Community Development Assistant Jobs in Missouri

This role will focus on seeking out New Partners to assist with the work of Light a Single Candle Foundation (LASC), and to provide support to existing Partners when called on.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Work closely with the President and Executive Director to identifying new Partners to scale and develop the mission of LASC and our current Partners
• Initiate outreach, schedule introductory conversations, and nurture early- stage relationships to build a pipeline of prospects across the LASC focus areas in poverty relief and development
• In coordination with multiple LASC team members engage with our current Partners when required, and solicit New Partner leads from same
• Conduct International site visits independently and jointly with LASC team/leadership and in coordination with Principal and Implementing partners.
• Take the lead role in new Partner identification and qualification to further grow our poverty interventions
• Coordinate with LASC international program officers and other team members throughout our 7-country footprint of Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Honduras, and El Salvador
• Perform research to support a global pursuit of Potential Partners
• Ability to manage and succeed in providing support to multiple projects & partners simultaneously
• Prepare regular updates for leadership on progress, risks and opportunities with prospective Partners

Qualifications:

• Candidate will reside in St. Louis, MO region and work out of the newly renovated Chesterfield, MO office
• Ability to travel to Central America and within the USA as needed. Willingness to travel 8-10 weeks out of the year to visit international and US Partners as well as conferences. Travel may occur with our Partners and with LASC team members but often independently

• 3-5 years' professional experience in cultivating new business relationships
• Best candidates will have substantial non-profit experience or have demonstrated the ability to succeed in a non-profit work environment
• Experience in organizational programs and project oversight is preferred
• Prior experience in impact and program measurement with 3rd party partnerships preferred
• Spanish speaking skill is preferred but not required as many partners are bilingual
• International experience preferred
• Bachelor's degree required
• Demonstrated competence with excel and Microsoft suite products
  
• Highly organized, excellent attention to detail, and professional skills are required
• Assist the President and Executive Director of the foundation as requested and perform additional duties as necessary

Personal Characteristics

• Self-motivated, works well independently, and desires to participate in creating a positive team environment
• Compassion for serving the poor coupled with a commitment to support their potential
• Embraces a model of empowerment, accountability, partnership, and hope in executing the work of LASC
• Excellent communication skills both verbal and written, with great follow-up abilities. Possesses proficient listening skills with an openness to learning.
• Strong and professional work ethic, flexible, and adaptive to change.
• Enjoys networking and identifying solutions in response to challenges.
• Enjoys a small team environment and values playing a key role in the development of the organization to its full potential.
• Willingness to be a key part of the organization's leadership team is required
• Has the ability to communicate well and in doing so educate potential partners on the many benefits of working with LASC.
• Outgoing approach with strong personality skills is always a plus.

Wage and Benefits

• Will be competitive and dependent upon earnings history, skills and qualifications.
  
• A salary range of $130,000-$145,000 with annual performance and salary review
• Paid vacation and holidays, health insurance, and retirement plan benefits included

Light a Single Candle Foundation (LASC) is a nonprofit dedicated to sustainable poverty recovery, food security, income development, and longterm community transformation. We partner with organizations across El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Guatemala, Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and St. Louis, Missouri. In 2025, we supported roughly 120 communitydriven projects.Led by our Founder/President and a dedicated leadership team, we are continuing to grow, and this position will become our 11th team member. As we expand, we are strengthening and refining our comprehensive, sustainable approach to poverty recovery and community development. Learn more at www.lightasinglecandle.org.