About Us

Chinese Mutual Aid Association (CMAA) is a community-based 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Chicagoland’s diverse immigrant and refugee communities. Established in 1981, CMAA is a cornerstone of the “Asia on Argyle” corridor of the Uptown Neighborhood of Chicago with a satellite office in Elgin, IL, providing programs to serve our community across generations. We offer after-school, summer camp, and mentoring programs for young people. For adults, we provide case management and social services, education including English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, job preparation and placement services, and immigration and citizenship case assistance. We connect older adults to in-home care support and community enrichment through our Golden Age Club. Finally, we support entrepreneurs and small businesses as the only AAPI-led Small Business Development Center in Illinois. 

Who we are! | Economic Development Center (EDC)
The Economic Development Center (EDC) at Chinese Mutual Aid Association is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity.

Job Description

Chinese Mutual Aid Association (CMAA) is seeking a strategic, highly flexible and adaptable individual who can lead and manage our Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Neighborhood Business Development Center (NBDC), Cook County Business Source, and APEX Accelerator. 

The Director will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the center. The position calls for a wide variety of administrative, management and leadership skills due to the diversity of clientele the center serves and the dynamic needs of the organization.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

Manage Staff and Partners; Support Clients

• Lead the Small Business Development Center which provides no-cost business advising to new and potential small businesses, entrepreneurs
• Supervise and manage a department that consists of several full-time staff, contract business advisors, student interns and professional consultants
• Oversee business advisors in using CRM database for tracking client sessions, analyzing metrics, and documenting success stories to showcase the achievements of  EDC clients
• Maintain an effective local Board of Advisors which reflects the centers market sector focus
• Provide direct business advising and training to clients through 1:1 meetings and workshops

Budgeting

• Develop and monitor the annual department budget (revenue and expenses) in coordination with the finance department
• Ensure timely submission of expense reports, reimbursement forms, etc for self and staff in the department
• Modify budgets internally and for specific funders as necessary in coordination with finance department

Development of programs and funding resources

• Plan and coordinate programs and activities consistent with the goals and objectives of the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Neighborhood Business Development Center (NBDC), Cook County Business Source, APEX Accelerator and other programs and partnerships that may be implemented over time
• Work with and supervise the Program Director of the APEX Accelerator, which supports small businesses in obtaining certifications applicable for Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Individuals (SEDI) – Owned Businesses
• Develop the annual calendar of events; oversee implementation of events including business expos, periodic meetings for the board of advisors, press conferences, and educational series
• Ensure timely submission of grant funding proposals
• Cultivate relationships with potential funders and sponsors; steward relationships with current funders in coordination with the development and communications department
• Oversee communications, such as the newsletter for business clients and partners to promote opportunities for and convey the needs of the small business community
• Coordinate and cultivate relationships with other US Small Business Association or related resource partners, local and ethnic chambers of commerce, professional associations, and economic development groups
• Oversee new client intake processes, both in-person and online, ensuring that clients are properly registered and assigned business advisors, while maintaining client documentation by saving dated meeting notes in individual folders and logging session details (time/topic) in Neoserra and Salesforce (CRM databases). 
• Collaborate with external partners, agencies, and service providers to ensure clients are connected with the most appropriate resources when needs extend beyond EDC capabilities. Facilitate warm referrals and maintain relationships with outside entities to provide clients with comprehensive, wraparound support. 
• Assist clients in preparing grant and loan applications by researching and understanding grant requirements, providing guidance on eligibility, and helping gather and submit required documents

Compliance, Quality Assurance and Report

• Maintain a current reference library and database as required by the funders
• Maintain CMAA’s own centralized database with relevant EDC client and partner data, case notes, etc
• Provide timely and accurate reports to funders as required, external partners and CMAA board of directors upon request
• Maintain and analyze data on program effectiveness; review logic models, outcome measurements and key performance indicators; use findings to inform future program planning
• Lead the department to meet or exceed the annual performance goals of each program

Other Responsibilities

• Travel 25% locally to meet with business clients and partners
• May include overnight business travel within the United States for conferences, convenings
• Other duties as assigned

Work Environment

• This job operates in a clerical office setting however occasional field work is required for events, conferences, and other outreach activities. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines as well as specialized programs such as Canva, Excel, CRMs, etc. 
• This is a largely sedentary role, however, some filing is required. This could require the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets and bending or standing on a stool as necessary. 
• This position is expected to be on-site at the associated office(s) or approved satelite office(s)/location(s). 

Perks

• Comprehensive Health benefits package to include medical, dental, and vision plans with employer contribution between 60%-90% of premiums
• 403(b) retirement plan with company match after one (1) year and fully vested at year six (6)
• 10 Company Holidays a year
• Personal Time Off, Sick Leave, and Vacation time off policies
• Parking/Transit benefits
• Travel Reimbursements for eligible commuting routes
• Opportunities for growth and to give back to communities
• Fun, high-energy culture!
• Access to an exceptional leadership team

The approximate salary for this position is $85,000.00 annually. Please note that the indicated base salary is provided in good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Final compensation may vary based on factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge, skills, etc.

CMAA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability during the application or interview process, please contact us at 773-784-2900 and request the Human Resources Department or email at humanresources@chinesemutualaid.org and reference the job ID:3803742.

 Qualifications

• B.A. or B.S. degree in business, economics or another relevant field
• At least five (5) years of small business management or business consulting experience preferred
• Budget and program management experience
• Strong marketing and sales orientation
• Excellent communications skills, including public speaking
• Knowledge of business suite applications; familiarity with PowerPoint and CRM (eg- Neoserra and/or Salesforce) is a plus!
• Strong Excel skills, including V-lookups, linked sheets, and formatting for reporting, are very important