Now Hiring!

Job Title: Business Navigator

Location: Elmira, NY; Ithaca, NY; Binghamton, NY - Travel in Southern Tier counties to meet clients and stakeholders with some remote work possible. 

Employment Type: Full-Time (4 day, 32 hr work week)

Hiring Range: $70,000 - $75,000

About Amplify Equity

Amplify Equity is a mission-driven nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing economic equity and creating pathways for low income and marginalized individuals to thrive. As a newly certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), we’re transforming traditional lending practices with a character-based loan fund and an innovative unrestricted grant program that supports not just businesses, but the people behind them.

Our mission is rooted in dismantling structural inequities, addressing systemic barriers, and fostering a just and inclusive society. We’re committed to reimagining what financial empowerment and community development look like by centering equity, empathy, and sustainability in everything we do.

Now is an especially exciting time at Amplify Equity as we prepare to expand our impact both financially and geographically. Joining us means becoming part of a collaborative team with an unwavering commitment to equity and innovation. Together, we are not just transforming access to resources—we’re reimagining the systems that shape opportunities for communities.

Position Overview

We’re looking for a compassionate and resourceful Business Navigator to work directly with small business owners, especially those from low-income and marginalized communities. This role is essential to helping entrepreneurs navigate resources, overcome challenges, and build sustainable, thriving businesses. As a Business Navigator, you will also strengthen relationships with community partners to create a robust network of support for business owners.

This position combines hands-on mentoring, strategic thinking, and collaboration with area partners. You’ll play a key role in facilitating workshops, mentoring business owners, and providing cohort training while advocating for our clients’ success.

What You’ll Do

• Personalized Business Guidance:
  Help clients clarify their goals, solve challenges, and develop actionable plans for their business operations, marketing, and financial management. Spend time analyzing and strategizing with each client by diving into the details of their business’ operations and financial health, offering insights and recommendations tailored to their unique circumstances.

• Cohort-Based Training Programs:
  Design and deliver interactive workshops that address key topics like business planning, scaling strategies, financial literacy, and managing stress. 

• Resource Navigation:
  Assist clients in accessing grants, loans, mentorship opportunities, and technical assistance. 

• Ecosystem Building:
  Partner with organizations like SBDC, chambers of commerce, and local nonprofits to strengthen the network of support for small businesses. Facilitate collaboration among stakeholders to address gaps in services and opportunities for underserved entrepreneurs.

• Client Advocacy & Follow-Up:
  Serve as a trusted resource and advisor to business owners, maintaining regular contact to track progress, celebrate successes, and adjust plans as needed. Foster an inclusive, welcoming environment where clients feel safe asking questions and exploring new opportunities.

• Impact Reporting:
  Track outcomes and gather data to evaluate the impact of services. Share client success stories, challenges, and trends to help refine programs and demonstrate value to stakeholders.

What Makes You a Great Fit

• Empathy and Active Listening:
  You’re skilled at meeting people where they are, helping them feel heard, valued, and supported.

• Business Know-How:
  You bring experience in operations, marketing, or financial management, with a knack for breaking down complex concepts into simple, actionable steps. You’re comfortable crafting financial projections and analyzing financial data to help clients make informed decisions.

• Facilitation Skills:
  You’re confident and engaging when leading workshops or group discussions, ensuring all participants feel included and empowered.

• Commitment to Equity:
  You understand the systemic challenges underserved entrepreneurs face and are dedicated to promoting inclusion, diversity, and accessibility.

• Problem-Solving Expertise:
  You approach challenges with creativity and critical thinking, offering tailored solutions for each client’s unique circumstances.

• Collaboration and Networking:
  You have experience working with community organizations or stakeholder groups to deliver meaningful programs and services.

• Strong Organizational Skills:
  Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities effectively, to include balancing both individual client needs and broader program goals.

• Analytical Thinking: Ability to assess business needs, troubleshoot challenges, and develop practical strategies for growth, financial improvement, and/or optimizing operations. 

Qualifications:

• Degree optional. Relevant degree in business, social work, economic development, or a related field. 

• Minimum 2 years of experience in small business support, community development, or a related field. This can include running your own business.

• Familiarity with regional business resources (e.g., SBDC, IncubatorWorks, chambers of commerce, financial assistance programs) is a plus.

• You live within an hour of our office located in Elmira, NY. 

Compensation and Benefits

Amplify Equity is dedicated to fostering a work environment that prioritizes the well-being and growth of its employees. We take a human-centered approach to our policies and practices, recognizing that each individual's needs and circumstances are unique. Valuing work-life balance, we emphasize outcomes and impact over rigid schedules, allowing employees the flexibility to work in ways that best suit them. We believe that creativity and productivity flourish when employees feel supported, balanced, and empowered to bring their best selves to work.

• Hiring salary range: $70,000 - $75,000. 

• 4-day work week Monday to Thursday (32 hours per week  - 80% time at 100% pay)

• Flexible work environment with opportunities for some hybrid/remote work. 

• Health Insurance: We cover 100% of medical, dental and vision for employees and 50% for dependents. We also provide long term disability and life insurance.

• Retirement: 3% contribution to SimpleIRA

• Personal Time Off

• Vacation: 20 days provided annually, does not accrue or rollover. A minimum of 8 days must be taken annually.

• Holidays: 18 holidays to include the office closing for a week in July and December.

• Other leave to include: sick, bereavement, safe leave, perimenopause/menopause, bonding/parental leave.

How to Apply

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Amplify Equity does not discriminate against applicants or employees due to their race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, physical ability, hairstyle, previous incarceration, or length of time spent unemployed.

We encourage you to apply if you’re passionate about this position and our mission, even if you think you don’t meet every qualification.

Black, Brown, Indigenous, Latine, LGBTQIA2S+, and justice impacted folks are encouraged to apply.

Our ideal start date for this role is in March. Applications will be evaluated as they arrive and the position will remain open until filled.