FLSA Status: Exempt, Temporary with potential to convert to permanent

SUMMARY

The Business Specialist is responsible for the delivery of technical assistance services to prospective and existing MESO clients and conducts activities and strategies to identify, cultivate and prepare Entrepreneurs in the local markets and communities. This position requires fluency in the Spanish language and ability to travel between Portland, Gresham and Beaverton to meet with clients and to be in our headquarter office as needed. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide efficient and effective one-on-one technical assistance, advising, and consulting services to program participants utilizing a professional approach with relevant and accurate business acumen. 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 financial planning.
• Perform administrative duties to remain in compliance with contract guidelines and reporting requirements. Use Salesforce and other tracking/database systems, accurately document activities and outcomes, including time tracking, project progress, client goals and action plans, and client activities and achievements.
• Other duties as assigned.

JOB DUTIES

• Meet with assigned clients, perform an assessment of the business, formulate recommendations and provide support services to carry out recommendations. Connect clients to referrals and additional business resources as needed.
• Help clients take advantage of Individual Development Accounts (IDAs).
• Assist with clients from funded neighborhoods, such as NPI districts
• Facilitate, teach, coordinate and promote small business forums, workshops, training, and client networking events. Contribute to and/or develop training curricula.
• Develop and maintain cooperative relationships with other economic development and business assistance agencies and professionals.
• Conduct outreach efforts to the small business community, under the manager’s guidance
• Answer phones and meet walk-in clients as needed
• Attend community partner meetings as assigned by the manager, acting as an advocate for clients and the program in alignment with MESO goals
• Maintain punctual, regular, and predictable attendance.
• Work collaboratively in a team environment with a spirit of cooperation.
• Display excellent communication skills including presentation, persuasion, and negotiation skills required in working with coworkers and including the ability to communicate effectively and remain calm and courteous under pressure.
• Ability to balance multiple tasks; work well independently; and prioritize and meet specific deadlines.
• Respectfully take direction from the manager.
• Assist clients to develop and implement detailed business plans

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES 

None.

QUALIFICATIONS 

Ability to perform essential job duties with or without reasonable accommodation and without posing a direct threat to the safety or health of employees or others. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree (B. A.) from a four-year college or university; or one to two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

LANGUAGE SKILLS 

Fluent in both English and Spanish. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. Ability to write speeches and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format. Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS 

Has strong mathematical and analytical skills relating to finance. Ability to synthesize complex or diverse information; collect and research data; use intuition and experience to complement data; designs workflows and procedures; demonstrate attention to detail; gather and analyze information skillfully; complete projects on time and budget; demonstrate accuracy and thoroughness; work within approved budget; contribute to profits and revenue; conserve organizational resources.

COMPUTER SKILLS 

Most required work is almost exclusively on the computer, but the computer is not itself the focus of the position. Has an advanced understanding and capabilities in using applicable programs and knowledge of networks. Must be a strong reference for other users for performing different functions with the computer. Very organized, detail-oriented, fast, and comfortable with various software programs (preferably with Downhome Loan Manger and Outcome Tracker) including Microsoft Office products.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

None. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to sit stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Job Type: Temporary

Education:

High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

Sales: 2 years (Preferred)

Business development: 1 year (Preferred)

Willingness to travel:

25% (Preferred)

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance