Business Instructional Advisor

Southern Oregon University • Ashland, OR

24d • $28 - $30 • Hybrid

About The Position

The PIER (Planning, Infrastructure and Economic Revitalization) part-time Business Instructional Advisor position supports the operations of the PIER Grant through the provision of professional instruction and advice to entrepreneurs and companies throughout the burn-scar region who are interested in building their operations. The burn-scar consists of the towns of Talent, Phoenix and Shady Cove in Jackson County, OR. While performing duties independently and under general supervision from the PIER Director, the Business Instructional Advisor maintains high levels of integrity, confidentiality and service to the clients who come to us for education, advice and assistance. The Business Instructional Advisor works within guidelines established by SOU, and the PIER Grant Agreement between SOU and OHCS. Additional data collection and reporting responsibilities under this project include household income surveys to determine LMI (Low to Moderate Income) service provision and using creativity in service promotion and development to affect the LMI business community to the greatest extent as it rebuilds post-cataclysmic fire damage from the 2020 Straight-line and Obenchain fires. Business development education classes formation and delivery are integral to this position. This position is supported by grant funds and employment is contingent upon the continuation of funding. In the event of a loss or reduction of funding, appointments supported by these sources may be terminated without advance notice.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's of Science or Arts in business, marketing, information technology, economics, communications or a closely related field
• Private business experience as either an owner, a manager / director, or as an executive
• Prior experience working in community-based organizations, such as Chambers of Commerce, SCORE, Small Business Development Centers or other non-profit organization devoted to business development
• Two years' experience and knowledge of business assessment practices
• Knowledge of business lending practices and coaching businesses to be ready to make funding requests
• Experience in developing and presenting business development information to groups of people in an instructor's role
• Excellent communication skills; demonstrated ability to effectively communicate information in a clear and understandable manner, both verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrated customer service experience requiring a very high level of diplomacy and professionalism to effectively handle a broad range of sensitive interpersonal situations.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and consistently apply a wide variety of complex policies and procedures where specific guidelines may not always exist.
• Expressed ability to work with frequent changes in policies and procedures, under pressure of deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong analytical and research skills; demonstrated ability to gather, evaluate, and to develop well-reasoned conclusions and recommendations.
• Demonstrated ability to proactively assess work operations and anticipate potential problems; ability to develop and implement strategies for preventing/resolving problems.
• Great ability to effectively perform work of a highly sensitive and confidential nature that requires access to information. Must be able to exercise sound judgment and discretion, tact, and diplomacy.
• Takes initiative in independently planning, organizing, and performing work assignments within broadly defined parameters
• Demonstrated ability to work with a high level of productivity and accuracy/attention to detail.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with the demonstrated ability to set own priorities to coordinate multiple assignments with fluctuating and time-sensitive deadlines.
• Excellent computer skills and proficiency with a variety of computer applications including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, online systems, social media platforms, Internet as well as online calendaring and email.
• Demonstrated ability to initiate, establish, and foster communication and teamwork by maintaining a positive, cooperative, productive work atmosphere in and outside the University with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within a diverse population and with those from various cultural backgrounds.
• Willingness to and work effectively in a heavily bureaucratic environment which requires regular interaction with a number of levels within the organization and multiple outside agencies.
• Working knowledge or ability to quickly learn, university infrastructure, policies, and procedures.
• Demonstrated skills in an institutional/educational environment utilizing a customer-oriented and service-centered attitude.
• Ability to deliver effective trainings to businesses within a group setting
• Ability to develop marketing materials and outreach into the business community to recruit and enroll qualified businesses
• Ability to provide one-to-one confidential business development advising services to business owners and potential owners in a professional manner
• Ability to enter client records into the PIER Management Information System (Google Drive) software regarding the time spent, subjects discussed, and action items that result from the advising session
• Ability to deliver presentations at events such as workshops, guest speaker engagements, and to support staff meetings as needed
• Ability to successfully work with business enterprises as a mentor, role model, instructor and adviser
• Ability to analyze barriers to business growth and discuss possible solutions with client businesses
• Ability to research and report findings for strategic planning and market acquisition purposes
• Must be willing to travel and attend training programs off-site for occasional professional development.
• Must be able to work additional hours and adjust working hours to meet special jobs.
• Must be able to successfully pass a pre-employment background check.
• This position classification has been defined as non-exempt and is subject to the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
• The person holding this position is considered a mandatory reporter under the Oregon Revised Statutes and is required to comply with the requirements set forth by the Oregon Department of Human Services.
• This position is supported by grant funds and employment is contingent upon the continuation of funding. In the event of a loss or reduction of funding, appointments supported by these sources may be terminated without advance notice.
• This position must possess and maintain a current, valid Driver License
• This position is designated as a critical, security-sensitive or safety-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a Criminal Background Check
• Must be able to legally work in the United States without visa sponsorship

Nice To Haves

• A Master's degree in a business or technical area from an accredited academic institution
• Experience with CRM or Enterprise Systems software
• Experience instructing students at either the Community College or University levels as regular or adjunct faculty.

Responsibilities

• Serve as lead Instructional Adviser to the burn-scar communities' LMI businesses
• Provide professional client advising services according to SOU and PIER standards
• Enter client contact and session information into the database
• Remain current with business planning and industry knowledge
• Work with local business organizations in a coordinated service-delivery model.
• Teach classes, seminars, orientations, or workshops for LMI businesses
• Develop and present materials that are appropriate to teach young business people that support the stage of development each are in
• Manage the content, presenters, methods of classroom teaching to provide an interesting and informative class experience for each participant.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level