Position Information: Description

The UND Center for Business Engagement and Development is an internal umbrella department at UND for the North Dakota Small Business Development Centers (ND SBDC) program, the North Dakota Procurement Technical Assistance Center program (ND PTAC) and the Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) of the Dakotas program. These programs are federal-state-local partnership programs that provide training and technical assistance to North Dakota’s entrepreneurs and businesses through geographically dispersed service centers across the state (ND SBDC), offices in Bismarck and Fargo (ND PTAC) and offices at UND (VBOC).  The Lead Center (‘State Office’) and its staff are located in Gamble Hall at UND and provide leadership, supervision, service and support for these programs that are part of the North Dakota Business Development Network, and communicates and coordinates with partner entities, stakeholders and other parties, including UND departments and personnel.

ND SBDC Center Directors provide business advising, technical assistance, and training to entrepreneurs and small business owners or managers in all facets of starting, managing and growing a small business.  These positions also oversee administrative and operations functions of a regional center (office), including the work of any other center employees or student interns.  Center Directors are responsible for program marketing, stakeholder relations and local-match funds development within their assigned region and for representing ND SBDC within their region at various functions and events, and also serve as an information resource and conduit to the ND SBDC Lead Center regarding program and network planning, budgeting, operations and delivery of programs and services.

ND SBDC’s Bismarck Region includes Burleigh, Emmons, Grant, Kidder, McLean, Mercer, Morton, Oliver, Sheridan and Sioux counties

Duties & Responsibilities

Provide one-on-one individualized business advising and technical assistance to entrepreneurs and small business owners or managers in all facets of starting, managing and growing a small business. Client needs may require some evening or weekend appointments in person or by phone or e-mail or travel from the regional center to a client’s business location in the region. A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation are required for this purpose
Develop and provide high quality expertise to entrepreneurs, business owners, and business managers in all facets of starting, managing and growing a small business, topic areas to include, but are not limited to: analyzing the specific business and industry data in finance, marketing, management and operations, market feasibility, financial viability, supporting the development of business plans and financial packages, calculating and interpreting historical and projected financial ratios, preparing pro forma cash flow and financial statements; troubleshooting to identify problems and areas for improvement, operations management and legal structuresDeploy team-based advising practices when appropriate and connect program clients to other appropriate resources when the need arisesMaintain accurate, complete, timely and confidential client files in Center IC database for review and reportingUtilize technology and tools, including SBDCNet, Bizminer, VerticalIQ, BRG, and other reputable databases/resources, and also seek new tools to meet client and program needsObtain feedback from clients regarding services provided, including satisfaction, impacts and successOrganize and promote high quality collaborative business training programs that are responsive to the needs of the business community served Collect and provide at least two potential client success stories to the Lead Center each year
Program marketing, stakeholder relations and funds development
Initiate and foster relationships with various stakeholders within assigned region to help promote the ND SBDC program, understand client needs and regional interests, conduct program marketing to enhance program visibility and impact within assigned region, visits to primary lender and economic development partners in the region should be on a quarterly basis at a minimumThis position is responsible for developing and implementing creative marketing to raise local investment to support center/program operationsParticipate in beneficial committees, special projects, and attend small business industry events to meet existing and potential clients and foster referrals from support network and private sector assistance providers.  Make presentations on small business topics and center services at business and civic meetings.Serve as an advocate of business development, expansion, and retention in the defined service area, thereby becoming a visible leader in the local business community, working collaboratively with Chambers of Commerce, Economic Development Offices, Regional Councils, and business incubators in the designated region to further the economic well-being of ND citizensIdentify and maintain regular contact with other resource partners and referral sources within assigned region
Center administration and program management
Propose and monitor annual Center budget, and prepare and submit quarterly and annual Center activities reportsManage administrative and operations functions of assigned service center (office), including the delivery of client services Ensure that assigned service center meets or exceeds annual goals and milestones and operates in compliance with program and network policies and procedures, and that activities align with the mission of the ND SBDC, prevent mission creep and activities that are not aligned with network goals.When necessary, ensure plans are in place for the continued operation of the center and coverage of client projects in the case of a planned or unplanned absenceUnderstand and comply with the network’s code of professional conduct, conflict of interest policies, client confidentiality requirements, and high level of ethical standards and educational or host organization’s policiesAs appropriate, network with other SBDCs, PTACs, VBOCs and relevant stakeholders to both learn and promote the programsActively participate and contribute as a member of the department team, including monthly conference calls and quarterly meetingsAssist ND SBDC Lead Center, program and network with special projects or other activities as requested by supervisor
Professional development and specialized expertise
Develop and provide specialized expertise in the area(s) of tbd-assessed once position is filled based on interest and/or current expertise, and share that special expertise upon request with ND SBDC staff, clients and other stakeholdersMaintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, establishing personal networks, and participating in professional societiesIdentify, obtain and share professional development training to improve job performance and enable understanding and advancement of program, regional service offerings and client success, maintaining alignment with strategic plan, goals, and budgeted fundingContinuously research emerging trends, and best practices in all areas of responsibility Keep abreast of program guidelines, policy changes and new developments related to the program

Required Competencies

Business Planning (development, key components, implementation, market/industry research) Strategic Planning (development, key components and implementation)Financial Analysis (key financial management issues including costs, cash flow, break-even, gross profit margin, forecasting, business ratios and industry averages, and financial statements)Accounting (record-keeping, reconciliation, cash vs. accrual, payroll, operating, equipment, depreciation, AP/AR, COGS, tax issues)Marketing (strategies, competition analysis, development, implementation and evaluation of a plan, e-commerce, digital marketing)Access to capital (ID sources, financing strategies, creating loan proposals, understanding VPV, IRR, amortization, leases, and credit scoring)Demonstrate effective communication skills, including: written skills, active listening, effective client interviewing using open ended questions, attention to detail, creative problem solving, and the ability to handle difficult people.Possess the ability to prioritize, organize, coordinate and complete complex tasks using independent judgment, attention to detail, accuracy and speed Must be able to build strong relationships with people from diverse backgrounds and who have a variety of language and administrative skills and be willing to  look at situations from several points of viewDemonstrated desire to learn, and the ability to take constructive criticism, make changes and growMust be able to maintain sensitive and confidentiality of information, with no exceptionsWork independently within a cohesive program team, and a collaborative network focused on the same goalsDemonstrated commitment to professionalism, client satisfaction, and a high regard for others and completing tasks on timeExcellent interpersonal and communication skills, including public speaking (in front of large and diverse audiences)Demonstrated exceptional customer service and satisfaction for both internal and external stakeholders Strong budget management and data management skills

Minimum Requirements

Master’s degree in business administration, entrepreneurship, or management, and five years full-time verifiable experience that is relevant to this position and its multi-faceted responsibilities (to include two years of experience in a managerial capacity), or equivalent experience directly related to this position and its responsibilities and competencies.Experience with entrepreneurial programs, small business programs, and/or economic development programs.Experience in small business management and/or operationsVerifiable partner and fund development experience, raising capital in excess of $10,000Extensive experience with the operations of computers and software, specifically Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook, Conference call and webinar applications, and the ability to learn new database/MIS systems quickly, is comfortable with emerging office technologiesMust have a valid driver’s license and willingness to travelMust be able to travel, overnights will be requiredSuccessful completion of criminal history records check.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the US and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

Preferred Qualifications

Prior experience in small business ownership Prior business consulting/advising/coaching experiencePrevious experience with an SBDC networkPrevious experience with the Center IC databaseExperience in project management

Minimum Hiring Salary/Position Classification

$57k-$60K DOE, Exempt, Full-Time, Benefited

Work Schedule/Start Date

Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm

Benefits

Includes single or family health care coverage (premiums paid for by the university), basic life insurance, EAP, retirement plan, tuition waiver, annual and sick leave. Optional benefits available: supplemental life, dental, vision, flexible spending account, supplemental retirement plans.

To Apply

This position is open until filled with a review date of April 30th, 2021.

Additional Information

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All information listed in this position announcement will be used by Human Resources, the Hiring Department, and EO/Title IX for screening, interviewing and selection purposes.

Confidentiality of Application Materials

Pursuant to NDCC 44-04-18.27, applications and any records related to the applications that identify an applicant are confidential, except records related to the finalists of the position, which are open to the public after the search committee has identified the top three finalists who will be invited to campus.

EEO Statement

The University of North Dakota is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or other protected characteristic. Women, minorities, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and members of other underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply. Applicants are invited to provide information regarding their gender, race and/or ethnicity, veteran’s status and disability status as part of the application process. This information will remain confidential and separate from your application.

Veteran’s Preference

Veterans claiming preference must submit all proof of eligibility by the closing date. Proof of eligibility includes a DD-214 or NGB 22 and if claiming disabled status, a current letter of disability from the VA dated within the last 12 months.

Clery Statement

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the University of North Dakota publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. The report includes the university’s policies, procedures, and programs concerning safety and security, as well as three years’ of crime statistics for our campus. As a prospective employee, you are entitled to a copy of this report. The report and statistical data can be found online at UND.edu. You may also request a paper copy of the report from the UND Police Department located at 3851 Campus Road, Grand Forks, ND, 58202.