Relationship Associate
Location: Oakland, CA
Salary: $19.42 per hour
About Us
Grameen America is a nonprofit microfinance organization dedicated to helping low-income women entrepreneurs build businesses to enable upward financial mobility. We envision an inclusive society in which all entrepreneurs, regardless of gender, race or income, have access to fair and affordable financial services. We provide affordable capital, credit- and asset-building, education and peer support to enable our members to boost their business income, create jobs and transform communities.
Founded by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus in 2008, Grameen America is now the fastest growing nonprofit microfinance organization in the U.S., having achieved tremendous milestones in its first 16 years of operations, investing in 220,000 low-income women entrepreneurs while demonstrating measurable impact. Our members have repaid their loans at a rate of over 99% and have become economic drivers in their communities. For more information, please visit grameenamerica.org
About the Job
The Relationship Associate position is an entry level position at GAI, designed to be the first step in a career path with the organization. We are seeking a motivated individual who thrives on delivering exceptional customer service, engaging in outreach activities, enjoys working with people, providing excellent customer service, and contributing to member recruitment and outreach efforts of the branch. A positive attitude, strong communication skills, and a willingness to learn are key to success in this role. The Relationship Associate reports to the Branch Manager.
On- Site Work Requirements
It is mandatory to be physically present in the branch with a minimum of three days up to five days, depending on the branch’s requirements. This may also include and is not limited to being in-community on the ground as well. Requirements to be present in the branch are subject to change at any time at the discretion of the organization. Based on GAI business priorities and staffing need we reserve the right to reassign you to another branch (within a 30–40-mile radius) if GAI determines such reassignment is needed.
Key Responsibilities as a Relationship Associate:
Relationship management
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Conduct weekly center meetings during which we collect and follow-up with loan repayments, share program updates and educational discussions
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Build strong and positive relationships with members to support both retention and business growth.
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Respond to member inquiries promptly and professionally, Assist with problem solving & engagement.
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Conduct in-person home verification and business visits to verify and ensure the legitimacy and accuracy of borrower’s information.
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Uphold high standards of service, quality, and productivity.
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Adhere to all company policies and procedures.
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Perform other related duties as assigned. We’re a collaborative team, and sometimes that means stepping outside your usual scope to help with projects or priorities that advance our mission. These “other duties as assigned” are part of how we adapt, innovate, and support one another. As such, additional duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned as needed to meet team and organizational goals.
Recruitment & Outreach
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Conduct outreach through various channels within the neighborhoods your branch serves, which requires regular local travel. This includes in-person & virtual touch points with entrepreneurs and potential future members at local businesses, residential and commercial areas, etc. Outreach activities also include conducting info sessions, group training, etc. at various locations within the community.
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Use these outreach techniques to grow the program by recruiting new members to achieve designated membership growth targets.
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Perform other related duties as assigned. We’re a collaborative team, and sometimes that means stepping outside your usual scope to help with projects or priorities that advance our mission. These “other duties as assigned” are part of how we adapt, innovate, and support one another. As such, additional duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned as needed to meet team and organizational goals.
Financial Methodology
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Monitor member loan activity, ensuring compliance with loan criteria, disbursement guidelines, and repayment schedules.
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Reconcile and accurately input payment data into internal systems, ensuring proper documentation and compliance with required notifications.
The Skills You Will Bring:
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Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish.
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Strong customer service and communication skills.
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High level of integrity, discipline, punctuality, and work ethic.
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Ability to multitask, manage time effectively, and maintain strong attention to detail.
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Basic numeric and problem-solving skills.
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Collaborative and self-motivated — able to work independently and as part of a team.
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Flexibility to work varied hours (early mornings/evenings) Monday through Friday.
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Comfortable using computers, smartphones, email, Zoom, and related technologies.
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Willingness to learn and adapt to change.
Education and Experience:
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High School diploma or equivalency preferred, or two years of relevant work experience required.
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Familiarity with Microsoft Word and Excel a plus.
Requirements:
Valid driver’s license required depending on business location.
What We Offer You:
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Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans
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Paid Holidays, vacation and sick time
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401K retirement savings plans
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Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
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Training and development opportunities
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Wellness program with two free coaching sessions per month
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And more!
Grameen America is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO) committed to diversity and inclusion in its workplace. Grameen America employment decisions are based on job requirements and individual skills and qualifications without regard to the applicant’s race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Grameen America, Inc participates in the E-Verify program.
Visa sponsorship is not provided.
Must be able to legally work in the U.S.
