Community Impact Manager, Southern California

Please note this is an Independent Contractor (1099) role. Ideal candidate must be based in the Los Angeles, CA area. 

THE ORGANIZATION:

Small business owners uplift communities and anchor local economies while creating opportunities for themselves, their families, their employees, and our neighborhoods. Yet underinvested small business owners often struggle to secure capital and resources from traditional financing. 

Accion Opportunity Fund Community Development is an unparalleled financial support system that provides these small business owners with access to capital, networks, and coaching. We work to build inclusive and accessible options for these determined business owners. 

In addition to providing resources and loans to small businesses, we also conduct original research, advocate for policy changes, and finance community construction projects in low-income neighborhoods through our New Markets Tax Credit program.

Together, we are building a diverse, vibrant community where opportunity, knowledge, and access to capital are within reach.

For more information about us, visit https://aofund.org

ROLE SUMMARY: 

Accion Opportunity Fund (AOF) is seeking a passionate and results-driven Southern California Community Development Manager to represent our organization at the community level. This role is key in engaging philanthropic organizations, community groups, donors, influencers, and local government entities to advance the Rebuild Southern California Small Business Relief Fund , an initiative to support small businesses devastated by the recent wildfires in Southern California. The manager will play a crucial role in raising awareness of the fund, fostering relationships, and ensuring that AOF’s mission is effectively communicated across Southern California.

The ideal candidate will be bilingual in English and Spanish, have experience in philanthropy, a strong network in government and community sectors within Southern California, and reside in the Los Angeles area.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

 Community Engagement and Relationship Building:

• Build and maintain relationships with philanthropic organizations, community groups, local government representatives, and other stakeholders in Southern California.
• Identify and engage influencers, community leaders, and local organizations to advocate for the Rebuild Southern California Small Business Relief Fund.
• Develop partnerships with donors, local businesses, and community foundations to increase support for the fund.
• Represent AOF at key community meetings, events, and forums, serving as a spokesperson for the organization and the Relief Fund.

Event Attendance and Promotion:

• Attend, support, and lead community-focused events that raise awareness of AOF’s mission and the Rebuild Southern California Small Business Relief Fund.
• Plan and coordinate community-based events to promote AOF’s services, secure new partnerships, and educate the community about the fund.
• Collaborate with external stakeholders to organize fundraising, awareness-building, and networking events in Southern California.

Fundraising and Donor Relations:

• Cultivate relationships with donors, foundations, and philanthropic organizations to secure funding and in-kind support for the Relief Fund.
• Actively engage with potential donors and supporters to drive contributions and build a network of stakeholders invested in the fund’s success.
• Provide regular reports on donor engagement and fundraising outcomes to senior leadership.

Outreach and Communications:

• Work closely with AOF’s marketing and communications team to create culturally relevant messaging and outreach strategies to target diverse Southern California communities, especially those affected by the wildfires.
• Ensure that all outreach and engagement efforts are aligned with AOF’s brand and mission, maintaining consistency and clarity in all communications.

Strategic Planning and Reporting:

• Develop and implement a strategic community engagement plan for the Southern California region, focused on increasing awareness, driving partnerships, and supporting the Rebuild Fund’s objectives.
• Provide regular updates and reports to senior leadership on outreach activities, progress toward goals, and emerging opportunities.

MUST HAVES: 

• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish (written and spoken).
• Minimum 5 years of experience in community development, philanthropic engagement, or nonprofit management, with a focus on community outreach and partnership building.
• Strong network and existing relationships with government officials, community organizations, and local philanthropic networks in Southern California.
• Demonstrated ability to secure partnerships and funding through outreach and relationship-building efforts.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage a wide range of stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and CRM tools (Salesforce, etc.).

PREFERRED: 

• Experience in the philanthropic sector or with disaster relief funding.
• Familiarity with Southern California’s diverse communities and regional issues.
• Knowledge of community-based organizations and local government agencies that support small businesses.
• A passion for supporting small businesses and community development.

We are an equal opportunity employer and committed to improving diversity, equity, and inclusion at Accion Opportunity Fund. AOF does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.

Hourly Range*: $40-$50

*Please note that the above hourly range is a national range, and compensation is dependent upon the candidate’s experience and skill level.