About the Community Sector Council of Newfoundland and Labrador (CSCNL)

At CSCNL, we support changemakers. We are dedicated to fostering socio-economic well-being through the community sector in Newfoundland and Labrador. We do this through reflective iteration and co-creation of initiatives, building shared capacity while uplifting voices, and remaining impact-driven in our approaches.

About the Social Enterprise through Acquisition (SETA) pilot

As the flagship pilot of the newly created Social Innovation Lab, the SETA pilot aims to preserve businesses in rural Newfoundland and Labrador while creating opportunities for revenue diversification in the community sector. With an alarming 55% of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) set to retire in the next five years, SETA's mission is clear: We aim to facilitate the transformation of vital local, private businesses into sustainable social enterprises to strengthen local economies while ensuring the continuity of essential community services.

About this role

As we develop and roll out the SETA project within the Social Innovation Lab initiatives, we are looking for a Social Venture Coordinator who will guide and support both the buyers and sellers through the social acquisition process. The Senior Associate, Social Ventures is a pivotal role responsible for overseeing a portfolio of 15 client social enterprises within the incubator. This role entails providing comprehensive business start-up advice, navigating funding and financing opportunities, fostering networking connections within the social enterprise and entrepreneurial ecosystems, and delivering tailored business development support to ensure the success and growth of each enterprise.

What you can expect in the role:

• Client Support:
  • Provide personalized guidance and mentorship to each of the ventures going through the social acquisitions, understanding their unique needs, challenges, and goals.
  • Offer strategic advice and practical solutions to address business development, operational, and financial issues.
  • Conduct regular check-ins and progress assessments with clients to track their development and provide necessary support adjustments.
  • Support and accompany clients through the acquisition due diligence process.
• Funding and Financing:
  • Identify and evaluate funding opportunities, including grants, loans, and investment options, suitable for the specific needs and stage of each social enterprise.
  • Supporting clients as they prepare funding applications, business plans, and financial projections to secure necessary capital.
  • Develop relationships with potential investors, financial institutions, foundations and grant providers to facilitate access to funding sources.
• Networking and Partnership Development:
  • Cultivate a robust network of contacts within the social enterprise, business, and philanthropic communities to create partnership opportunities for clients.
  • Organize networking events, workshops, and conferences to connect clients with potential collaborators, mentors, and industry experts.
  • Collaborate with external organizations, government agencies, and educational institutions to expand the support network available to clients.
• Business Development Support:
  • Offer guidance and assistance in various aspects of business development, including, finances, marketing, sales, operations, and scalability.
  • Conduct workshops and training sessions on topics relevant to social enterprise management and growth.
  • Facilitate access to resources such as legal services, technology solutions, and professional expertise to address specific client needs.
• Monitoring and Evaluation:
  • Develop and implement systems to track the progress and impact.
  • Collect and analyze data to assess the effectiveness of support services and identify areas for improvement.
  • Prepare reports and presentations to communicate outcomes and achievements to stakeholders, including funders, partners, and the broader community.
• Awareness and Promotion:
  • Be aware of current research, trends and best practices in social acquisition.
  • Work with the team on promotional activities of the program.
  • Develop awareness and training content.

What you bring to the table:

• Post-secondary in business, entrepreneurship, social enterprise, or related field
• Prior experience in business incubation, entrepreneurial support, or social enterprise development.
• General understanding of funding and investment principles, business start-up and acquisitions, and business/non-profit structures - or a keen willingness to learn
• Excellent networking and relationship-building skills with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
• Proficiency in data collection, analysis and reporting.
• Passion for social impact and a commitment to fostering sustainable solutions to societal challenges.
• Has strong intercultural competency, awareness, and appreciation for people with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• High level of initiative, organization, self-motivation, and problem-solving skills.

The Social Venture Coordinator plays a crucial role in empowering and nurturing social entrepreneurs, driving innovation, and fostering positive social change within the community. This position requires a dynamic and resourceful individual with a passion for entrepreneurship and social impact, capable of navigating complex challenges and empowering others to succeed.

What we bring to the table:

This is a one-year position with an opportunity for extension. Willingness to travel and use of a personal vehicle may be required, but accommodations can be provided. We are open to candidates who can work from one of our offices or who choose to work remotely from anywhere in Newfoundland and Labrador.

CSCNL provides a competitive total compensation package:

• This is a full-time position with an annual salary in the $60,000-$70,000 range.
• Enrollment in our Health and Dental program
• Employer-Employee shared contributions to a pension plan
• Three weeks annual leave in addition to 12 days wellness leave, plus recognized statutory holidays.
• Cultural leave of up to 3-days for observation of religious holidays plus other leave provisions.
• Flexible work arrangements based on a 35-hour work week.

What you can expect from the interview process:

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the right candidate is found. Interviews will begin in mid-October, 2024, with a target to begin in late October/Early November. All applicants will receive a response. As this is a competitive process, no phone calls please, instead email your application to [email protected].

At CSCNL, we are committed to creating a respectful, inclusive, and barrier-free workplace that allows all of our people to reach their full potential. We welcome all interested candidates to apply and encourage you to apply even if you do not meet all of the above requirements. Candidates who have an equivalent level of transferrable skills and experience would be considered and encouraged to apply.

CSCNL is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. We foster a workplace that values all individuals irrespective of their background and encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply. Self-identification is optional, and accommodations can be requested during recruitment and assessment processes.

Apply Now!