Applications have closed for this position.
About the position:
Boston Center for Community Ownership is hiring a Co-op Organizer to provide hands-on business support to worker-owned cooperatives and other small businesses in our region. We are looking for someone with language fluency and authentic cultural competencies relevant to the communities we serve, who has practical experience working in small businesses as an entrepreneur or in bookkeeping, financial management, or other managerial capacity. This role is intended as a full time position, but we may consider part time applicants as well. We are a Boston-based organization with headquarters in Dorchester, and are looking for candidates within commuting distance of our primary office.
BCCO is a worker self-directed non-profit co-op development center rooted in community organizing. Cooperative businesses are just like other small businesses, except they are owned and managed by the people that use them – usually the workers, customers, or some combination of the two. Cooperatives are part of the larger movement for social entrepreneurship and Solidarity Economy.
We provide organizing support for startup co-ops and co-op conversions, as well as ongoing training and technical assistance for existing cooperatives. Our co-op organizers live in the communities we serve, and have extensive practical experience in cooperative and small business management. BCCO provides hands-on assistance including bookkeeping, financial management, financial projections, loan readiness, business plans, strategic planning, governance support, and board and membership training.
There are always opportunities for growth and development because we invest in your skills based on inclinations and interest. We look forward to having you on the team!
Responsibilities:
- Provide technical assistance to small businesses, which may include support for bookkeeping, financial management, sales, marketing, legal and tax requirements
- Facilitate workshops on topics such as membership rights and responsibilities, co-op governance, and financial literacy using BCCO’s existing lesson plans
- Work closely with lawyers and accountants to assist co-ops in creating their bylaws/operating agreements and preparing tax returns
- Manage client projects, including: developing a scope of work, milestones, timeline and budget; moving the project along according to schedule; completing the project objectives and documenting processes and results
- Represent BCCO in networks, coalitions, and organizations of which we are a member
- Contribute to fundraising efforts by assisting with grant applications and small donor campaigns as needed
- Maintain reliable transportation to travel to clients’ place of work, when needed. Most of our work is in or around Boston, but we occasionally work with clients in nearby states. Travel is also required by air or train 2-3 times per year for training and conferences.
Requirements:
- Fluent in Haitian Creole and English (we are also interested in speaking with candidates who speak Spanish, Vietnamese, Cape Verdean Creole, or other languages commonly spoken in the Boston area)
- Experience working in small business as a bookkeeper, financial manager, or other management capacity, particularly in Black or POC-owned businesses
- Experience with community organizing or social justice movements
- Cultural competencies related to one or more of Boston’s Black and/or POC communities
- Experience working in immigrant communities
- Strong verbal communication skills; ability to break down complex business and financial topics so they are easily understood
- Proficiency with spreadsheets, word processing software (MS Office, Google Drive)
- Commitment to our values of respect and empowerment for low income workers and entrepreneurs
- Eagerness to participate in training to develop additional skills in small business support and deepen your understanding of the cooperative model of doing business.
- Passion for our mission of building a cooperative economy
- Good judgment, ability to respond calmly and constructively to challenging situations
Other qualities that would strengthen your application:
- Familiarity with various Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and Point of Sale (POS) software options
- Strong writing skills and enthusiasm for writing, experience writing marketing materials and/or grant applications
- Experience and/or training as a meeting facilitator or mediator
- Coursework in accounting or business topics, economic development, or public policy
- Experience leading workshops or trainings
- Experience working in cooperatives or other democratic organizations
This is an exempt position starting at 35 hours per week (full time), or part time as requested, paid on salary of $75,000, with paid time off for vacations, sick/personal, and holidays. To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to jobs@bcco.coop.
This job was posted August 14, 2024 and will remain open until filled. Anticipated start date is October 2024.