Associate Project Manager

The Working World is a NYC-based nonprofit financial institution that builds cooperative businesses using a groundbreaking model that combines non-extractive finance with tailor-made technical support. We put finance into the hands of working people without making them put down collateral or take a debt burden that could threaten their wellbeing. We do this by promoting a more inclusive form of ownership – businesses that are collectively run and owned by their workers -- and by tying loan returns to project success, acting as a partner to ensure stability and sustainability.

Our goals are idealistic, but our methods are practical - our team has experience in business strategy, community economic development, and finance, and we work for concrete results with maximum impact. We support sustainability and autonomy in communities that have been most impacted by the extractive economy, deindustrialization and systemic discrimination, paving the way for a new, democratic and sustainable economy in NYC and beyond.

The Position

We are looking for someone deeply committed to social and economic justice, with knowledge of business development. Business- and/or social justice-related academic or extracurricular work is a plus, especially as it shows commitment to community economic development and familiarity with the day-to-day work involved. Associate Project Managers will have to learn and apply cooperative business concepts as they collaborate with worker-owners to develop and implement business plans and assist with day-to-day operations. Candidates must have exceptional social skills, a deep desire to learn about cooperative business, and be eager to engage deeply with the businesses and workers that we support.

We are looking for people who are equally idealistic and practical, and who are open and eager to learn The Working World’s lending methodology and approach. Candidates must also be organized self-starters and have the patience and drive to work toward longer-term goals.

Ideally, we are looking for candidates from or with extensive experience in the different communities we work with, particularly African-American, Latine, and/or immigrant communities.

Our target start date is February 5, 2024 for one full-time position in New York, NY.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support in the coordination and facilitation of weekly meetings with cooperatives and worker-owners both on- and off-site, sometimes outside of regular work hours
• Support Senior Project Managers and Directors in research and financial analyses to prepare new investments and business plans
• Measure progress on business goals and problem-solve with cooperatives, assisting with key business functions when necessary
• Develop weekly progress reports and participate in team troubleshooting meetings
• Help organize and facilitate community events and cooperative business workshops

Key Qualifications:

• Spanish proficiency strongly preferred
• Strong interest in economic justice and cooperative development
• Strong project management skills and ability to prioritize tasks effectively
• Some business development knowledge and/or experience– This could include feasibility studies, project planning, and/or financial projections
• Some work or volunteer experience in economic justice, community development, business and entrepreneurship, public administration, and/or community organizing a plus
• Experience working in African-American, Latine and/or immigrant communities and with women entrepreneurs
• Experience with community organizing a plus
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Effective teamwork and collaboration

The Working World is committed to a diverse staff team and encourages candidates of all racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds to apply. Staff are chosen on the basis of ability without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression, in accordance with federal and state law.

While The Working World will endeavor to contact all candidates within a reasonable time, this may not always be possible due to limited resources. Therefore, if you have not heard from us by January 24, you can assume that your application has, on this occasion, been unsuccessful.

Location

New York, NY

Application deadline

December 31, 2024 - applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis

Employment type

Full time

Salary

$65,000-70,000 / year plus benefits (health insurance, dental, vision, retirement plan)

Office details

In-person at our downtown Brooklyn office two days per week, other in-person meetings with cooperative businesses and team as needed