Now Hiring - Director, Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in Worcester, MA

About Clark University:

Founded in 1887, Clark was one of the first all-graduate institutions in the United States. Today the University is a highly-ranked, student-centered institution educating approximately 2,350 undergraduate and 1,150 graduate students to be imaginative and contributing citizens of the world and to advance the frontiers of knowledge and understanding through rigorous scholarship and creative effort. This commitment to scholarship and inquiry reflects the University's commitment to "challenge convention and change our world" and to address issues of critical importance to society. It is also reflected by Clark's many national and international distinctions, including recognition for its diversity and inclusion efforts, innovation, community engagement and impact, as a top green campus, and for having a distinguished geography and international development program. Clark has also been included in the groundbreaking Colleges that Change Lives guide since it was first published in 1996.

Clark is located in Worcester, Massachusetts, a dynamic, diverse city "on the rise." The second largest city in New England, Worcester is home to 11 institutions of higher learning and is increasingly recognized for its growing healthcare and biotechnology communities, its thriving cultural scene, and as a vibrant food hub.

Job Description:

The Director of the Central Regional Office of the Massachusetts SBDC provides leadership and effective management of a highly successful office that provides experienced business advising services and management training to small businesses in Central Massachusetts. The Director also advises clients and develops and maintains relevant professional relationships.

The office has long been known for exceeding their financing goals while meeting other state guidelines and goals each year. In addition to meeting established goals for the center, the director should embrace the overarching mission of the center which is to support the development and growth of small businesses to benefit the region's economic well-being. The MSBDC program at Clark is funded with grants from the U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Massachusetts Office of Economic Development, and administered by the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.

The Director will oversee the operations of the center and a professional staff of three advisors and an office manager. He or she is responsible for managing the budget of the center (about $500,000) and complying with Clark policies, as well as with SBA and MSBDC program guidelines. In addition to leading and managing the office, the director will provide client advising and will develop and maintain strong working relationships with Clark University (as the hosting university), MSBDC, SBA, regional legislators, regional banks, regional chambers of commerce, and other organizational partners that serve small business and economic development in the Worcester area. To supplement the SBA grant funds provided for the staff salaries, the Director must raise additional program revenue ($35,000 - $50,000 per year) and limited pro-bono client services from local corporate sponsors (e.g., banks, law firms). The Director will also perform other duties as assigned.

50% of time - MSBDC Director

Responsible for the overall quality and effectiveness of the MSBDC program at Clark University. This includes the management and administration of the center's counseling, training and administrative staff, and management of outreach activities at regional chambers of commerce and potentially other locations. Must manage and continuously monitor all aspects of client services and report results to MSBDC state headquarters. Must meet/exceed all MSBDC contractual requirements and represent the university at regional, state and national SBDC meetings and conferences.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Responsible for managing and motivating a highly qualified staff of professional advisors and ensuring that they maintain and improve skill levels necessary to support current and future client needs. Review and approve all compensation and department expenses in accordance with Clark policy and assure compliance with SBA and MSBDC program guidelines. Conduct annual performance reviews for all personnel.

Grant Management and Reporting

Prepare and secure appropriate approvals for SBA/MSBDC grant applications and budgets. Oversee and maintain MSBDC Center IC proprietary state-wide reporting system. Prepare and submit monthly MSBDC regional activity reports, budget updates, reimbursement requests, semi-annual and annual progress reports and numerous other reports required to satisfy grant contractual requirements. Also responsible for providing client success stories for publication in media and MSBDC annual reports.

Business Community Outreach

An important component of this position, the Director is charged with the overall responsibility to cultivate strong working relationships with the hosting university (Clark), MSBDC, SBA, regional legislators, regional banks, chambers of commerce, and other organizational partners that serve small business and economic development in the Worcester area (e.g., WEC, Venture Forum, WIRE, etc.). The overall purpose of the outreach responsibility is to apprise the business community of the SBDC services available at Clark University and to garner legislative support for continued funding of MSBDC programs.

Revenue responsibility

SBA/UMass grant funds pay for SBDC staff salaries and fringe. Director is responsible for developing corporate sponsors who will provide limited pro-bono services for clients and other program revenue to fund (non-salary) operational expenses.

Program reviews and audits

Prepare for annual MSBDC site reviews, SBA bi-annual financial and program audits, and national ASBDC accreditation reviews. All are pre-requisites for continued funding and involve substantial preparation to ensure passing.

Outside resources

The director is responsible for garnering and managing outside resources to enhance and augment the SBDC professional staff, such as pro-bono legal/accounting and professional assistance, and GSOM student consulting projects. In some years, the student projects have accounted for over 4000 hours of additional client support.

50% of time - Client Counseling - Senior business advisor/consultant.

Work with and support 100-150 small business clients and entrepreneurial ventures each year. Provide management advice on best practices, business development, business planning, access to capital, marketing, operations and other aspects of running a small business (see senior business advisor position description). Directors may often possess additional credentials or specialized experience that can enhance the skills of the resident staff and offer additional client capabilities (e.g. technology ventures, raising equity capital, business acquisitions, etc.).

Requirements:

• - requires knowledge, skills and experience in "best practices" for a variety of business topics including, business development, finance, sales/marketing, business planning, budgets, accounting, operations, acquisitions, business restructuring, access to government contracts and many other areas.
• A minimum of ten years of prior business experience in managerial and/or professional staff positions is required, including five years small business experience as an entrepreneur, manager, business owner or consultant. Program management and outreach experience is highly desirable for this position.
• Supervisory experience, as well as knowledge and experience in recruiting, motivating and managing a highly skilled group of professionals. Leadership capability to earn the confidence of a diverse array of stakeholders including an experienced and high-performing professional staff, a diverse clientele, university administration and SBDC leadership.
• Must be versatile, results-oriented, and a good relationship builder with strong verbal and written communication, presentation and negotiation skills.
• In-depth knowledge of "best management" practices for small business in general, and working knowledge and proficiency for topics needed to advise and support small manufacturing, retail and service based businesses in Central Massachusetts. Must be knowledgeable and able to advise professional staff and clients on many practical small business subjects including start-ups, incorporation, insurance, intellectual rights, small business software/systems, sales, marketing, e-marketing, franchising, access to capital, financial restructuring, sales/marketing, small business acquisitions, business planning, strategic development, operations, and numerous other small business areas.
• Advanced knowledge of accounting principles, cash flow management, financial analysis and commercial/equity financing. Must be able to read and interpret financial statements and help clients prepare loan/financing packages.
• Ability to relate to a wide range of diversified clients and teach while advising clients on business related issues.
• Ability to prioritize and arrange staff support for a variety of required SBA, MSBDC, University and other regional business events and conferences.
• Proficiency in use of MS Excel, Word, Outlook and PowerPoint. Working knowledge of QuickBooks and other small business accounting systems/software.
• Ability to present SBDC services to diverse audiences including stakeholders, legislators, bankers, chambers of commerce, business groups and clients.

Additional Information:

As of June 1, 2023 Clark University no longer requires employees or students to be vaccinated against COVID-19. However, Clark urges all community members to follow CDC guidelines for COVID-19 vaccination, which recommend that everyone stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines including booster doses. This is important for your own personal health as well as the health of our community.

Clark University embraces equal opportunity as a core value: we believe that cultivating an environment that embraces and promotes diversity is fundamental to the success of our students, our employees and our community. This commitment applies to every aspect of education, services, and employment policies and practices at Clark. Our commitment to diversity informs our efforts in recruitment, hiring and retention. All positions at Clark share in the responsibility for building a community that values diversity and the uniqueness of others by exhibiting integrity and respect in interacting with all members of the Clark community to create an atmosphere of fairness and belonging. We strongly encourage members from historically underrepresented communities, inclusive of all women, to apply.

Clark University offers a generous benefit package for full and, if applicable, part-time employees that include; paid time off, generous retirement plan, group health and dental insurance, life insurance, and tuition, along with use of many campus amenities. For a complete list of benefits for eligible employees visit here.

Application Instructions:

To be considered for this position, you must submit your credentials online. Create a Clark University Careers Account by clicking on the APPLY NOW button below. You will be able to upload the following documents, which are required for consideration:

• Resume
• Cover letter

See the FAQ for using our online system. Please contact us if you need assistance applying through this website.

Already have a Clark University Careers Account? Login to your account to add documents or update your account.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Salary will be commensurate with skills and experience.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States for any employer.

A successful background check is required upon acceptance.