Job Description

 The Merchant Coordinator is responsible for planning, implementing, and overseeing programs and initiatives that strengthen and support local small businesses and merchants in the Clay Arsenal neighborhood. The Coordinator will lead efforts to build capacity among neighborhood entrepreneurs, expand access to business resources, and foster economic revitalization aligned with CACDC’s mission of eradicating poverty and promoting equitable community development. 

This position requires a proactive, community-minded individual with strong project management, stakeholder engagement, and organizational skills. 

This position will work in partnership with Upper Albany Main Street in execution of this initiative. 

 Program Development and Management 

• Design, coordinate, and manage programs that strengthen local merchants and small businesses in Clay Arsenal. 

• Work with local merchants and business owners for the creation and management of a Clay Arsenal Merchant Association. 

• Develop and implement workshops, technical assistance, and mentorship programs focused on business development, digital presence, and financial literacy. 

• Support merchant participation in CACDC initiatives such as neighborhood beautification, storefront improvement, and economic revitalization projects. 

• Track and evaluate program performance, ensuring outcomes align with CACDC’s strategic goals. 

• Prepare program plans, reports, and budgets, ensuring timely completion and compliance with grant requirements. 

• Provides project management support for a wide range of CACDC activities including, but not limited to, Board and Committee meetings, the Economic and Community Development activities, Expos and events. 

Stakeholder Engagement and Outreach 

• Build and maintain relationships with neighborhood merchants, business associations, community partners, and city departments to promote collaboration and shared goals. 

• Serve as CACDC’s liaison to the local business community, representing the organization at events, meetings, and community gatherings. 

• Conduct outreach to identify new merchants and engage existing businesses in CACDC programs. 

• Support communications and marketing efforts by contributing to newsletters, social media, and CACDC’s website to highlight merchant success stories and program opportunities. 

• Work with leadership to develop marketing strategies to promote local business and draw economic activity to Clay Arsenal. 

Operational Management 

• Manage administrative processes for merchant-focused initiatives, including intake, enrollment, and data tracking. 

• Assist with the coordination of neighborhood business events, vendor fairs, and networking sessions. 

• Maintain accurate and confidential participant records and documentation. 

• Support budget monitoring, data collection, and grant reporting related to merchant development programs. 

Grant Development and Management 

• Collaborate with the Executive Director to identify new funding opportunities to sustain and expand merchant programs. 

• Assist in preparing grant proposals, reports, and related documentation for funding agencies and partners. 

• Track deliverables and maintain compliance with all funding and reporting requirements. 

Teamwork and Collaboration 

• Work collaboratively with CACDC staff and partners to ensure alignment across programs and initiatives. 

• Support and mentor interns or volunteers assisting with business outreach and data management. 

• Contribute to organizational planning and participate in CACDC events and community meetings. 

• Other related duties as assigned. 

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in business, public administration, nonprofit management, or a related field. 

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in program coordination, community development, small business support, or related work. 

• Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities. 

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. 

• Experience with small business operations or leading a small business 

• Experience engaging with diverse community stakeholders and small business owners. 

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite; familiarity with Canva or social media tools a plus. 

• Experience with grant writing, reporting, or donor communications preferred. 

• Bilingual proficiency (English/Spanish), including the ability to read, write, and speak fluently, is essential for this role. 

Skills Required

• Communication Skills