Center Director - Internal Only

This position is open to internal candidates only. External candidates will not be reviewed or considered.

Salary/Position Classification

• $68,000 - $72,000 annual, Exempt
• 40 hours per week
• 100% Remote Work Availability: No
• Hybrid Work Availability (requires some time on campus): Yes

Purpose of Position

ND SBDC Center Directors execute the mission, vision, and values of the ND SBDC Network. ND SBDC Center Directors provide business advising 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 service 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 Minot Region includes Bottineau, Burke, McHenry, Mountrail, Pierce, Renville and Ward 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.
  • 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 structures
  • Deploy team-based advising practices when appropriate and connect program clients to other appropriate resources when the need arises
  • Maintain accurate, complete, timely and confidential client files in Center IC database for review and reporting
  • Utilize technology and tools, including SBDCNet, Bizminer, VerticalIQ, BRG, and other reputable databases/resources, and also seek new tools to meet client and program needs
  • Obtain feedback from clients regarding services provided, including satisfaction, impacts and success
  • Organize 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 minimum
  • This position is responsible for developing and implementing creative marketing to raise local investment to support center/program operations
  • Participate 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 citizens
  • Identify and maintain regular contact with other resource partners and referral sources withing assigned region.
• Center administration and program management
  • Propose and monitor annual Center budget, and prepare and submit quarterly and annual Center activities reports
  • Manage 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 absence
  • Understand and comply with the network’s code of professional conduct, conflict of interest policies, client confidentiality requirements, and high level of ethical standards and host organization’s policies
  • As appropriate, network with other SBDCs, APEXs, VBOCs and relevant stakeholders to both learn and promote the programs
  • Actively participate and contribute as a member of the department team, including participating in and attending all network/staff conference calls and meetings
  • Assist 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 an area(s) to be determined after hire, and share that special expertise upon request with ND SBDC staff, clients and other stakeholders
  • Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, establishing personal networks, and participating in professional societies
  • Identify, 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 funding
  • Continuously 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 individuals from various backgrounds and possess a willingness to consider multiple perspectives in problem-solving and decision-making
• Demonstrated desire to learn, and the ability to take constructive criticism, make changes and grow
• Must be able to maintain sensitive and confidentiality of information, with no exceptions
• Work independently within a cohesive program team, and a collaborative network focused on the same goals
• Demonstrated commitment to professionalism, client satisfaction, and a high regard for others and completing tasks on time
• Excellent 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

Minimum Requirements

• Master’s degree or must be actively pursuing a Master’s degree with completion expected within 12 months of hire. Degree emphasis in business administration, entrepreneurship, or management.
• 5 years of directly related experience including 2 years of experience in a managerial capacity
• Experience with entrepreneurial programs, small business programs, and/or economic development programs.
• Experience in small business management and/or operations
• Verifiable partner and fund development experience, raising capital in excess of $10,000
• Budget management and data management experience
• Extensive experience with the operations of computers and software, specifically Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook, Conference call and webinar applications
• Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation for travel
• Must be able to travel, overnights will be required
• Successful completion of a criminal history background 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. This position does not support visa sponsorship for continued employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in small business ownership
• Business consulting/advising/coaching experience
• Experience with an SBDC network
• Experience with the Center IC database
• Experience in project management