Temporary SBDC Director, Polsky Exchange

University of Chicago•Hyde Park, IL

12d

About The Position

The Temporary SBDC Director is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Small Business Development Center at the Polsky Exchange. The role provides business advising, training, educational services, and events for small business owners; tracks performance against State of Illinois metrics; hires and manages part-time business advisors; and ensures budget compliance. The Director works closely with community organizations, other SBDCs, businesses, University departments, and economic development and industry leaders to coordinate resources, programming, and training. The position is temporary, grant-funded, and contingent on continued funding from the State of Illinois and the federal Small Business Administration. It reports to the Executive Director of the Polsky Exchange. The Director manages client advising and reporting systems, staffing, programming, budgets, partnerships, marketing, and operational processes, while supporting the SBDC’s accreditation and compliance obligations.

Requirements

A B.A., B.S., or advanced degree in business, economics, or another relevant field is required.
Minimum five years of experience in program management, community engagement, external relations, and grant administration is preferred.
Ability to work effectively with local business owners, State of Illinois administrators, corporate executives, students, and entrepreneurs.
Resourcefulness, creativity, attention to detail, and ability to work independently.
Ability to manage multiple tasks effectively under deadlines.
Strong professional, interpersonal, and customer service skills.
Ability to seek out, coordinate, and appropriately disseminate information.
Ability to work effectively with staff at all organizational levels and with vendors, service providers, and other external constituents.

Nice To Haves

Experience with or exposure to small business training and issues across industries, including business formation, finance and accounting, human resources, and operations.
Experience tracking outcomes, creating key performance indicator reports and dashboards, and managing budgets and programs.
Excellent communication skills, including public speaking, and a strong marketing and sales orientation.

Responsibilities

Advise and train small business clients on growth strategies, financial reviews, business plans, sales and marketing strategies, and other business functions.
Hire and manage a team of 2–10 SBDC advisors, depending on available funding.
Help small businesses address issues related to growth, expansion, innovation, and productivity.
Identify high-impact client prospects and support grant performance goals, including access to capital, new business starts, and job creation and retention.
Manage CRM activity, client profiles and files, advisor-hour records, outreach to inactive members, and reporting to the State of Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.
Plan and coordinate programs and activities in line with Illinois SBDC goals and objectives.
Cultivate relationships with community groups, agencies, educational institutions, businesses, other SBDCs, SBA resource partners, chambers of commerce, professional associations, and economic development groups.
Attend events and advisory board meetings to develop action plans, resolve issues, share best practices, and solicit feedback.
Organize and coordinate the SBDC’s day-to-day operations at the Polsky Exchange.
Work with the Executive Director on SBDC accreditation, programming, and state and federal agency updates and requirements.
Develop tools and processes to meet required metrics, reports, and timelines; monitor activities for alignment and compliance; and improve reporting tools.
Maintain an effective local Board of Advisors reflecting the Center’s market-sector focus.
Develop internal and external resources to meet program objectives, including seeking additional funding.
Supervise center personnel, including consultants and clerical staff.
Manage the Center’s operational budget.
Maintain the program’s reference library, database, client control records, and management information system.
Maintain data on private-sector consultants for referral to small business community members.
Provide timely and accurate reports and analyze data on program effectiveness.
Promote the SBDC and the needs of the small business community.
Establish a marketing plan to increase visibility of services offered in the region.
Perform other related work as needed.