Program Manager for Small Business

About Spruce Root

Spruce Root, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) creating a sustainable future for Southeast Alaska’s people, communities and environment. We are shifting the paradigms of power to support localized economies grounded in Indigenous values and ways of living. Spruce Root is a team of ambitious people dedicated to a new way of working in our region; working collaboratively with others, prioritizing family and well-being, and honoring our ancestors while building for the future. As a federally-certified Native CDFI, Spruce Root works to create positive change and equitable access to economic development through financial products and services to individuals in Southeast Alaska. Other programs include Path to Prosperity, Resilience Circles, workforce development, financial wellness, community planning and facilitation, and the administration of the Sustainable Southeast Partnership (SSP) and the Seacoast Trust.

Job scope

The Program Manager for Small Business is responsible for providing technical assistance to individuals looking to improve their business management skills, gain access to financial products, and grow their business through one-on-one client coaching and group training programs. This position will administer the annual Path to Prosperity Business Competition, lead cohort-based small business workshops, and provide one-on-one business coaching and technical assistance to entrepreneurs. It will specifically focus on supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs and rural communities to build thriving businesses that uplift Indigenous cultures, the environment, people, and profit, with a special emphasis on supporting early-stage businesses and start-ups.

Compensation

• Starting annual salary: $70,000 depending on experience
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental and vision insurance as well as 401(k) retirement plan, a wellness program, life insurance, personal leave, wellness leave, 12 weeks of sabbatical leave after five years of service, and professional development.

Primary tasks and areas of responsibility

• Lead development and delivery of high-quality group training events, playing a key role as project administrator and as an expert in business development
• Assist entrepreneurs in creating business plans and financial projections through group workshops and one-on-one coaching sessions
• Assist Southeast Alaskans interested in improving their entrepreneurial skills through individual and group training programs
• Conduct introductory meetings for new clients, explaining Spruce Root’s programs and services and next steps to program enrollment
• Conduct follow-ups with clients as needed to promote ongoing program engagement
• Support team in identifying marketing needs for programs
• Provide high-quality in-person and virtual client support services to clients, partners, and entities contracting Spruce Root
• Oversee and administer projects, including current business development programs
• Support the team to deliver high-quality planning and facilitation of group training events
• Develop high-quality educational materials for coaching clients and group training events
• Other duties as assigned

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Exhibit exceptional social and emotional intelligence, demonstrating empathy, cultural sensitivity, and effective communication to build trust and support the growth of a diverse client base
• Ability to engage, connect with, and support Indigenous entrepreneurs
• Ability to develop and execute workshops and other educational events
• Ability to facilitate interactive events for diverse audiences
• Ability to initiate and develop budgets and financial goals and other improvement strategies
• Ability to lead, plan, organize, control, delegate, and administer projects
• Ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively with all levels of employees, management, external agencies and philanthropic/impact investment partners
• Ability to assist business owners in creating and analyzing business plans and financial projections, financial problem solving, emotional/cognitive behaviors or mindsets around business management, and goal setting
• Communication skills (written and oral) and ability to deliver high-quality customer service
• Knowledge of financial statements, GAAP standards, business regulations, structures, and legal requirements
• Working knowledge of mission-driven, non-profit entities
• Ability to excel in a fast-paced and dynamic environment

Required education and experience

• Education in business, finance, public administration, economic development, education, or a related field; or equivalent experience
• Experience teaching, coaching, or assisting individuals to understand new concepts and to create and accomplish their goals
• Experience working with Indigenous communities and/or working in rural Southeast Alaska communities

Additional Requirements

• Valid driver’s license
• Satisfactory completion of a background check
• Satisfactory completion of a reference check

Working conditions

• Standard 35-hour work week with occasional evening and weekend assignments
• The physical and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• Physical demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to walk, use hands to finger, handle objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; balance; stoop; bending or crouching; talk or hear. The employee must be able to lift/carry and/or move up to 30 pounds safely. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Work environment: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions and other elements prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment is usually minimal. This job requires regular travel in commercial planes, AMHS ferries, float planes, and twin engine planes.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

How to apply

Interested candidates should submit their applications by March 31, 2025. Application review and interviews will be held starting in April 2025, and the position will remain open until filled. There may be additional rounds of application reviews and interviews, as necessary.

To apply, send an email to aldyn@spruceroot.org with the subject line “Program Manager for Small Business – [YOUR NAME].”

In the email, please include the following as a single PDF attachment:

• Your resume
• 1-page cover letter explaining your interest in the organization and position
• List of 3 professional references with contact information and relationship to you
• Short answers to the following questions:
• Where do you see yourself in 5 years and how will this position support you on that path?
• Spruce Root conducts background checks, is there anything you want to share with us about your background?

In the body of the email, please also copy and paste the content of your short answers and include your name, phone number, and email address. As attention to detail is critical for success in this role, only applicants who follow these specific application guidelines will be considered.

With the goal of providing equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, Spruce Root, Inc. bases its employment decisions on merit, qualifications, and abilities. Spruce Root, Inc. does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, pregnancy, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local law. Spruce Root, Inc.’s commitment to equal opportunity employment applies to all persons involved in the operations of Spruce Root, Inc., and prohibits unlawful discrimination by any employee of Spruce Root, Inc., including supervisors and coworkers.

For questions regarding the position or employment at Spruce Root, please reach out to Aldyn Brudie, Administrative & Human Resources Director, at aldyn@spruceroot.org.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $70,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Compensation Package:

• Yearly pay

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Ability to Commute:

• Juneau, AK 99801 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Juneau, AK 99801: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Juneau, AK 99801

Salary : $70,000 - $80,000