All Things Urban

Inclusive Action for the City, formerly known as LURN is a nonprofit, community development organization based in the neighborhood of Boyle Heights in Los Angeles. Founded in 2008, Inclusive Action's mission is to bring people together to build strong, local economies that uplift low-income urban communities through advocacy and transformative economic development initiatives. Inclusive Action works towards this mission in three ways: advocating for thoughtful urban policy, designing and implementing economic development projects that support small businesses, and providing research and program design services to organizations on projects that align with our mission.

In addition to its advocacy and policy research activities, Inclusive Action administers a suite of economic development initiatives that provide resources to businesses and entrepreneurs in low-income neighborhoods. These initiatives include: - The Semi’a Fund, a micro-loan fund that provides low-interest loans to entrepreneurs in low-income neighborhoods. The Semi’a Fund primarily serves entrepreneurs in the informal economy and other business owners who have an entrepreneurial vision but no access to capital. In addition to capital, the Semi’a Fund offers one-on-one coaching for its clients; - Micro Business Accelerator (MBA), an accelerator program preparing micro-entrepreneurs to purchase commercial real estate so they can stay in their community, create local jobs and build wealth in the face of gentrification. Inclusive Action will serve micro-entrepreneurs of color from neighborhoods impacted by gentrification such as communities in East LA and South LA; and - The CORE Project, an initiative formed by Inclusive Action and two local community development organizations that seeks to acquire commercial buildings in low-income neighborhoods in order to preserve small businesses and facilitate ownership opportunities for local entrepreneurs. Inclusive Action is seeking a self-motivated Associate to support Inclusive Action’s economic development initiatives with a focus on the Semi’a Fund and the Micro Business Accelerator (MBA). The Associate will not only help source and underwrite new loans for the Semi’a Fund, they will also lead business coaching efforts for Inclusive Action’s entrepreneur-focused programs. A main priority of the Associate will be leading the launch of a new initiative called the MBA that will offer in-depth business coaching and assistance to a cohort of small business owners in low-income neighborhoods of Los Angeles. We believe that low-income entrepreneurs need access to low-interest capital and tools to help them grow their businesses. This position requires an energetic individual, who has excellent oral presentation skills and excited to work with a wide range of community members. The Associate has experience leading group workshops, and is confident in their ability to design, develop, and implement tools that add value to Semi’a Fund borrowers and MBA participants. The Associate will be a coach and project manager for the Semi’a Fund’s borrowers and the participants in our Accelerator. The Associate will report to the Executive Director and will work closely with Inclusive Action staff on other projects as necessary.

The Semi’a Fund: - Plan and facilitate group coaching sessions with Semi’a Fund clients; - Develop training materials on topics related to personal and business finance; - Provide individualized coaching sessions to Semi’a Fund clients; - Maintain accurate client and group coaching data, including attendance rosters, evaluations, coaching notes, and borrower engagement; and - Support loan underwriting and collection of financial documents as needed. The Micro-Business Accelerator (MBA): - Manage the program, including tracking the initiative’s performance in pursuit of short-term and long-term goals; - Coordinate workshops for the Accelerator cohort and lead discussions, as well as individualized coaching sessions; - Monitor cohort deadlines and responsibilities; - Generate reports on the initiative’s progress; and - Partner with the appropriate organizations to offer additional resources for entrepreneurs. Other Organizational Support : - Assist in program-related research projects, outreach efforts, and other duties that may be assigned; and - Support the cultivation of a creative, productive environment with Inclusive Action staff and its partners.

- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Urban Planning, Economics, Education or a related field; - At least five years of experience in curriculum development, program implementation and evaluation and/or coaching; - Fluency in economic development, social enterprise development, community-based finance and/or popular education; - Strong verbal and written communication skills with public speaking experience; - Experience in project management; - Ability to work effectively with diverse audiences; - Written and verbal fluency in the Spanish language; - Valid driver’s license with reliable transportation; - A positive, upbeat attitude that supports Inclusive Action staff and its organizational partners; and - Commitment to Inclusive Action’s mission.

Inclusive Action offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience. The salary range for this position is $65,000 - $75,000 along with full medical, dental, and vision benefits, 13 paid holidays, and up to two weeks of paid vacation a year with an opportunity to accrue more after serving two years with the organization.

Unfortunately, it seems like this job is not available for international candidates. Unless you’re eligible for a work visa otherwise, please double-check with the company.