Director, Business Development I (SBDC)

University of Central Florida • Orlando, FL

1d • $104,664

About The Position

Small Business Development Center: The Florida SBDC at the University of Central Florida (FSBDC at UCF), is located in the National Entrepreneur Center inside the Orlando Fashion Square Mall and provides business seminars and no-cost one-on-one business consulting for small business owners. The FSBDC at UCF serves an eight-county area that includes Brevard, Flagler, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Sumter and Volusia counties, and maintains six service center offices in addition to the main office in Orlando. The FSBDC at UCF is a member of the Florida SBDC Network, a statewide service funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. The Opportunity : The Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the University of Central Florida is seeking an experienced, visionary leader to serve as its next Director, Business Development I (SBDC). This role oversees a dynamic, impact‑driven consulting network that supports small businesses across eight Central Florida counties: Brevard, Flagler, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Sumter, and Volusia. As the regional lead of the program, the Director shapes strategy, drives operational excellence, and ensures the delivery of high‑quality consulting, training, and entrepreneurial support that strengthens the economic vitality of the region. In this highly visible role, the Director will develop and maintain strong community and partner relationships to sustain external funding and lead outreach efforts, ensuring the SBDC mission and impact are consistently communicated to key stakeholders. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in small business consulting, proven success managing grant‑funded initiatives, and a passion for advancing entrepreneurship. If you are a strategic, energetic, and relationship‑focused leader ready to make a measurable difference in Central Florida’s economic landscape, we encourage you to apply.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree and 8+ years of relevant experience, including 3+ years of leadership experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience pursuant to Fla. Stat. 112.219(6) .
• Position requires a valid Class E driver’s license.
• This position may involve driving to various locations on and off campus to conduct University business.
• Applicant must be authorized to work for any U.S. employer, as sponsorship is not available for this position, now or in the future.

Nice To Haves

• 10+ years of progressively responsible experience in business development, economic development, entrepreneurship support, or related fields.
• 5+ years of leadership experience, including cultivating partnerships, strengthening stakeholder engagement, and representing an organization.
• Demonstrated success leading grant‑funded programs, including reporting, regulatory compliance, and fiscal management (SBA/SBDC experience a plus).
• Demonstrated experience in economic development, workforce development, entrepreneurial ecosystems, or public‑private partnership initiatives.
• Proven ability to build and sustain strong partnerships with community, governmental, and higher education stakeholders across large geographic regions.
• Expertise in budget development, forecasting, and managing multiple funding streams.
• Strong public‑speaking and external‑relations experience, including representing an organization to executives and community partners.
• Demonstrated entrepreneurial spirit, strategic vision, and a proven ability to create and implement new programs and initiatives.
• High‑energy, people‑focused leader who inspires teams, builds trust, and cultivates a positive, mission‑driven culture.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain strong community and partner relationships to sustain external funding and lead outreach/public relations efforts, ensuring the SBDC mission and impact are consistently communicated to key stakeholders.
• Provide executive leadership and strategic direction for UCF’s regional SBDC network in alignment with SBA Cooperative Agreement requirements and UCF priorities.
• Oversee operations across 10+ offices, ensuring consistent, high‑quality consulting and training across eight Central Florida counties.
• Lead, supervise, and develop a high‑performing team of 30+ staff and consultants, including hiring and performance management.
• Manage programmatic outcomes, performance goals, and grant deliverables tied to SBDC funding proposals.
• Oversee the SBDC’s $3M+ budget, financial operations, and fiscal compliance with sponsor and UCF requirements.
• Ensure operational and grant‑related compliance, including administrative, financial, and personnel processes.
• Maintain strong relationships with partner institutions, economic development organizations, and community stakeholders across the region.

Benefits

• Benefit packages, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending, and Employee Assistance Program
• Paid time off, including annual and sick time off and paid holidays
• Retirement savings options
• Employee discounts, including tickets to many Orlando attractions
• Education assistance
• For more benefits information, view the UCF Employee Benefits Guide
• Dive into our Total Rewards Calculator to discover the diverse selection available to you, giving you a glimpse into the benefits that together shape your comprehensive rewards package at UCF.

What This Job Offers

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