Job Description

Duties/Functions

• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with the local small business community, chambers of commerce, professional organizations, trade associations, and other small business agencies and assess their developmental requirements and operational needs in order to design appropriate educational activities to meet identified needs. Maintain open, clear communication with all internal and external customers.
• Promote and support the start-up and survival of small businesses as well as the increased productivity and financial viability of existing small business operations, including the number of persons employed by small enterprises, especially women and minorities.
• Administer all facets of the center’s day-to-day operations, including the planning, promotion, and implementation of courses, seminars, and public events, as well as the maintenance of accurate records, budgeting preparation and control, and coordination of all related center activities, including ongoing program evaluation.
• Recruit, orient, and supervise all program instructors, SBC employees, presenters, including volunteers recruited to provide counseling, technical assistance, and other appropriate forms of support for prospective and existing small business operators.
• Counsel clients on a scheduled basis, makes referrals to other support agencies, arranges for technical assistance and assessment services, and takes other appropriate initiatives that advance economic development through the growth of small businesses.
• Promote the mission and activities of the Small Business Center throughout the service area by all appropriate means, including public speaking engagements, and maintaining effective partnerships with local, state, federal, and educational agencies, other service providers, other college departments in order to facilitate collaborative activities that benefit the center as well as students and colleagues.
• Provide onsite services at various locations within Guilford County and arrange for suitable facilities, equipment, supplies, audio visual, and other resources required for the conduct of effective instruction, including maintenance and repair services.
• Maintain up-to-date resources and an information center of referral sources and references, including computer-based data, for the small business community to assist in staying abreast of new and trending training needs specific to the areas of small business through professional development, reading and research.
• Arrange for exchange of pertinent information by providing networking activities that facilitate communications among small business personnel, including the formation and management of an effective Small Business Advisory Board.
• Directs, supervises, and assists in the development and implementation of course outlines and other materials prepared by instructors for class use, including course handouts, exercises, and tests; Visit classes regularly to observe, evaluate, and support instruction and to prepare reports and other required documentation, including maintenance of proper registration records, collection, and processing of class reports, and preparation and issuance of certificates of completion.
• Ensure that all programs are conducted according to Guilford Technical Community College, State, Federal, funding source, and program policies and all program reports are completed in a timely and accurate manner.
• Participate in meetings and committees to contribute to the success of the college while promoting an attitude of teamwork among staff, instructors, students, and community representatives.
• Perform all other appropriate duties as may be necessary to support the needs of the department or college as assigned.

Difficult Challenges Contacts

Education Required

Education Preferred

Experience Required

• Three years of experience in business, preferably as an owner; or equivalent executive experience, such as business consulting, employment with an economic development organization, etc.
• Three years of successful teaching or training on business/entrepreneurial topics.
• One year of experience working directly with clients in an advisory capacity

Experience Preferred

• More than three years’ experience in business, preferably as an owner; or equivalent executive experience, such as business consulting, employment with an economic development organization, etc.
• More than three years of successful teaching or training on business/entrepreneurial topics.
• More than one year of experience working directly with clients in an advisory capacity.

KSA Required

• Demonstrated ability to provide start-up, financial and other counseling services to existing and prospective small businesses.
• Proven ability to deal effectively, cooperatively, and tactfully with students, business/industry, government and community representatives/citizens, faculty, staff and administrators
• Effective and proficient experience in business operations, incubation, small business counseling or coaching, economic development, and/or providing technical assistance to client companies.
• Evidence of strong interpersonal skills, organizational skills, and effective oral and written communication.
• Ability to respond both verbally and in writing to students, co-workers, businesses, community partners, and individuals having contact with the college.
• Present information effectively to individuals and groups.
• Business basics including basic principles of business and strategic planning, mathematics, problem solving, marketing, sales, and public relations.
• Ability to collaborate, establish and maintain positive relationships throughout the college and the community.
• Excellent problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to engage in active listening.
• Proven computer skills including knowledge of small business-related software, social media, and platforms for virtual meetings, webinars, and scheduling.
• Experience in identifying problems, creating innovative solutions and managing projects.
• Personal integrity, honesty, and the ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to work independently, exercising judgment and initiative.
• Provide exemplary customer service to students, the public, the community, and colleagues daily.
• Maintain flexibility and willingness to adapt.
• Ability to work as a team member and participate in a positive manner toward achieving the mission of the department.
• Knowledge of the small business community within the college’s service area.
• Understanding of the mission, goals, and objectives of a community college.

KSA Preferred Department/Job Specific Requirements

• Must be knowledgeable of Small Business Center Network Guidelines and participate in regional and state-wide SBCN meetings and professional development.
• Must complete SBC Annual Report and SBC Director credentialing (Levels I, II, III) per SBCN Guidelines.
• Serve on ex officio boards and committees.
• Occasional evening and weekend commitments.
• Frequent Interruptions.
• Travel within Guilford County and within State to facilitate programs and initiatives.

Physical Demands

Posting Type Staff

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