Business Development Specialist, Bilingual Preferred

Mission and Organizational Background: The mission of First Children’s Finance (FCF) is to grow the supply and business sustainability of excellent child care. Founded in 1991, FCF provides business and financial assistance to business owners and leaders in the field of Early Care and Education (ECE). To achieve our goals, FCF works on three levels: Individual Business Level, Community Level and Systems Level. FCF is a national nonprofit organization headquartered in Minneapolis that provides business development programs and/or financing to ECE providers in multiple states, with regional offices in 5: Iowa, Minnesota, Michigan, Oregon, and Vermont. For more information, see the First Children’s website at: http://www.firstchildrensfinance.org. Job Summary: F CF Minnesota is seeking a Business Development Specialist (BDS) to work with small businesses in the Twin Cities metro region of Minnesota. This position is a remote work opportunity with the expectation of travel within the region when required to meet with partners, individual child care businesses, and communities. The Business Development Specialist position provides business and financial planning, consultation, training and support to early care and education providers; promotes FCF and its programs and services; and connects to a diverse group of FCF stakeholders, partners, and constituents. This position works closely with members of the FCF team to promote and ensure the effectiveness of FCF’s core programs, including: (1) consulting services and technical assistance to child care businesses; (2) training and education to a variety of audiences; and (3) facilitation of community engagement activities. Candidates should reside in the Twin Cities Metro area. Essential Functions:  Develops, promotes, and implements programs, services, and resources to support the mission of FCF.  Provides training and consultation support to child care businesses to improve business practices and strengthen operations.  Assists start-up child care businesses and existing child care businesses experiencing financial crisis.  Provides input and analyzes financial and program data.  Assists with program reporting as assigned.  Facilitates small-group and community engagement activities in support of FCF’s community-based programming.  Perform other duties as assigned. Qualifications:  Bachelor’s degree in related field or equivalent experience.  Minimum of four years’ experience in financial management, planning and/or training.  Successful experience in consulting, training, lending, and/or financial analysis.  Experience working with small businesses, or experience owning/operating a small business.  A strategic thinker and planner as well as an effective implementer.  Energetic, enthusiastic, with a can-do attitude.  Highly organized, self-motivated, and able to work independently.  Familiar with state child care licensing regulations. Preferred:  Direct…