MACED Seeks Project SpecialistNovember 2015

OverviewMACED is seeking a project specialist who will identify potential community economic development projects, work directly with entrepreneurs, conduct enterprise assessments, engage in loan underwriting, present potential deals to staff and loan committee, perform necessary reporting and administrative functions, contribute to evolving strategy development and learning and develop strong local relationships. MACED’s enterprise development effort aims to strengthen small businesses and nonprofit organizations that contribute to growing a stronger and more diverse economy, positively impact low-income people and promote a healthy environment.

BackgroundThe Mountain Association for Community Economic Development (MACED) is a 39 year-old multi-strategy sustainable economic development organization that seeks to create economic alternatives that work for people and places in need in Central Appalachia and Kentucky. MACED’s long-term goals are a strong and diverse economy; increased family well-being, particularly for low-income people; healthy and protected land, air and water; and an effective and accountable democracy.

MACED is a fast-paced, dynamic and growing organization with a 29-person staff that manages $28 million in total assets. The organization focuses its efforts on sustainable development and change strategies that generate economic and environmental benefits to people and places. These strategies include: 1) providing financial capital and expertise to individuals, businesses and communities, 2) conducting research and engaging in effective communications to support good public policy, and 3) demonstrating effective community economic development efforts that make a difference. MACED’s strategic plan focuses on two sectors (new energy and sustainable forestry), deepens our commitment to entrepreneur and enterprise development, and promotes the development of a new economic vision in Appalachia and Kentucky.

Position DescriptionDuties and responsibilities include participation with the Enterprise Development (ED) team including, but not limited to, the following areas:

Community Economic Development Services Understand and articulate MACED’s enterprise development strategies for comprehensive

community and economic development, support MACED’s just Appalachian Transition work. Work with MACED team(s), partners and local communities to develop market-based solutions

and demonstration projects in accordance with MACED’s mission and 5-Year Plan. Research community, industry or enterprise issues or opportunities and contribute towards

community economic development program design when requested. Capture and share learning as it emerges within MACED and among partners.

Loan Origination and Underwriting Services Market MACED financial products and loan packaging services in assigned sub-region. Develop and maintain a network or referral partners including other lenders, community and

economic development agencies as a primary source of referrals. Conduct initial loan request screening for development impact and project feasibility analysis. Perform basic due diligence, credit analysis and credit evaluations of potential borrowers. Develop and present loan proposals to MACED staff and loan committee. Collect basic data and collateral information on current borrowers as requested. Collaborate with portfolio support team to ensure all closing requirements are met.

Customer Relationship Management Attend community meetings and make presentations on MACED’s behalf to build reputation

and demonstrate MACED’s value as a partner in region. Participate in community economic development (e.g. SOAR) discussions, serve on work groups and in some instances lead efforts that contribute to a just Appalachia Transition.

Maintain consistent and positive working relationships with MACED borrowers and connect them to MACED’s Technical Assistance programs and other resources to help them succeed.

Help applicants locate other funding or technical assistance sources if MACED is not a good fit. Support delinquency assistance/collections work in conjunction with portfolio support team.

Reporting and Administrative Responsibilities Participate in regular MACED ED Team staff meetings. Use MACED database to track key borrower and technical assistance information. Perform internal and grant reporting as needed. Assist in proposal development and grant reporting as needed. Maintain professional office presence. Practice safety in all aspects of the job. Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications and CharacteristicsKnowledge and experience:

B.A. or B.S. in business, accounting or related field. Two years of experience in one or more of the following or a related field:

o small business management o non-profit program management o community economic development o leadership and/or professional development.

Experience working in rural communities or serving rural populations.

Personal characteristics: Committed to MACED’s vision, mission and values. Demonstrated ability to be self-directed and execute successful projects such as those

described in the responsibilities above. Willingness to travel for day and occasional overnight stays within the region. Strongly articulated interest in and commitment to positive social change.

Technology and software: Strong computer skills, in particular with spreadsheets and word processing.

Communications: Strong writing skills and the ability to write clearly for a general audience. Strong group facilitation skills and public speaking experience. Strong interpersonal communication skills and the capacity to work constructively in teams.

Physical: Close vision with or without corrective lenses necessary for computer work; manual dexterity

needed to operate computer. Able to perform assigned duties in a time-efficient manner. Valid driver’s license and ability to drive. Any employment offer is contingent upon applicant’s

insurability on MACED’s group vehicle insurance policy.

Preferred Qualifications and Characteristics Master’s degree in a related field. Five or more years experience and demonstrated leadership in one or more of the following:

o Generating and evaluating business financial information. o Owning or operating a small business or non-profit.o Financial reporting, accounting, spreadsheet analysis and forecasting.o Originating or underwriting commercial loans.

Experience using project management software and/or customer relationship management software.

Knowledge of and experience in Appalachia or Kentucky.

Additional InformationThis full-time position offers a competitive salary based on experience, with a generous benefits package. The position will be based in MACED’s office in Berea, Kentucky. Berea is a beautiful, small college town, an hour south of Lexington, on the edge of the Appalachian region. MACED is an equal opportunity employer.

Please e-mail your resume, contact information for three references and a cover letter specifically explaining why you are a good fit for this position to projectspecialist@maced.org. Application review will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. For more information about MACED, visit www.maced.org. Please no drop-ins.