Regional Director, Small Business Development Center

UIOWA•Iowa City, IA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Regional Director of the University of Iowa Small Business Development Center (SBDC) leads small-business and entrepreneurship support across Johnson, Cedar, Poweshiek, Iowa, and Washington counties. The role oversees the center’s administrative, fiscal, and operational success and ensures delivery of high-impact business counseling and training. It combines direct client advising, center leadership, regional partnership development, program innovation, and administrative oversight. The position reports to the Director of the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center and advances the center’s mission of entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic impact. The position is eligible for hybrid work within Iowa; a work arrangement form is required upon employment, and arrangements are reviewed annually under university remote-work policies. The Director advises startups, growth-stage firms, community-based small businesses, entrepreneurs, business owners, faculty, researchers, and innovation-driven ventures. The Director develops partnerships and referral networks, represents and promotes SBDC services, oversees budgets and funding agreements, ensures compliance with applicable requirements, and provides leadership for SBDC operations and staff. The role is expected to support measurable regional economic growth, job creation, and capital infusion. The position requires a bachelor’s degree in a relevant business-related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience, and 5–8 years of progressive relevant experience, including at least 3 years in a leadership or supervisory role. A master’s degree and relevant professional certification are desirable. This is a regular salaried position located in Iowa City, Iowa.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Economics, Entrepreneurship, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
At least 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.
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 conveying 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; must possess a valid driver’s license and meet and maintain UI Fleet Safety Program standards.
Ability to foster a welcoming and respectful workplace while recognizing personal differences.
Ability to work constructively and respectfully 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 for 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 to expand resources available to clients.
Represent the SBDC through workshops, speaking engagements, advising sessions, and community events.
Promote SBDC programs and services through marketing, communications, public outreach, presentations, events, and partnerships.
Provide confidential business consulting 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.