Consultant

University of Maryland • College Park, MD

1d

About The Position

The Consultant supports entrepreneurs in starting, growing, and strengthening their businesses within the Anne Arundel County community. This role provides one‑on‑one guidance to both new and existing business owners in the areas of business planning, strategy, operations, marketing, financial management, and accessing capital. The Consultant also plays a key role in enhancing the county’s small‑business ecosystem by supporting business growth initiatives and collaborating with local economic‑development partners. This position reports directly to the Program Director of the Corridor Region and requires independent judgment, strong analytical skills, and the ability to manage a diverse client portfolio with significant autonomy.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Three (3) years of professional consulting experience.
• Additional work experience as defined above may be substituted on a year for year basis for up to four (4) years of the required education.
• Knowledge of consulting strategies.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in the use of Microsoft Office products.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize assignments.
• Ability to implement strategy.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of consulting strategies, small‑business operations, and entrepreneurial best practices.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to present complex information clearly.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Ability to multitask, prioritize assignments, and manage a diverse client workload.
• Ability to implement strategic plans and guide clients through business‑development processes.
• Financial analysis skills, including experience evaluating financial statements and developing projections.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with clients from diverse backgrounds.
• Strong problem‑solving abilities and sound professional judgment.

Responsibilities

• Provide individualized consulting to entrepreneurs and small‑business owners on business planning, strategy development, operations, marketing, and financial management.
• Conduct in‑depth financial analysis of small‑business clients, including cash‑flow evaluation, financial projections, and funding readiness.
• Assist clients in identifying and securing appropriate sources of capital, including loans, grants, and investment opportunities.
• Support the development and growth of the local small‑business ecosystem by collaborating with economic‑development organizations, chambers of commerce, lenders, and community partners.
• Deliver workshops, training sessions, and outreach activities to educate entrepreneurs on key business topics.
• Maintain accurate and timely client records, progress notes, and report metrics in accordance with program requirements.
• Stay informed about local, state, and federal resources available to small businesses.
• Represent the SBDC at community events, partner meetings, and business‑development activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Program Director

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level