Thanks for your interest in working for Refugee Artisan Initiative! We are currently hiring for the following position(s):

Community and Microbusiness Development Manager

RAI is seeking a full-time Community and Microbusiness Development Manager to lead the implementation of its new Community and Microbusiness Development Program. This role aims to support the professional growth of artisans in their goal of having their own microbusiness by providing hands-on support and training and access to critical resources and work experience.

This position is ideal for someone who has experience in business development or workforce training, as well as working with marginalized communities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Design & Delivery:

• Develop and launch RAI’s Community & Microbusiness Program.
• Develop and implement a culturally responsive business development curriculum.
• Develop individualized professional development and business plans with each artisan based on their skills, experience, and long-term goals.
• Organize training opportunities in business technical skills, customer service, financial literacy, ESL, and digital skills.

Participant Engagement & Support:

• Provide consistent, hands-on and in-person support for refugee and immigrant women in developing professional experience, and establishing and growing their microbusiness.
• Meet with RAI artisans to assess goals and strengths, business readiness, language needs, and training needs. Meet regularly with artisans at their place of business.
• Provide hands-on training in both group forums and on an individual basis. Organize translation support as needed.
• Support each participant’s journey in developing the necessary skills and understanding to to build a sustainable microbusiness, including access to marketing, licensing, and financial tools.

Partnerships & Resource Navigation

• Develop relationships with local organizations and service providers that offer business, financial, and technical support.
• Serve as a connector between artisans and external business resources such as financial literacy classes, small business grants, or community lenders. Coordinate and facilitate in-person meetings.

Program Oversight & Evaluation

• Track artisan participation, progress, and outcomes using a data-informed approach.
• Ensure program alignment with Nest Seal of Ethical Handcraft standards.
• Use ongoing feedback to improve program design and effectiveness.

Community Building

• Support artisans in gaining job experience in preparation for launching an independent business.
• Expand RAI’s pipeline of aspiring refugee and immigrant women entrepreneurs.
• Foster a welcoming, inclusive environment where participants feel supported and encouraged.

QUALIFICATIONS

• At least 3–5 years of experience in workforce development, entrepreneurship, business training, or a related field.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to drive for site visits and meetings.
• Experience working with immigrant, refugee, or multilingual communities.
• Familiarity with microbusiness creation, informal economies, and culturally responsive program design.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal communication and facilitation abilities.
• Comfort working independently in a start-up or growing program environment.
• Commitment to equity, sustainability, and economic inclusion.
• Multilingual skills a plus.

Additional Information: This position is based at RAI’s Maker Space in Seattle’s Lake City neighborhood. The Manager will have several offsite responsibilities, including site visits with artisans and meetings with community partners. Occasional evening or weekend availability may be required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here represent those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, lift (overhead, waist-level) from the floor and walk up and downstairs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here represent those an employee may encounter while performing this job's essential functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Currently, this job primarily operates in-person. The RAI team is small and also supports volunteer-led services. The work environment's noise level varies depending on project production, meetings, and points of service in the community.

BENEFITS

• Dental insurance with employer contribution
• Vision insurance with employer contribution
• Health insurance with employer contribution
• Paid time off
• Option to participate in 401K
• Option to participate in FSA

To Apply: Please submit a resume and cover letter outlining your interest in the role and how your experience aligns with RAI’s mission. Resume and cover letter may be submitted through indeed or emailed to jobs@refugeesarts.org.

RAI is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $85,000.00 per year

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Ability to Commute:

• Seattle, WA 98125 (Required)

Work Location: In person