Microlending Jobs and Internship in Chicago

by Ann Abbott


I received this information from Ms. Jessica Horn.  If you have any questions, please contact her or the hiring organization directly.


"I wanted to pass on a couple Chicago job and internship opportunities in microfinance.  Please feel free to have any students/graduate
s interested get in contact with me if they have any questions.

JOBS
1. North Side Community Federal Credit Union: Small Business Loan Officer

2. ACCION Chicago: Loan Officer

INTERNSHIP
ACCION Chicago (un-paid; described below)
Lending Intern - Fall Internship

ACCION Chicago is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing loans to self-employed individuals who have limited or no access to traditional business credit. Part of the nation’s largest microlending network, ACCION has provided over 2,000 loans totaling $15 million to individuals and small businesses throughout the Chicagoland area since its inception in 1994. Through our lending and other services, we help micro-entrepreneurs strengthen their businesses, stabilize their incomes, create additional employment and contribute to the economic revitalization of their communities.

The Lending Intern will assist loan officers to process applications for prospective ACCION borrowers and support ACCION Chicago in other general initiatives. The following is a list of potential projects.

Marketing
o Contribute to monthly e-newsletter
o Identify new partner organizations
o Attend events in the community to meet potential clients and promote ACCION’s program
Public Relations
o Identify potential media outlets
o Write client stories and coordinate photographers
o Keep up with current trends in media outlets to better present a compelling story on ACCION
Accounting/HR
o Assist the Accounting Manager with day-to-day duties
Lending Assistance
o Coordinate necessary documents for loan closings
o Assist Loan Officers in the loan process, such as calling clients’ references, inputting loan applications and calling client leads
Fundraising
o Identify potential new donors
o Research organizations’ grant programs and other philanthropic programs
o Assist in grant writing and grant writing timeline
Basic Office Management
o Maintain contact database
o Prepare marketing materials for events and meetings

The position is unpaid/volunteer and requires an advanced undergraduate or graduate student with self-motivation, excellent organizational, communication, and computer skills, and a commitment to Chicago small business. Proficiency in Spanish, French or Polish is preferred but not required. If you are a student, we will be glad to help you earn credit for your work. Interns work out of our office in Pilsen. We require a minimum nine month commitment. The position will start in November 2010.


Submit your resume and cover letter to Mariola Janik at mjanik@accionchicago.org.

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