Program Navigator: Cultivate US for New and Emerging Citizens

Are You looking for a temporary full-time opportunity? Do you want to be a part of an exciting initiative that will help the refugee and immigrant owned small businesses in Franklin County grow and thrive? If so, we want to meet you!

ABOUT The Columbus Chamber of Commerce

The Columbus Chamber of Commerce is the epicenter of the Columbus Region business community. Within our interconnected ecosystem, businesses unite to eliminate barriers to prosperity, creating a thriving environment for enterprises across the Columbus Region. Together, we make our region an exceptional business destination. Our mission is to drive prosperity and growth in the Columbus Region Business Community through connections, resources and advocacy.

ABOUT the Program: Cultivate US:

The Columbus Chamber’s New and Emerging Citizens Business Connection program, Cultivate US, will support new and emerging citizens in the business community in achieving success and contributing to the substantial growth of the region’s economy.  

These services and resources will be advantageous for this business community to access more information and connect to more services provided by local government agencies and other organizations. 

The program will help new and emerging citizens’ (immigrant and refugee) small business community achieve success and contribute to the growth of the Columbus region’s economy. 

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Summary

The Program Navigator will oversee the planning, implementation, execution and evaluation of a grant funded initiative, Cultivate US. This business accelerator program will help entrepreneurs and small businesses focus on rapid growth and navigate organizational, operational, and strategic difficulties that might be facing the business. The Columbus Chamber believes small businesses help communities to stay more resilient. In addition to the economic benefits they provide, local businesses contribute to the character of a community. Communities become desirable places to live and visit when they have interesting, unique eateries, cafes, and boutiques. Small businesses also have more direct access to their customers and a more intimate understanding of their needs. Having a finger on the pulse of a community means always having the knowledge necessary to adapt their offerings to please their customers.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Oversee all programming, reporting, and event coordination related to the Cultivate US cohort series.
• Serve as a Business Navigator for New and Emerging Citizens: Help new and emerging citizens who own businesses identify growth opportunities and develop strategic plans to achieve that growth.
• Coordinate Workforce Development Awareness Sessions: Up to six (6) events to educate parents of young people ages 16-24 and adults with barriers to employment in this community about the benefits of working in the trades.
• Facilitate Supplier Connections for New and Emerging Citizens: Connect new and emerging citizen business owners with Columbus Chamber of Commerce member businesses.
• Assist participants with accessing supportive services: These include but are not limited to the following:
  • Childcare Assistance
  • Transportation
  • Housing
  • Government Certifications
  • Licensing

• Partner with internal Chamber teams to promote Cultivate US
• Monitor program expenditures
• Monitor and document the progress of Cultivate US participants

Core Competencies

• Knowledge of program management and development procedures
• Knowledge of budgeting, bookkeeping, and reporting
• Tech savvy, proficient in MS Office
• Ability to work within a diverse organization and multi-disciplinary teams
• Excellent time-management and organizational skills
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills
• Detail-oriented and efficient 

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree preferred; and will consider relevant experience

Work Environment

Program Navigator will work a hybrid schedule with time at the Columbus Chamber Office (150 South Front Street, Suite 220, Columbus, Ohio 43215), remote locations, and onsite with visiting business owners’ locations.

Physical Demands

Ability to work in an office setting including working at a computer, as well as sitting or standing for long periods of time.

Travel Requirements

There will be travel to business locations to assist business owners.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

It is the policy of the Columbus Chamber of Commerce to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, the Columbus Chamber of Commerce will provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities.