Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Program Specialist

It’s a great time to join the City of Boulder!

Application Deadline:

April 29, 2025

Compensation Details:

Full Pay Range

23.11 - 33.53

Generally, the hiring range is from the minimum up to 80% of the range.This is a full-time hourly position.

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Benefit Eligibility Group:

Non Union (30 Hours)

Locate the Benefit Eligibility Group value on the Employee Benefit Eligibility document to identify the benefits offered for this job.

Job Description Summary:

Under general supervision, the SBDC Program Specialist provides customer service and administrative, financial, and technical support for programs designed to help small businesses grow and succeed, while supporting a welcoming, inclusive, and client-oriented environment. This position is an important member of a mission-driven team in a fast-paced, hands-on environment with high impact.

Job Description:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSBILITIES

Acts as an ambassador for the Boulder SBDC, frequently serving as the initial point of contact.

• Provides excellent customer service with a high degree of professionalism while interacting with clients, staff, advisors, volunteers, presenters, and the public by phone, email, or in person to answer questions and provide information and connections to resources.
• Keeps Boulder SBDC center director and program managers informed about trends in inquiries, client or advisor concerns, and other observations that may impact workshop topics or other program planning.

Assists with client and advisor coordination for Boulder SBDC programs.

• Initiates consulting process and explains online registration process, answering client questions and providing registration assistance as needed. Connects clients with advisors and schedules consulting sessions. Prepares and sends pre-formatted emails to clients providing helpful information such as how to prepare for meetings with advisors.
• Helps coordinate client meetings with contract advisors who are business subject matter experts. Tracks client meetings with advisors in CRM database.
• Tracks client and advisor commitments, monitors meeting status, and follows up to ensure clients receive assistance requested. Responds to advisor questions, concerns, or requests for additional support or information for clients.

Provides administrative and program management support.

• Helps maintain appointment calendars and schedule meetings including conference room, workshop, and other facilities.
• Provides meeting, workshop, and event support including scheduling, room set up, food and beverages, greeting attendees, and assisting with other logistics as needed. Participates in business training workshops, webinars, and events as required.
• Works with Community Vitality or City Manager’s Office administrative staff to administer employee parking program, request maintenance or facilities assistance, and troubleshoot technology issues.
• Modify or compose written materials such as emails, correspondence, and memorandums which may include editing, correcting grammar, proofreading, and originating brief written materials.Works with Program Managers to market workshops, manage newsletter creation, and manage social media and other outreach efforts.
• Works with Program Managers to modify or design program materials, website change requests, and other special projects as needed.
• Perform manual administrative functions such as photocopying, typing, sorting, packaging, mailing, assembling documents/reports, and distribution of materials including distribution of mail for the center.
• Purchases office supplies, monitors equipment and supplies inventories, and interacts with vendors and city staff as needed.
• Helps coordinate arrangements for travel, receptions, workshops, and events.

Provides accounting and financial support for Boulder SBDC programs.

• Provides consulting activity reports to advisors, and reviews and processes advisor invoices for payment.
• Verifies accuracy and proper coding of center transactions such as payments, billing, and deposits with center director and program managers. Enters deposits and invoices into the finance system and generates reports as needed.
• Works with City Manager’s Office administrative staff to reconcile purchasing card statements and enters data into computerized systems.
• Helps track revenue and expenses. Researches and complies financial, administrative, and related information.

Data Management and Tracking

• Assists Program Managers with collecting economic impact surveys from clients and compiling data to measure the impact of program to ensure participant needs and performance standards are satisfactorily met.
• Assists in maintaining updated lists of clients and program attendees.
• Organizes and maintains confidential client and financial files.

Represents the City Manager’s Office and Boulder SBDC in a manner that models city and center vision and values. Participates in professional training and development.

Takes proper safety precautions, anticipates unsafe circumstances, and acts accordingly to prevent accidents. Responsible for safety of self, others, materials, and equipment. Follows all safety regulations, policies, and procedures. Reports all accidents and damage to City of Boulder or SBDC property.

Performs related duties as required to meet the needs of the Boulder SBDC.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to demonstrate a high standard of work quality and attention to detail is essential for success.
• Ability to demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to demonstrate strength in planning and organization with ability to address multiple priorities with tight timelines.
• Ability to effectively communicate and interact with the public and clients, staff, advisors, and volunteers in a positive, respectful, and cooperative manner.
• Ability to provide a high level of customer service and maintain client confidentiality.
• Ability to provide administrative and financial support. Experience pulling reports, analyzing data, and working in spreadsheets.
• Knowledge of and demonstrated experience using the suite of Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams), email, Internet, and Adobe Acrobat software platforms.
• Skilled in being a highly motivated, client-focused team player with excellent organizational, planning, and communication skills who is comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.
• Valid Driver’s License and ability to maintain acceptable motor vehicle record.
• Have and maintain acceptable background information, including criminal conviction history.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to communicate fluently in English and Spanish.
• Knowledge of and experience working in an active, highly engaged community with a university.
• Knowledge of and experience in marketing, advertising, and email campaigns.
• Knowledge of and experience working in design software such as Canva, Adobe, etc.
• Knowledge of and experience working in project management software such as Asana, Monday.com, etc.
• Knowledge of and previous experience working with startups or small businesses, or with owning or managing a small business.
• Knowledge of or experience working in the Boulder area.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Associate degree in a relevant field (including business administration, marketing, or other related field); or equivalent of four (4) years’ experience may substitute for the education requirement only.
• Three (3) years of administrative office experience.

SUPERVISION

Supervision Received: SBDC Principal Program Manager

Supervision Exercised: None

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

• Physical and Mental Effort: Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities that permit the employee to communicate effectively on the telephone, online, or in person. Sufficient vision or other powers of observation that permit the employee to review, evaluate, and prepare a variety of written documents and materials. Sufficient manual dexterity or alternative means that permits the employee to operate computer equipment and other office equipment. Sufficient personal mobility to permit the employee to work in an office setting. Work may include extended periods of time viewing a computer video monitor or operating a keyboard. Ability to work under stress from demanding deadlines, public contact, and changing priorities and conditions. Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.
• Work Environment: Works primarily in a clean, comfortable environment. Works in a setting subject to continuous interruptions and background noises. Work generally scheduled on weekdays with occasional early morning, evening, or weekend hours for community outreach, events, and programs as needed. At least two weekdays in the office required. Local travel may be required to satellite offices, consulting and event venues, and for meetings in Denver and other Front Range locations. May require periodic travel to other Colorado locations for statewide meetings and outside Colorado for annual national conference. Position may be required to work occasional nights and weekends to provide business disaster recovery assistance in coordination with the City of Boulder, State of Colorado, and SBA.
• Machines and Equipment Used: Frequently uses standard office equipment including personal computers, telephones, calculators, and copy/fax machines.

Additional Job Description:

Last updated: February 2025

The City of Boulder is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected statute. For individuals with disabilities who would like to request an accommodation, please send a request to riskmanagement@bouldercolorado.gov.