Comprehensive benefits package:
  • Health and dental insurance
  • Generous wellness benefit
  • 403b retirement plan fully vested at the start of employment
  • Flexible work schedule in a hybrid work environment.
  • Disability and life insurance allowance
  • 11 federal holidays plus two floating holidays
  • Paid time off
• Location: Twin Cities

To apply

Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to hiring@newimpactfund.org by June 18, 2024, using the subject line “Engagement Manager.”  The position will remain open until filled.