Program Director, Business Assistance Service Centers

Job no: 503980
Work type: Exempt Staff Full-time
Location: Bethlehem
Categories: Higher Education Administration

Lehigh University's Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is a cornerstone of economic vitality in the Lehigh Valley, connecting entrepreneurs with the tools and expertise they need to build lasting businesses. As Program Director for the Business Assistance Service Centers (BASC), you will shape that impact directly — leading operations across Lehigh and Northampton Counties and ensuring that every client interaction reflects the SBDC's commitment to meaningful, measurable outcomes. Reporting through the College of Business, this full-time exempt role carries broad operational and programmatic responsibility across both BASC locations.

Position Number: S98340

This position is a Grade: 9 - 40 with an approximate salary range of $56,030-$68,190 and is subject to change based on experience, skills and qualifications.

Key Accountabilities

• Directing all day-to-day operations of the BASC network across Lehigh and Northampton Counties
• Ensuring service delivery meets program objectives and quality standards established by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED)
• Managing contractual compliance, reporting cycles, and performance metrics required by state funding agreements
• Supervising, mentoring, and evaluating BASC staff to maintain consistent, high-quality business assistance
• Developing and monitoring program budgets in alignment with contractual obligations
• Building partnerships with regional economic development stakeholders, municipalities, and business support organizations
• Tracking client outcomes and preparing detailed performance reports for DCED and University leadership

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Economics, Entrepreneurship or related fields; Master's Degree preferred
• Five to eights years of work related experience
• Demonstrated experience directing a program, business development initiative, or economic development service
• Solid understanding of small business operations, entrepreneurship ecosystems, or commercial lending environments
• Experience managing government contracts or grant-funded programs, including compliance and performance reporting
• Strong relationship management skills with public sector, nonprofit, and private sector partners
• Proven ability to lead a team toward clearly defined service and outcome targets
• Fluent in Spanish (or another second language) preferred

Why Lehigh

Lehigh University offers a genuinely collegial environment where professional staff are valued contributors to the University's broader civic and academic mission. You'll have access to generous benefits including comprehensive health coverage, substantial retirement contributions, and tuition benefits for employees and eligible dependents. The SBDC's deep integration with the College of Business means you'll work alongside faculty researchers and practitioner networks that few regional development roles can match — giving your work both community grounding and intellectual depth.

Lehigh University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate. We are committed to a culturally and intellectually diverse community and we seek qualified candidates to contribute to the university’s mission.

Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing an accommodation for any part of the interview or hiring process may contact Lehigh's Accommodations Specialist.

Special Considerations

• This position is funded by soft dollars; there is no severance associated with this position.
• This term position, tentatively ending September 2027. Eligible for possible extension based on available funding.
• The duties of the position do not allow for a remote work option; the employee in this position will be required to work on campus where they can be fully accessible to the Lehigh community.

Successful completion of standard background checks including but not limited to: social security verification, education verification, national criminal background checks, motor vehicle checks, PATCH, FBI fingerprinting, Child Abuse Clearance and credit history based upon the requirements of the position.

Only complete applications will be considered therefore please complete the application in its entirety. Once the posting is removed from the website applications may no longer be allowed to be completed.

Advertised: July 28, 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Open until filled