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Careers

Thank you for your interest in First Southwest Community Fund.

Benefits include: ​Generous Paid Holidays & Time Off, Retirement Savings Plan, Life Insurance & Long-term Disability, and Remote Positions

Position

The Navigator role will concentrate primarily on supporting all our specialized programs such as the Rural Women-Led Business Fund (RWLBF), Fortaleza Fund, Socially Disadvantaged Farmers & Ranchers Loan Fund, Intermediary Relending Program, and CLIMBER Fund. The Rural Women-Led Business Fund is an initiative from FSWCF to support women-led businesses in rural Colorado, which includes access to grant funding and our educational programming for entrepreneurs and small businesses. The Fortaleza Fund is an initiative supporting immigrant-led business owners in Colorado. Click here for a full description of FSWCF loan programs. The Navigator will work closely with FSWCF’s team to provide direct support to students and organizational support with documents, grant payments, and technical assistance specific to business for all programs. 

Responsibilities

  • Business Coaching: Provide one-on-one assistance to applicants of the various loan funds. This will include support filling out loan applications and preparation of supporting documents, creating a business plan, budget development, financial projections, and other business assistance to support clients to start their business journey. 
  • Program Support: Provide one-on-one assistance to FSWCF’s Program Manager coordinating workshops, brown bag sessions, events and other opportunities for the various loan funds. 
     
  • Coordinate with Programs Manager to provide 1-2 quarterly financial literacy trainings for the various loan funds. 
     
  • Coordinate referrals to the FSWCF lending team of completed applications of prospective customers. 
     
  • Assist the Programs Manager when needed with initial contact, attendance reminder, follow up email from the educational sessions for prospective entrepreneurs. 
     
  • Support the FSWCF expansion efforts into new regions to attract new participants. 
     
  • Support the FSWCF operations team with marketing, recruitment, navigation, and administrative tasks as needed. 
     
  • Translate materials into Spanish as needed using technology and tools available. 
     
  • Stay up to date on educational trends. 
  • Proficient and professional delivery of technical assistance in both English and Spanish.  

Roles and Duties

  • Assess individual entrepreneurs' current needs and skills in their business journey. 
  • Advise entrepreneurs about the programs and partners that can best assist them in their business development process. 
  • Work with startup businesses to co-create an action plan and checklist of needed steps, where to go, how to formalize their business by completing all regulatory requirements, licensing and other needed services. 
  • Facilitate warm handoffs among entrepreneur support organizations so that entrepreneurs feel supported, welcomed and receive services in a language they prefer. 
  • Meet one-on-one with entrepreneurs in an environment that is safe, familiar and inviting. 
  • Collaborate with partners to provide updates, problem solve and identify resources for entrepreneurs. 
  • Provide insights and recommendations on the future viability and value of expanding this program. 
  • Offer the following general business services and support:
    • Helping businesses register with Secretary of state
    • Financial Projections
    • Setting up EIN
    • Understand what taxes are due and systems for paying them
    • Creating a business plan
    • Market research
    • Getting them prepared for the lending process

Skills and Qualifications

  • A flexible, creative, entrepreneurial spirit and a demonstrated passion for the mission, vision, and values of First Southwest Community Fund. 
  • Strong written and oral communication skills. 
  • Excellent interpersonal and networking skills. 
  • Lived or past (professional or personal) experience working with historically marginalized communities. 
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team. 
  • Able to take ownership and drive activities to completion. 
  • A minimum of one year of professional work experience and/or degree, preferably in business, finance/banking, or accounting. 
  • Conversationally proficient in Spanish and English.
  • Candidate must be located in rural Colorado -San Luis Valley, Western Slope and Southwest Colorado.

Salary and Benefits

This is a full-time hourly position that will offer an hourly rate between $24.00 - $26.00 an hour depending on experience. We offer a generous monthly stipend for health and technology expenses.

The First Southwest Community Fund is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

TO APPLY: Please send a cover letter and resume to Rosy McDonough, Executive Director, at rosy.mcdonough@fswcf.org by July 15, 2025.

Position: Programs Manager (Part-Time) - (Estimated 25–30 hours/week)
Status: Non-Exempt

Salary Range: $25-$28 an hour

Position Summary

The Part-Time Programs Manager will support the strategy, coordination, and evaluation of First Southwest Community Fund’s (FSWCF) educational programs that assist underserved small businesses and entrepreneurs, especially in rural Colorado. This role focuses on developing and delivering high-impact educational and technical assistance initiatives in alignment with FSWCF’s mission.

The Programs Manager will be working closely with the Executive Director, Community Advisory Committees and our Technical Assistance Navigator on the design and implementation of a range of initiatives to support underserved businesses in rural Colorado. This individual will also work closely with the Deputy Impact and Operations Manager to measure impact for all areas of programming.

Key Responsibilities

  • Coordinate the implementation of FSWCF’s education and technical assistance programs, including participant tracking, scheduling, and partner communication.
  • Support program design by contributing ideas and feedback to refine existing offerings and shape new initiatives aligned with strategic goals.
  • Assist in the preparation of grant reports and funding proposals related to educational programming, in collaboration with the Executive Director and Deputy Impact and Operations Manager.
  • Track program metrics and impact data; compile quarterly updates and maintain frequent summary reports.
  • Promote programs through social media, newsletters, website content, and direct outreach in collaboration with the marketing team.
  • Build and maintain positive relationships with community partners and participants to enhance program reach and relevance.
  • Grant Management, coordinate with Deputy Impact and Operations Manager and Executive Director the design evaluation methods and track impact for all areas of programming and complete quarterly financial and impact reporting for all FSWCF grant funding. Research, identify, and inform the FSWCF team about grant opportunities related to small businesses in Colorado.

Job Qualifications 

  • Demonstrated interest in small business development and community impact work.
  • Strong communication, organizational, and time-management skills.
  • Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks with attention to detail.
  • Experience in program coordination or nonprofit work.
  • Strong analytical and organizational skills.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.

Experience

  • Minimum 3-5 years of experience in program delivery or coordination.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office software programs, use of email and internet, and willingness to expand skill base.  

Working Enviornment

This is an in-person and remote role with occasional travel for community events or client visits. Must be able to sit for extended periods, use a computer, and communicate effectively via video conferencing and phone. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. Required to talk and hear; frequently required to use hands and fingers to handle or feel objects, tools or controls. Ability to stand and sit, reaching with hands and arms, kneeling, crouching. Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.  Depending on location and time of year, extremely high and low temperatures within the building will be experienced.
 

About FSWCF

Founded in 2015 by First Southwest Bank, FSWCF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and CDFI that provides gap funding and equitable access to capital for rural Colorado entrepreneurs. We support innovation, culture, and financial knowledge in underserved communities through grant and loan programs that drive impact and foster resilience.

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed. 









FSWCF provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status regarding public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, FSWCF will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. If you cannot submit an application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability, please contact us at allhr@fswb.com.