Job Posting: Cooperative Business Developer

The ICA Group, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing businesses and institutions that center worker voice, grow worker wealth, and build worker power, seeks a full-time Business Developer to develop, manage, and deliver on projects in the cooperative business sector.

The Business Developer will work with a team of consultants, analysts, and program staff. The work involves business consulting, research, development of tools, resources, and communications documents, and engaging in strategy to strengthen and grow the New York City cooperative business sector.

The Business Developer will be located in New York City. This is a hybrid position based out of ICA Group’s New York City office with the option of working remotely. ICA staff are not currently traveling due to COVID-19, but once conditions permit, this position requires traveling within the United States.
   

About the ICA Group
The ICA Group is a leading expert on worker ownership and the oldest national organization dedicated to the development of worker cooperatives. We are a mission- driven nonprofit organized as a worker cooperative and are dedicated to bringing strategic analysis and industry-focused support to the worker ownership sector. We are founding and currently active members of the Worker Cooperative Business Development Initiative in New York City. Our business expertise is bolstered by a deep understanding of worker ownership and other worker-centered structures, and a commitment to serving low-wage workers and communities of color.

Key Responsibilities

Client Support (60%)

• Meet with business owners to identify their personal and financial goals, as well as their business strengths and challenges
• Provide exit planning guidance to business owners and assess the financial and operational viability of businesses considering a transition to employee ownership
• Analyze company financial information to identify trends and opportunities
• Provide technical assistance to business clients through the development of financial models, business valuations, operational assessments, business plans, and loan proposals
• Participate in the development, promotion, coordination, and delivery of business resources, tools, and trainings

Industry Research and Sector Development (30%)

• Conduct qualitative and quantitative research and data analysis, including industry and market studies, surveys, and interviews
• Act as a content expert for business- and industry-wide strategies that center workers
• Work closely with Outreach Manager to identify and convene stakeholders for sector-wide knowledge exchange and learning opportunities.
• Develop and disseminate program materials to support client and partner outreach, program promotion, and awareness of worker ownership among business, government, and industry stakeholders
• Prepare white papers, op eds, articles and blogs

Organizational Development (10%)

• Identify and deliver insights from clients that will be broadly applicable to other areas of the ICA Group’s work
• Contribute to the ICA Group’s strategy and communications by developing consulting tools and resources, generating research from client work, and serving as a subject matter resource

Minimum Requirements

• 2+ years of relevant experience, including in business development, business operations, business consulting, planning, economic development, and/or community lending.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills and a demonstrated ability to build relationships with diverse clients and stakeholders
• Ability to communicate complex concepts and information into accessible, compelling narratives and excellent writing skills
• Strong diplomatic skills and judgment, ability to identify problems and ask hard questions with respect and discretion
• Commitment to using business skills for social good
• Comfort working in a self-directed environment and alongside a team
• Personal and intellectual commitment to systemic economic change and racial justice

Additional Desired Capabilities 

• Bilingual in Spanish
• Excellent analytical and quantitative skills, including the ability to do data analysis and visualization
• Ability to work well under pressure and manage multiple concurrent projects and deadlines
• Demonstrated team orientation and ability to provide and accept feedback
• Excitement and interest in helping a growing organization scale effectively, and an enthusiastic interest in taking on new responsibilities and roles as this happens

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $62,000 to 66,800. ICA uses a salary scale and the specific salary within that range is determined by years of experience. The ICA Group provides a generous benefits package including 4 weeks of vacation, 12 paid holidays, 8 days of sick leave, and health insurance. In addition to holidays, ICA's offices are closed the week between 12/25 and 1/1 each year.

About Working at the ICA Group

The ICA Group is a rapidly growing nonprofit. All staff members are expected to help build organizational capacity, processes, and culture. The ICA Group has offices in New York City and Massachusetts and a hybrid remote/office work culture, although due to Covid-19 most are currently working from home. We utilize technology and virtual meetings on a daily basis, and prior to Covid-19, held quarterly in-person meetings. Our staff enjoy highly satisfying work in a diverse and stimulating environment. We are committed to a workplace culture that supports work-life balance and flexibility for working parents and other caregivers.

At the ICA Group, we value equity, diversity, and inclusion. We believe that in order to build a new economy where working people lead and own democratic workplaces, leaders in cooperative development must reflect the communities they serve. We support equitable opportunities for all people and we strongly encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds, people of color, women, individuals from the LGBTQIAA+ community, and others who identify as a part of historically marginalized communities to apply for open positions at the ICA Group.