Regional Director, Small Business Development Center

University of Iowa•Iowa City, IA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Regional Director of the University of Iowa Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides strategic leadership for small-business and entrepreneurship support across Johnson, Cedar, Poweshiek, Iowa, and Washington counties. The role is accountable for the center’s administrative, fiscal, and operational success and for delivering high-impact business counseling and training. It combines direct client advising, center leadership, regional partnership development, program innovation, and administrative oversight to support economic growth, job creation, and capital infusion throughout the service area. The Director reports to the Director of the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center. The position is eligible for hybrid work within Iowa, subject to a work arrangement form and annual review under the university’s remote work policies. It is a regular salaried position based in Iowa City, Iowa, at Pay Level 6A.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Economics, Entrepreneurship, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
A minimum of 5–8 years of progressive experience in business consulting, commercial lending, or corporate management, including at least 3 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
Demonstrated experience owning, operating, managing, or advising small-to-medium-sized businesses, including responsibility for operations, strategic planning, growth initiatives, or financial performance.
Extensive experience in business consulting, economic development, commercial lending, entrepreneurship support, or business management.
Experience analyzing financial statements, developing budgets, evaluating business performance, and applying accounting and financial management principles.
Ability to provide strategic guidance and technical assistance to business owners and organizational leaders.
Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills, including ability to convey complex business, financial, or economic information to varied audiences.
Ability to develop and maintain effective partnerships with businesses, community organizations, financial institutions, government agencies, and other stakeholders.
Ability to travel.
Valid driver’s license and ability to meet and maintain UI Fleet Safety Program standards.
Ability to foster a welcoming and respectful workplace and work constructively with a variety of individuals and groups.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Entrepreneurship, Economic Development, or a related field.
Professional certification such as CPA, CMA, CEcD, or a similar credential.
Experience working within or alongside a university, research institution, healthcare system, or similarly complex organization.
Familiarity with innovation-driven or research-based companies, including exposure to commercialization, life sciences, healthcare, or regulated industries.
Experience with SBDC, SBA, or other publicly funded business support or economic development programs.
Prior experience supervising staff, advisors, or contractors.
Comfort working in a data-driven environment that includes outcomes tracking and reporting.

Responsibilities

Lead delivery of high-quality SBDC advising and support services to startups, growth-stage firms, and community-based small businesses.
Provide strategic business counseling on business planning, growth strategies, commercialization, operations, and capital readiness.
Serve as a senior advisor to entrepreneurs, business owners, faculty, researchers, and innovation-driven ventures.
Develop and maintain partnerships with businesses, economic development organizations, financial institutions, educational partners, and government agencies.
Establish and maintain referral networks that expand resources available to clients.
Represent the SBDC through workshops, speaking engagements, advising sessions, and community events.
Promote SBDC programs through marketing, communications, public outreach, presentations, events, and strategic partnerships.
Provide confidential business consulting services to entrepreneurs and small businesses.
Assist clients with business planning, growth strategies, and operational development.
Support clients in securing financing, investment capital, and business resources.
Develop and manage budgets for SBDC operations and programming.
Prepare and administer grants, contracts, and funding agreements.
Ensure compliance with SBA, university, state, and federal requirements.
Provide leadership and direction for SBDC operations and staff; recruit, train, supervise, coach, and evaluate staff and consultants.