Director of Small Business Success

Earlham College is a Top 100 National Liberal Arts College located in Richmond, IN, a small city that's just a short drive away from several major metropolitan areas including Dayton, Cincinnati, Indianapolis and Chicago.

Richmond and Earlham have a symbiotic relationship. Through research, studies, internships and volunteering, Earlhamites offer Richmond expertise and service as Richmond offers our students the chance to gain valuable, real-world experience. Our community assumes no religious affiliation but follows Quaker principles and practices, which include respect for persons, integrity, a commitment to peace and justice, simplicity, and consensus-based community decision-making. Earlham is committed to and proud of being a diverse and inclusive place most clearly visible in our student body: 20% of our student body are international, coming from 60 nations in 2022, and 24% are domestic students of color. Faculty and staff also bring tremendous diversity to the College; many have lived and worked outside the United States, and they make a point of drawing on those experiences in their interactions with students. Additionally, Earlham makes it a priority to serve as a safe and welcoming place for LGBTQ communities and has a four-star rating on the Campus Pride Index. Our community is characterized by respect for every person and a commitment to social justice. Equity and inclusion are central to Earlham's institutional priorities and our leadership is committed to widening the path to an Earlham education.

Earlham College is seeking a Director of Small Business Success to join our team!

Summary:

Earlham is seeking an experienced, inclusion-focused business professional to fill the exciting new role of Director of Small Business Success. This role will play a vital part in strengthening the local business ecosystem of downtown Richmond by providing strategic support, one-on-one coaching, and educational programming to small business owners, early-stage entrepreneurs, and historically underserved groups. The ideal candidate will have a strong commitment to community empowerment and business development and the ability to deliver culturally competent services.

This position is funded through the grant-funded Revitalize Richmond initiative, a five-year initiative supported by Earlham College and other community partners, with the goal of fostering an inclusive and thriving business community in Richmond. The coach will be located downtown at the Main Street Richmond offices but will be active throughout the community to ensure broad access to services.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

• Provide Business Development Support: Deliver one-on-one business counseling and assist with financial structuring, record-keeping, market strategy, and loan application processes.
• Client Needs Assessment and Action Planning: Assess entrepreneur needs, develop tailored action plans, and connect clients to suitable programs and resources.
• Community and Partner Engagement: Facilitate partnerships with educational, technical, government, and community organizations to build an inclusive entrepreneurial community.
• Events and Programs: Develop educational events and programs based on community need and interest to reach a wide array of entrepreneurs and business owners.
• Public Awareness: Promote programs to advocate for small businesses, with targeted outreach to underserved communities for inclusive resource access.
• Impact Measurement: Document success stories, create progress reports, and manage data to measure program impact.

• Bachelors degree in Business, Entrepreneurship, Community Development, or related field preferred; equivalent experience (e.g., previous small business ownership) will be considered.

• Three years of experience in business coaching, community outreach, or entrepreneurial support.
• Knowledge of small business operations, strategic planning, and financial management.
• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse populations.
• Bilingual proficiency (English and Spanish) desired.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Strong organizational skills with an ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Familiarity with Richmonds business and community landscape is a plus.

Benefits Working at Earlham:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance*
• Company paid Long-Term Disability after 1 year of full-time service*
• Basic and Voluntary Life insurance*
• Employee Assistance Program*
• Campus Store Discount
• Free ticket vouchers for Richmond Symphony Orchestra
• Wellness Center Free Membership or Discount for eligible employees
• Athletic Games-Free entry to all home games
• Free entry into most Theatre/Music shows
• Tuition Benefits for Immediate Family for eligible employees*
• 403(b) Retirement* For eligible employees, Earlham will contribute a non-elective contribution equal to 5% of gross pay after 2 years of service. After 3 years of service, this non-elective contribution increases to 8%. Vesting credit is available for new employees with previous service in the education sector with required documentation.
• Many Wayne County Chamber of Commerce member businesses offer discounts to anyone with an Earlham ID
• All employee benefit offerings are subject to employee eligibility per plan documents.

The review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

To Apply

• Please submit the following application materials through our Earlham Careers Portal
• Cover letter
• Resume
• List of Three References with Contact Information

Earlham College is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or religion in its employment policies. In addition, Earlham explicitly prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression, in accordance with Title IX, Title VI, Title VII, and other applicable state and federal laws. As an institution with a Quaker identity, Earlham encourages applications from members of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers).

Earlham's Work Authorization Policy

Earlham utilizes E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility for all newly hired employees within the United States.