The Cincinnati Union Co-op Initiative (CUCI) is a non-profit that partners with individuals and organizations to create worker-owned businesses that sustain families. CUCI emerged from the historic partnership between Mondragon, the world’s most successful network of worker-cooperatives, and the United Steelworkers in October of 2009. Our organization helps launch worker-owned businesses by supporting feasibility and business planning, connecting with communities and stakeholders, creating financial and governance models, assisting in capitalization strategies, and providing ongoing technical assistance once the co-ops are launched.
CUCI is currently seeking a full-time Project Manager to support the development of co-ops in the childcare sector.
The responsibilities of the Project Manager will be as follows:
- Meet and develop relationships with a broad spectrum of childcare providers in the Cincinnati area, as the basis for organizing joint responses to common needs.
- Develop a thorough understanding of the challenges facing childcare providers, and factors that may limit their ability to attract and retain highly qualified staff.
- Identify potential areas of cooperation among childcare providers, including cost saving opportunities through economies of scale.
- Analyze economic aspects of the childcare business and alternatives based on cooperation among providers.
- Develop thorough understanding of public funding sources and programs applicable to the childcare field.
- Identify and evaluate the potential for worker ownership within the childcare industry.
- Establish and maintain relationships with stakeholders, including local government, industry leaders, labor, community, academia, and other worker-ownership initiatives and organizations.
- Create materials and reports as necessary in support of initiative.
A successful Project Manager will have the following key skills:
- Community and/or labor organizing experience
- Outstanding written and verbal communication, including public speaking and meeting facilitation;
- Demonstrated organizational skills and ability to create transparent and systematic workflows;
- Extensive and varied work in the field of child care; preferably, having held a position of leadership as part of that work.
- Business/entrepreneurship experience and/or education (ie. having run or been a part of the management team of a small business and/or having a business degree);
- Deep commitment to racial and economic justice, including the ability to build relationships with stakeholders across race, class, gender, age, ability, gender identity, party, and faith lines;
- Proficiency with basic computer programs and social media;
- Willing to commit energy, heart and irregular hours, including strong self-motivation and personal accountability;
- Eagerness to learn, flexibility and humor.
A candidate with some or all of the following background and skills will be strongly preferred:
- Accounting, finance, business and/or marketing background, certification or training;
- Fundraising/development;
- Event planning;
- Volunteer management.
CUCI is open to candidates with a range of experience levels, but in general 1-5 years’ experience with a relevant 4-year degree; or 5-10 years relevant experience. Entry level position possible for the right fit. Pay will be commensurate with experience.
Salary commensurate with experience, some benefits offered. Accepting Applications 10/18/17 until filled.
To apply, please submit cover letter, resume, 3 professional references and work sample to ellen@cincinnatiunioncoop.org. A work sample could include a written report, campaign plan, marketing materials, memorandum, business plan, academic paper, publication, or an excerpt of any of the foregoing. If you have questions about the work sample requirement, please feel free to email ellen@cincinnatiunioncoop.org
