Economic & Community Development

POSITION: Economic & Community Development Contractor (Remote) Organizational Description

Founded in 2008, African Career, Education & Resource, Inc. (ACER) was established to bring together African immigrant and refugee communities to address issues impacting their lives and opportunities. Through its work, ACER recognized that sustainable change requires addressing the root causes of economic and racial disparities.

ACER believes that African immigrants and members of the African Diaspora understand the challenges facing their communities and should be empowered to shape solutions. Through organizing, advocacy, and community development, ACER builds power and advances equitable systems change through four impact areas:

• Civic Engagement
• Economic Development
• Health Equity
• Housing Justice

Mission

ACER is the leading issue-based community organization working to uplift and amplify the African Diaspora to build power for systemic change that advances racial and economic equity in our communities.

Vision

A transformed system, free from racial and economic inequities, where African Diaspora communities can thrive and lead prosperous lives.

Position Overview

ACER seeks an experienced Economic & Community Development Contractor to provide strategic leadership, program oversight, partnership development, and economic development expertise. This consultant will lead and strengthen ACER's economic development portfolio, including entrepreneurship, business technical assistance, cooperative development, community wealth-building initiatives, commercial corridor revitalization, and community development projects.

This is a remote independent contractor position responsible for providing strategic direction, program development, project management, partnership cultivation, and grant oversight. The consultant will work closely with ACER leadership, team, government agencies, community partners, and business owners to advance ACER's mission and economic development goals.

The Contract Director reports directly to the Associate Director.

Contract Information

Title: Economic & Community Development Contractor

Reports To: Executive Director

Contract Type: Independent Contractor

Location: Remote

Contract Term: Negotiable (6-month renewable contract preferred)

Compensation: Contracted professional services agreement based on qualifications and scope of work.

Scope of Work Program Development and Strategic Leadership

The consultant will:

• Provide strategic oversight of ACER's Economic Development Impact Area.
• Manage and lead current programs, initiatives, and community wealth-building strategies.
• Complete assessment and performance measurements.
• Identify service gaps and opportunities for growth.
• Utilize implementation plans and program work plans.
• Monitor grant deliverables and program outcomes.
• Lead economic development projects and initiatives.
• Prepare reports for leadership, funders, and stakeholders.
• Ensure the successful implementation of programs and services.

Community and Economic Development

The consultant will:

• Support entrepreneurship and small business development initiatives.
• Assist business owners with startup, growth, access-to-capital, and expansion strategies.
• Support cooperative development and community ownership initiatives.
• Build partnerships with lenders, financial institutions, and technical assistance providers.
• Support commercial revitalization and redevelopment efforts.
• Facilitate workshops, trainings, and community engagement activities.
• Identify emerging economic development opportunities.

Staff Coaching and Capacity Building

The consultant will:

• Provide project-management leadership and direction to the team and program managers.
• Assist with systems performance management and goal setting.
• Strengthen systems, workflows, and accountability practices.
• Support organizational capacity-building efforts.

Organizational Leadership

The consultant will:

• Collaborate with the leadership team on organizational processes and procedures.
• Support cross-departmental initiatives.
• Support ACER's culture of accountability, innovation, and community impact.
• Participate in leadership meetings and execute strategic initiatives.

Remote Work Environment

This is a fully remote contract position. The consultant is expected to maintain a professional home office environment and provide their own computer, internet service, and communication tools necessary to perform the work.

While the position is remote, occasional travel may be required for meetings, community engagement activities, conferences, trainings, site visits, and special events. Most work will be conducted virtually through online collaboration platforms and communication tools.

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred; equivalent professional experience considered.
• Seven (7)+ years of leadership experience in nonprofit management, economic development, community development, entrepreneurship, or related fields.
• Experience working with immigrant, refugee, BIPOC, and underserved communities.
• Demonstrated experience developing and managing programs and initiatives.
• Experience building partnerships with government, philanthropic, corporate, and community stakeholders.
• Experience supporting entrepreneurs, small businesses, cooperatives, or community wealth-building efforts.
• Strong grant management and fund development experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong facilitation, relationship-building, and project management abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, virtual meeting platforms, and project management tools.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in cooperative development and community ownership models.
• Experience in commercial real estate, community development finance, or neighborhood revitalization.
• Bilingual or multilingual skills.
• Experience managing grant-funded programs.
• Strong understanding of racial equity and economic justice frameworks.

Application Process

Denise Butler

Associate Director

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Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.