Job Overview

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality individual instruction and educational support to entrepreneurs and business owners.  
• Analyze situations, make recommendations, and educate clients with regard to business plans, market feasibility, financial viability, operations management, and legal structures, to name but a few topics.
• Maintain an appropriate level and mix of clients as noted by annual goals and strategic plan objectives.
• Responsible for developing and refining an individual as well as center consulting practice that yields impactful results. 
• Develop and deliver high quality business training programs that are responsive to the needs of the business community served.  Generate curricula for business programs, seminars, conferences, etc. for local business interests.
• Determine topics, agendas, instructors, instructional materials, location, time, and other resources required.  Create and produce instructional materials. Serve as an instructor of business training programs, and secure qualified outside instructors, as needed. Effectively market business training programs within assigned communities, so as to meet annual goals. 
• In addition to maintaining a broad base of business knowledge, develop specific and relevant area(s) of expertise within the arena of business development. Apply this knowledge through the development and delivery of new training programs, consulting tools, research projects, co-consulting, and/or other impact measures. 
• Direct clients to other appropriate sources of business information and assistance.  Disseminate pertinent information to the business community via various media. 
• Serve as an advocate of business development, expansion and retention in the area, thereby becoming a visible leader in the local business community.  
• Work collaboratively with private-sector businesses, other economic development assistance units of the University System, and other units of State Government to further the economic well-being of Georgia’s citizens.
• Engage in public relations activities such as, speeches, presentations, active committee participation, online communications and direct discussions.  Relevant audiences include bankers, colleges and universities, chambers of commerce, economic development authorities, downtown development organizations, government agencies, local political offices, civic organizations, local media and potential program sponsors. 
• Assist in the continued development, implementation, and updating of the organization’s strategic plan.  Ensure that organizational goals and objectives are accomplished in a timely and thorough manner.  
• Work with colleagues to develop and deploy action plans and marketing plans that align with the organizational strategic plan, are tailored to meeting the specific small business needs within the assigned geography, and which capitalize on the skills of SBDC personnel.  Prepare and execute individual work plans, including professional development initiatives, which align with area office objectives. 
• Support organizational improvement efforts through active involvement with internal committees, special projects, center reviews and various assessments as directed by the state office. 
• Actively participate in the development and execution of sponsorship acquisition strategies in support of area office and state goals. Initiate co-sponsorship of programs with private businesses, economic development organizations, and other government entities.
• Seek and apply for grants relevant to entrepreneurship and business development.  Coordinate with appropriate units and State Office staff to ensure proper procedures are followed.
• Maintain adequate files including budget, payment records, and invoices for sponsorships, grants, and cooperative agreements. 
• Develop and execute plans to meet area office and special project revenue goals as outlined in area office action plans and individual work plans. 
• Document activities via electronic information system (Unity) in a timely, accurate, and comprehensive manner. Maintain client and continuing education files as per SBA and SBDC guidelines. 
• Prepare Semi-Annual Reports for submission to SBA.  Ensure that high impact success stories are available upon request and that required SBA nomination packages are submitted. 
• Work in conjunction with the District Director to secure qualified faculty and support staff to implement the programs of the SBDC.  Serve as a guide and mentor to Business Consultants and support staff. 
• Lead and support professional development activities for the assigned local office staff and statewide staff as requested. Make recommendations to the District Director regarding the training, retention, evaluation, compensation, and promotion of personnel supervised by the Area Director in the local office. 
• Maintain efficient and effective operation of assigned area office, including management of personnel, budget, and other resources.  Ensure that administrative policies are followed, that programs are innovative and responsive, and that top quality services are delivered. Utilize client and management feedback in striving for continuous improvement. Uphold contractual obligations with other institutions. 
• Represent the SBDC State Office when required.

Required Qualifications

• Masters degree in Business or related field.
• Applicable experience of five years necessary.
• Knowledge of University and SBDC programs and operating philosophy and/or relevant management experience preferred.

How to Apply

Use the button below to apply on the University System of Georgia’s website directly.

Letter of Application prompt:

The cover letter should address the following: Our employees say empathy-an understanding of and service to others-is important in their role at the SBDC. In your letter, please describe instances where empathy is evidenced in your work or elsewhere and discuss why you are interested in supporting the mission and culture of our organization.

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status.