Position Title: Lecturer, Regional Director Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
Department: Small Business Development Center
Campus Location: Washburn University
The screening committee will review all eligible applications submitted by June 5, 2024
Position Summary: The Director of the Kansas Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Washburn University supports small businesses and entrepreneurs in the community and service region. The Director administers the grant for the University per the granting agency’s requirements and provides program oversight.
Essential Functions:
• Provides leadership and supervision to the staff and the consultants employed and contracted by the KSBDCWU to service a twelve-county region. Two offices are maintained, one in Topeka, Kansas, and an outreach center in Manhattan, Kansas;
• Provides consulting to small business owners using established guidelines of the KSBDC;
• Teaches and coordinates a variety of seminars and short courses on the small business subject matter;
• Represents Washburn University in the region through community relations and stakeholder interaction;
• Teaches one course per semester, as assigned by the Dean, for the Washburn University School of Business;
• Coordinates activities and programs with those offered by other economic development organizations and entities in the region;
• Creates and manages the SBDC's budget, ensuring the efficient use of resources and compliance with all financial regulations;
• Supervises and mentors the SBDC's staff, including training, hiring, and performance management to ensure that the team provides quality client services and follows all policies and procedures. Provides feedback and professional development opportunities. As the team leader, works to maintain a healthy and fair work environment by promoting teamwork and collaboration;
• Works with staff, community, and regional partners to develop new programs and services that meet the needs of the small business community, evaluates the effectiveness of existing programs, and makes improvements where necessary;
• Responsible for developing relationships with small business owners and entrepreneurs in the community. Engages with clients to understand their needs and provides guidance and resources to help them succeed;
• Establishes and maintains strong partnerships with community organizations, government agencies, and other stakeholders to promote the SBDC's mission and expand its reach;
• Ensures compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements, including reporting on program outcomes, funding usage, and SBA operating regulations;
• Engages in civic groups, business committees, boards, and other stakeholders;
• Supervises tasks assigned to support staff or outsourced to external vendors; and,
• Performs additional job-related duties as assigned or as appropriate.
Required Qualifications:
• Master's degree in Business or an MBA, plus two years of small business or entrepreneurial-focused nonprofit ownership, or two years of business management experience; OR
• Master's degree in a related discipline, plus three years of small business or entrepreneurial-focused nonprofit ownership, or three years of business management experience.
• Education preparation and current experience consistent with "Instructional Practitioner” or “Practice Academic” designation as defined by AACSB-International
• Experience in the SBDC network, economic development experience, small business consulting experience, or entrepreneurial experience
• Supervisory experience
• Teaching or training delivery experience
• Demonstrated budget creation and financial accounting understanding
• A demonstrated understanding of Customer Relations Management Systems
• Proven effective leadership, interpersonal and communication skills
• Demonstrated understanding of small business development, and the ability to manage complex programs and initiatives
Official transcripts required at the time of hire.
Physical Requirements:
Ability to travel between locations, locally and occasionally within the region served
Preferred Qualifications:
• Grant writing experience
• Experience working in different cultural areas
• Familiarity with Topeka and the twelve-county region served
• A demonstrated understanding of technology commercialization
Background Check Required