Title:
1196-NN - Business Management CounselorBusiness Title:
Business Management CounselorAdditional Titles:
Location:
Employee Type:
Admin. ProfessionalJob Family:
Administrative Professional - Not OT EligiblePosition Details:
Summary of Duties:
The primary focus of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) program is business development education through individual and small group advising.
The business advisor acts as a coach or mentor, assisting clients in developing or improving their business management skills in order to effectively manage the operations of their business. In the process, the business advisor maintains strict confidentiality of all client information and follows conflict of interest policies of the SBDC program.
In addition to the instruction/advising component of the position, the business advisor performs significant outreach activities to engage the community through regular contact with Chambers of Commerce, Economic Development Councils, service clubs and community organizations and legislators in conjunction with the Lead Office staff.
The SBDC is a network of entrepreneurially minded professional business advisors with significant experience in small business who enjoy the intrinsic value of helping business owners/managers developing or improving their business knowledge and skills to effectively manage the operations of their business. In confidential, one-on-one relationships, we educate, mentor and advise clients in all areas of growing a business. The Business Advisor also must adhere to the code of professional conduct and conflict of interest policies of the SBDC program. Most advisors work independently in a community-located SBDC center, yet frequently collaborate with advisors across the state who request assistance on behalf of a client with need for specific expertise.
Advisors must be well organized to manage more than 90 clients annually. Business clients will be from every sector of the local business community and require a full range of business services. Advisors must have comprehensive knowledge and experience of small business operations. Advisors must understand the client’s situation, analyze the problems and guide the client in developing a solution he or she is willing and able to implement.
Advisors are expected to provide in depth substantive advising which typically includes identifying arrange of solutions, discussing the pros and cons of each and explaining abstract concepts with real world examples. Advisors constantly seek professional development opportunities to expand their core competencies in all areas of business, including technology, necessary to start, grow, sustain and transition a small business.
Peer mentoring is valued within the Washington SBDC Network and advisors often share their expertise in response to queries from other advisors. Advisors must develop and maintain a referral network within their local service areas to ensure they maintain a robust client caseload capable of delivering significant economic impacts to the local community and the state. Advisors must also build relationships with various and diverse stakeholders to advocate support of the SBDC program, including elected officials, funding partners, businesses and community leaders.
New advisors in the SBDC network will need to successfully complete a certification program within six months of hire to become fully certified as an advisor. Certification is designed to allow the new advisor to demonstrate their comprehensive knowledge and abilities to be successful in guiding clients toward their goals while taking advantage of learning from experienced advisors sharing best practices, tools and processes they use to assist their clients.
Required Qualifications:
Positions require a Bachelor’s degree in business or related field and four (4) years of experience in business ownership, business management and/or program development. A Master’s degree in a related field may be substituted for up to one (1) year of the required experience. Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis
These positions may require additional licenses or certifications.
Advanced competency in computer platforms, on-line resources, communication tools, and financial analysis.
The successful candidate is required to complete WSBDC certification within six months of being hired— or be making satisfactory progress toward completion, as determined by the SBDC’s Certification Committee. Upon successful completion, the candidate will be designated a Certified Business Advisor(CBA) and will be expected to complete 32 hours of professional development and continuing education.
Preferred Qualifications:
Demonstrated local economic development, community, and business relationships.
Experience in advising small businesses.
Five (5) or more years of small business ownership and/or management.
Experience developing and/or teaching management workshops.
Program and/or product development experience.
Work experience with high-growth oriented firms.
Proficiency in English and other language(s).
Additional Information:
Monthly Salary: Commensurate with experience
FTE: 1.0
Permanent/Temporary/Project: Permanent
City, State, Zip: Wenatchee, WA 98801
Area/College: Office of Research
Department Name: Washington Small Business Development Center
Department Link: wsbdc.org
Background Check: This position has been designated by the department to require a background check.
Posting Close Date: Screening of applications will begin September 14, 2021 and will continue until the position has been filled.
Application Instructions: Applicants must attach the following documents to their online application: 1) resume and 2) cover letter. Applicants are required to include contact information for professional references within the application.
Required Documents:
Resume
Cover Letter
Time Type:
Full timePosition Term:
12 MonthWASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EDUCATOR AND EMPLOYER. Members of ethnic minorities, women, special disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam-era, recently separated veterans, and other protected veteran, persons of disability and/or persons age 40 and over are encouraged to apply.
WSU employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
WSU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resource Services: 509-335-4521 (v), Washington State TDD Relay Service: Voice Callers: 1-800-833-6384; TDD Callers: 1-800-833-6388, 509-335-1259(f), or [email protected] .