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Eastern Oregon University

Small Business Development Center Director

Eastern Oregon University, La Grande, Oregon, United States, 97850


Eastern Oregon University (EOU) is currently accepting applications for the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Director. This position is a Full-Time (1.0 FTE), 12-Month position that is eligible for the full array of State of Oregon employee benefits including outstanding employee and family healthcare (medical, vision, dental), generous paid time-off (vacation, sick, holidays) and excellent retirement benefits (pension and/or savings).

The Director of the Eastern Oregon University Small Business Development Center interprets strategic goals to create plans, organize, and ensure the development and management of all activities related to EOU’s role in business development. The Director of the Small Business Development Center directs, manages, and markets the Small Business Development Center services to clients within the University’s service district, and provides liaison with business-related community and state resource partners and organizations.

This role is a crucial link between the college, the business community, community partners, state and regional SBDC offices, and federal agencies, facilitating economic development by assisting small business owners.

SBDC Director Primary Outcomes:Business Growth and Development:

Increase in the number of new businesses started.

Expansion of existing businesses in terms of revenue and market reach.

Improvement in the overall success rate of client businesses.

Job Creation and Retention:

Creation of new jobs in the region.

Retention of existing jobs within client businesses.

Client Satisfaction:

High levels of satisfaction among businesses served, often measured through surveys and feedback mechanisms.

Positive testimonials and case studies from successful clients.

Economic Impact:

Contribution to regional economic development, evidenced by metrics such as increased local investment, higher tax revenues, and overall economic growth.

Quantifiable economic impact reports showcasing the center’s contributions.

Funding and Financial Performance:

Securing and managing grants and funding effectively.

Ensuring the financial sustainability and accountability of the center.

Partnerships and Collaborations:

Establishing and maintaining strategic partnerships with local, state, and federal agencies, educational institutions, and private sector entities.

Collaborations that enhance service offerings and expand the center’s reach.

Program Effectiveness:

Successful implementation of programs and initiatives that meet the needs of the business community.

Continuous improvement and innovation in service delivery.

Compliance and Reporting:

Adherence to all regulatory and reporting requirements set by funding sources and governing bodies.

Timely and accurate reporting of activities, outcomes, and financials.

Responsibilities:

Counsels small business clients; assist in developing strategies, plans for improvement and makes recommendations and referrals as necessary.

Plans, organizes, and directs the operations of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC).

Designs small business educational programs, identifies problem areas within small businesses, develops diversified outreach programs and evaluates impact of program delivery.

Develops, recommends and implements grant budget. Monitors expenditures and prepares reports to ensure compliance with budgetary and grant guidelines.

Supervises the performance of the SBDC Administrative Staff, Volunteers, Advisers and Instructors. Supervision includes training, work assignment and review, performance evaluation, and making hiring and termination recommendations.

Analyzes business development needs in the College’s service district by meeting with area businesses, initiates surveys and needs assessments to business owners and workers, making presentations to business and industry, and ensures that responses to requests for service are carried out. Forecasts future needs and recommends strategies for fund development.

Assist the State Director in the development of statewide private and public sector initiatives to increase and improve services to the small business community.

Work with local business leaders, business organizations, Chambers of Commerce, community leaders and other economic development agencies to promote business development and related services as a representative of SBDC and EOU in the community.

Consult with area bankers, economic and community development agencies, and local/regional/state agencies to identify and provide technical business assistance.

Reports activities and essential information regarding Center operations to host institution when required.

Possible opportunities to teach introductory courses for the EOU College of Business.

Creates and maintains required client records and reports.

Collaborates with the Small Business Development Center Director and members of the Oregon Small Business Development Network to develop best practices for client services.

Maintains sensitivity, understanding, and respect for a diverse academic environment, inclusive of students, faculty, and staff of varying social, ability, economic, cultural, ideological, and ethnic backgrounds.

Minimum Qualifications:

Masters degree in Business administration (or equivalent degree or experience in a closely related field).

Three (3) years of experience in educational program management. Knowledge of principles and methods for promoting programs and services.

Three (3) years of experience owning and/or operating a “for-profit” small business including financial planning, marketing, accounting, system analysis, personnel management, or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to perform the essential duties of the job.

Competent in developing and maintaining effective and positive working relationships.

Competent listening, writing and verbal communication skills required with ability to gather and convey ideas and information effectively to others.

Competent in maintaining a high degree of confidentiality.

Knowledge of regulatory compliance principles and practices.

Knowledge of advising and counseling practices.

Knowledge and application of various instructional methodologies.

Competent in budget/resource management.

Competent in people leadership and supervision.

Competent in program development and process improvement.

Must be able to work flexible work schedule including regular weekend and evening advising sessions.

Must satisfactorily complete EOU criminal and credential background check. Having a criminal history is not an automatic bar to employment.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Eastern Oregon University will not sponsor applicants for employment visas.

Preferred Qualifications:

Bilingual (Spanish/English) speaking, reading and writing ability.

Post-secondary teaching experience.

Business advising or coaching experience.

Competent in empathizing with clients and translate business experience into practical advice.

Special Instructions to Applicants:Eastern Oregon University –

Oregon’s Rural University!

– is a respected public, higher education institution of academic excellence. Outstanding faculty and staff thrive and together fulfill their career ambitions to serve students from all walks of life.

Applicant must provide:

Letter of application (which should include why this position is attractive to the applicant, how it meets the applicant’s professional goals, and what attracts the applicant to EOU);

Resume/Curriculum vitae;

Names, email addresses, and phone numbers for at least three references in the reference section of the application.

Candidates are encouraged to review the values and principles of

Eastern Oregon University .

Only complete files of qualified applicants will be reviewed.

EOU is a beautiful, quaint campus nestled in the remarkably scenic, high elevation Grande Ronde Valley populated by wonderful, community-minded citizens that have balanced work-life flexibility. Take a virtual tour of

Eastern Oregon University .

EOU offers a very attractive package of State of Oregon public employee benefits including:

Paid holidays (10 days/year)

Paid vacation (accrues 15 hours/month)

Paid sick time-off (accrues 8 hours/month – no limit!)

Individual AND Family Healthcare Insurance: medical, dental and vision! (95%+ employer-paid!)

Generous

Oregon Public Employee Retirement System benefits

Employer paid life insurance

Relocation assistance

Discounted tuition benefits for employees and eligible dependents

Discounted athletics facilities membership

For more details, see

Prospective Employees

here .

Eastern Oregon University is an EEO Employer

and welcomes applications from women, members of historically underrepresented minority groups, US Veterans, and persons with disabilities.

EOU

is committed to providing equal opportunity in its recruitment, admissions, educational programs, activities and employment without illegal discrimination on the basis of age, color, disability, national origin, race, marital status, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or any status as protected by state or federal law.

Salary: $65,093 to $93,735 per annum

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