Startup Specialist

Updated: 12 days ago
Location: Little Rock, ARKANSAS
Job Type: FullTime

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Closing Date:

04/23/2024

Type of Position:

Extension


Workstudy Position:


No

Job Type:

Regular

Work Shift:


Sponsorship Available:


No

Institution Name:

University of Arkansas at Little Rock

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is a metropolitan research university that provides an accessible, quality education through flexible learning and unparalleled internship opportunities. At UA Little Rock, we prepare our more than 8,900 students to be innovators and responsible leaders in their fields. Committed to its metropolitan research university mission, UA Little Rock is a driving force in Little Rock's thriving cultural community and a major component of the city and state's growing profile as a regional leader in research, technology transfer, economic development, and job creation.

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening.  To apply for the position, please click the Apply link/button.

If you have a disability and need assistance with the hiring process please contact Human Resources at 501-916-3180.

For general application assistance or if you have questions about a job posting, please contact Human Resources at 501-916-3180.



Department:

ASBTDC


Department's Website:


asbtdc.org

Summary of Job Duties:

Under the general supervision of the Consulting Manager, the Startup Specialist is responsible for providing direct assistance to startup clients, conducting new customer screenings and supporting the management of statewide customer intake. This position will work closely with staff of the Regional Centers to support the call-in protocol, the communication channels to individual Centers, and the integration of screening and intake materials with the ASBTDC MIS.
The Startup Specialist will serve pre-venture entrepreneurs focusing on those that need assistance in putting together a business plan narrative, financial projections, and market research for micro-businesses. The Startup Specialist will utilize ASBTDC tools and resources to prepare pre-venture entrepreneurs to better communicate their business ideas. This position will also support the day-to-day activities of customer intake and call center, help assure quality control, communicate intake referrals to Regional Center staff, and aid in building and implementing intake processes and procedures and online tools and resources for small businesses under the direction of Consulting Manager.
The Startup Specialist will be in direct contact with customers and potential customers seeking ASBTDC services, including starting a business. The individual will be self-motivated and resourceful. The individual should possess strong interpersonal skills, be able to work individually while remaining on task, and have impeccable communication skills.
The position requires the applicant to work in a professional environment: dependability, diplomacy, flexibility, discretion, judgment, and confidentiality are a must. This is a full-time, grant-funded position. This position is governed by state and federal laws, and agency/institution policy.

Qualifications:

Qualifications:

Required Education/Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree 

Preferred Education/Experience

  • Business degree or significant coursework in business
  • MBA

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Startup Assistance

  • Assist clients in understanding the steps to starting a business;
  • Assess client needs and provide appropriate tools and resources to help clients achieve business goals;
  • Help clients through the process of developing a business plan including project cost and budget;
  • Provide direction to clients seeking funding for startup;
  • May develop and deliver curriculum for startup entrepreneurs;
  • Accomplish yearly goals and deliverables as assigned by Consulting Manager.

Customer Intake 

  • Conduct initial consultations with prospective clients seeking assistance with their small business inquiries, effectively assessing their needs, challenges, and objectives. Utilize active listening skills and probing questions to gain a comprehensive understanding, and determine appropriate services or resources to meet those needs;
  • Maintain familiarity with the ASBTDC event offering to make appropriate referrals based on customer needs and readiness for consulting;
  • Document activity according to ASBTDC policy;
  • Maintain relations and processes with the external call center when one is used;
  • Ensure that leads are managed appropriately and in a timely manner.

Other

  • Assist in the implementation of the ASBTDC marketing plan;
  • May conduct community outreach to further ASBTDC brand and mission;
  • May work on special projects related to grant funding opportunities; 
  • May assist with or lead the ASBTDC Build Your Own Business program in coordination with the University of Arkansas at Little Rock faculty and staff;
  • Maintain accurate records in ASBTDC MIS;
  • Account for daily use of time in ASBTDC MIS in accordance with guidance provided by the Consulting Manager;
  • Maintain an up-to-date work calendar in accordance with guidance provided by the Consulting Manager;
  • Earns 32 hours of professional development annually according to the professional development policies of the organization;
  • Perform other duties as assigned, to accomplish the goals and mission of the organization.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Ability to assist clients with business planning and startup process;
  • Strong verbal communications—one-on-one, on the phone, and videoconferencing;
  • Displays the ability to communicate with others effectively, listen closely, and convey points clearly
  • Demonstrates excellent customer service skills; 
  • Very effective in written communications—technical, formal, and informal;
  • Excellent interpersonal skills;
  • Strong organizational skills;
  • Self-motivated and goal-oriented;
  • Fluent in MS Office Suite and G Suite;
  • Ability to coordinate multiple assigned activities and projects;
  • The ability to work independently and complete tasks on a timely basis;
  • Strong preference for small business or entrepreneurial experience;
  • Strong project management time management, and performance skills;
  • Ability to develop strong relationships and work with senior-level managers
  • Demonstrates the ability to use standard office equipment such as phones, computers, copiers, fax machines, and others;
  • Must maintain a valid driver’s license and meet state requirements for operating vehicles on state business;
  • Must be available to work a flexible schedule which may include nights and weekends;
  • Must be available for in-state and out-of-state travel including overnight stays;
  • Must successfully pass criminal and sex offender background checks; 
  • Must adhere to the University System and ASBTDC Conflict of Interest standards
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to the University System and ASBTDC Conflict of Interest standards. 


Additional Information:



Salary Information:


$52,000


Required Documents to Apply:


Cover Letter/Letter of Application, List of three Professional References (name, email, business title), Other (see special instructions for details), Resume


Optional Documents:



Special Instructions to Applicants:

Department will not sponsor foreign nationals


Recruitment Contact Information:


Brandon Horvath, Consulting Manager, 501-804-6769


All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site https://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS  

Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.



Pre-employment Screening Requirements:

Criminal Background Check, Motor Vehicle Reports Check, Sex Offender Registry

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is committed to providing a safe campus community. We conduct background checks for applicants being considered for employment. Background checks include a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check. For certain positions, there may also be a financial (credit) background check, a Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR) check, and/or drug screening. Required checks are identified in the position listing. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication or adverse financial history information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background check information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.

The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, marital or parental status, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, or sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity). Federal law prohibits the University from discriminating on these bases. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University's Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

All application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.



Constant Physical Activity:
Hearing, Manipulate items with fingers, including keyboarding, Sitting, Talking

Frequent Physical Activity:

Driving, Standing, Walking

Occasional Physical Activity:

Lifting, Pulling, Pushing

Benefits Eligible:

Yes