WHO WE ARE:

The mission of the Mayor’s Office of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion is to make Boston a national model of economic equity for working people, entrepreneurs, businesses, and investors by implementing sustainable solutions that repair economic harm and help build generational wealth for disadvantaged communities, foster local talent and innovative ideas, make city-sponsored opportunities more transparent and accessible, and strengthen the partnership between the City and local organizations, thereby enhancing the quality of life for all Bostonians and the experience for all visitors.

WHAT WE’RE LIKE:

This is not your typical 9-5. We are a growing department with a transformative mission and startup environment, led by a team of passionate individuals who are committed to achieving the urgent and important goal of eliminating the racial wealth gap and making the city more inclusive for all. With that in mind, you can look forward to a work culture that is:

• Mission-driven: We are committed to excellence in all we do and put in the time and effort required to achieve our goals, no matter how long it takes.
• Empowering: We believe in supporting leaders who are forward-thinking, independent, risk-takers, and confident.
• Collaborative: We understand that our work is interrelated and interdependent. We don’t operate in silos.
• Supportive: We create an environment that provides the physical, emotional, and intellectual space and tools to accomplish your tasks and exceed internal and external expectations.
• Innovative: We know it’s better to work smart and are always seeking creative ways to move us closer to our goals and leverage new ways of learning and working together.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

The City of Boston’s Office of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion (OEOI) seeks a Senior Advisor for Small Business and Corporate Financing to provide project leadership, management, and administrative oversight from startup to implementation and operation for the Commercial Acquisition Assistance Program (CAAP). Announced in Fall 2022, CAAP is a forgivable loan that supports small business owners in acquiring commercial property for their business operations, with the goal of addressing income and wealth disparities across Boston’s neighborhoods while preventing the displacement of local, diverse small businesses.

The goals of the Commercial Acquisition Assistance Program (CAAP) are to; build a pipeline of financing and resources that enable Boston businesses to acquire and own commercial spaces/properties; fight the forces of gentrification in ensuring business owners’ spaces do not become unaffordable over time and; generate wealth through ownership, especially in communities at risk of gentrification and displacement

Under the direction of the Director Economic and Strategic Planning within OEOI, the Senior Advisor for Small Business and Corporate Financing will serve as the lead contact representing the program with prospective CAAP applicants, city staff, professional consultants, elected officials, community groups, philanthropic and community finance partners, and businesses. The individual will assist in establishing systems, practices, and procedures for functions related to the establishment of CAAP, as well as other initiatives related to OEOI’s work plan.

The Senior Advisor will be responsible for establishing the parameters of the loan application and review process, build strategic partnerships with entities involved in the small business commercial property acquisition ecosystem, conduct community outreach with Boston small business owners, and identify supplemental funding opportunities.

Essential Job Duties

• Ensure the provision of high-quality customer service and effective working relationships with the public, OEOI, Boston Planning and Development Agency (BPDA) and its affiliates, and other departments within the City of Boston including but not limited to the Corporation Counsel, Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture (MOAC), and the Mayor's Office of Housing (MOH).
• Lead and participate in planning efforts, meetings, research, community events, and public meetings.
• Prepare public presentations, applications, and marketing collateral using appropriate media.
• Maintain and update sensitive/confidential files for ongoing, past, and future projects. Safeguard and maintain the confidentiality and integrity of all information.
• Maintain and update current knowledge of policies and procedures, pertinent executive orders and ordinances, and other applicable regulations or statutes pertaining to the operations of the CAAP.
• Oversee the analysis of financial statements from potential borrowers upon receipt and review for adverse trends.
• Work with staff to process funding requests, awards, commitments, requisitions, and contract payments.
• Manage programs that involve negotiations and coordination among multiple public and private agencies/organizations.

Strategic Partnerships

• Demonstrated experience in the facilitation and leadership of community coalitions, networks, and allied partners, including CDFIs, CDCs, and other lending institutions.
• Strong commitment to strategic collaboration with programmatic colleagues, including experience in the development of collaborative initiatives.
• Cultivate effective working relationships with representatives of women- and BIPOC-owned businesses to encourage participation in CAAP. Participate in developing and writing strategies to offer economic advantages to stimulate growth among traditionally disinvested groups and in underserved areas of Boston.
• Prepare and lead or participate in presentations about CAAP at community meetings, neighborhood groups, and mission aligned organizations.
• Respond to public questions, needs, or concerns promptly and accurately.

Project Management

• Provide detail-oriented project management, including project inception, process, evaluation of applications, and tentative designation at the CAAP application review committee.
• Establish systems to track project management tasks and legal requirements.
• Clearly communicate to internal and external stakeholders. Provide content leadership on all matters relating to CAAP.
• Market CAAP programs, including performing or overseeing ongoing updates of CAAP’s website and social media accounts, along with developing additional marketing and outreach initiatives.
• Prepare RFP’s for professional consultants and shepherd the procurement process to completion.
• Support the communications staff as needed. Provide high-quality visual and narrative content, compelling storytelling, and clear and consistent information. Work with senior staff and OEOI department teams to create dynamic digital materials as needed
• Attend meetings with business owners, entrepreneurs, and other potential borrowers to describe the CAAP program. Attend meetings pertaining to loan structuring and financing processes. Make site visits to clients’ businesses, as required.
• Perform or oversee routine analysis of prospective borrowers. Analyze historical performance and assess ability to acquire commercial property and undertake additional debt. Recommend best financial program or product to fit company/business needs.
• Perform related duties as required

• Work requires a bachelor's degree in a related field such as Finance, Business Administration, Real Estate, City Planning or related field or equivalent experience; progress toward a Master’s degree, post-Bachelor’s credit analysis training in a commercial lending program, or equivalent analytical training preferred.
• Must have strong leadership, analytical, organizational and interpersonal skills, including digital presentation skills.
• Excellent oral, written, and communication skills required.
• Strong relationship building skills are required; direct experience with CDFI’s, community engagement and/or strategic partnerships is essential.
• Familiarity with principles of real estate finance, real estate development and management, and mortgage financing.
• Familiarity with Boston neighborhoods and history, small business, community development issues, and local government is desirable.
• Must have computer knowledge of Microsoft Software; knowledge of City utilized software and hardware preferred.
• Familiarity with a variety of digital/social platforms is desirable.
• Bilingual, preferably in Spanish, is a plus.
• The applicant should have a working knowledge of corporate and personal tax returns and GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles).
• Goal-oriented with demonstrated ability and enthusiasm to generate business opportunities.
• Prior background in working with business and entrepreneurs located in historically underserved communities.

BOSTON RESIDENCY REQUIRED

Terms:

Union/Salary Plan/Grade: Non Union MM-2/ Grade 8

35 hours per week