Program Assistant - Small Business Development Center

Since 1906, the University of West Georgia (UWG) has been home to those who seek a transformative college experience. UWG is a leading residential, doctoral comprehensive university that offers a broad undergraduate and graduate curriculum based on a liberal arts foundation. Nestled among the pines on a picturesque 645 acres is the University of West Georgia- a hidden gem approximately 40 miles west of Atlanta. Serving approximately 13,000 students, and offering more than 100 programs, UWG is committed to advancing innovative academic programs and a student-centered business model. Perennially ranked by U.S. News & World Report, the Princeton Review, and Colleges of Distinction as a top national university, West Georgia offers 86 fields of study, including business, computing, nursing, education, STEM, communication and digital media, social sciences, and the fine and performing arts. UWG generates a regional economic impact of more than $650 million annually and provides a safe, quality, and affordable university experience that connects students to post-graduate career and leadership opportunities. UWG has been recognized by the Carnegie Foundation for its institutional commitment to community engagement through teaching, research and creative activities, and public service. West Georgia is one of only 119 U.S. colleges and universities to receive the elective classification in 2020 and is among only 359 institutions nationally. Dedicated to creating a first-choice university for students, alumni, employees, and communities, UWG seeks employees who will advance and support the University's mission of fulfilling the talent needs of western Georgia and the Atlanta metropolitan area, while contributing to the social, cultural, and economic development of the region and state.

Living in Carrollton, "The City of Dreams," offers the advantages of city life with a small-town vibe. This progressive community with Southern flair offers plenty of shopping, restaurants, nightlife opportunities, and cultural events. Named a City of Excellence in Georgia and listed as one of the 50 Best Small Southern Towns, Carrollton is the cultural, educational, health care, and commercial center for the west Georgia region.

At the heart of Carrollton is its historic downtown and Adamson Square lined with shops, galleries, and restaurants. Each season offers unique local events and opportunities for year-round recreation. Outdoor activities abound through award-winning spaces, including an 18-mile paved walking and biking Greenbelt trail that encircles the city and passes through the UWG campus.

The city embraces the University's students, faculty, and staff, and welcomes the diversity UWG brings to the community.

Invested in education with highly rated city and county K-12 systems, both city and county public school graduation rates are 90% and above and rank among the top in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

The Program Coordinator serves as the primary administrative support for the UGA Small Business Development Center (SBDC) field locations at the University of West Georgia. This position plays a vital role in managing daily office operations, serving as the first point of contact for clients and stakeholders, and ensuring smooth administrative processes. This position supports the Area Director, Business Advisor, and Business Consultant while maintaining a professional and welcoming environment. This position requires strong customer service skills, the ability to multitask, and a keen attention to detail to ensure the seamless operation of the center.

The Program Coordinator represents the University of West Georgia, the Richards College of Business, and the UGA SBDC Network, making professionalism, communication, and organizational skills essential for success.

1 -
First Point of Contact - Serves as the first point of contact for office communication and manages incoming inquiries (phone, email, web and walk-ins) Maintains a working knowledge of SBDC and community resources in order to route clients to the appropriate resource. Presents a professional image and routes messages to consultants as appropriate. Answer phones, receive visitors, and sort mail on a daily basis. Maintain a clean and safe operating environment within the department.

2 -
Office Administration - Maintains financial files by requesting
P-Card preapprovals, purchasing items, and sending p-card
reconciliation paperwork to the state business office. Manages
facilities and coordinates with UGA SBDC Business office
including but not limited to: ordering appropriate office supplies,
paying bills/invoices as needed, and handling incoming/outgoing
mail. Reconcile supply and travel departmental budgets as
needed. Initiate and complete travel authorizations as needed.

3 -
Continuing Education Administration - Inputs courses into
the registration system, managing the registration process and
providing customer service for CE participants Manage
documentation of classes in accordance with UGA and SBA
standards. Provides clerical and administrative support for local
office¿s continuing education programs including but not limited to:
collecting registration fees, processing refunds as appropriate,
ordering materials, and printing class materials. Manages CE
Evaluation process and responsible for pulling survey results for
the local center¿s programming.

4 -
Center Coordination - Collaborate with UGA SBDC State
Office Marketing department to coordinate promotional materials
for CE classes and other center promotion(s). Manages a center
calendar including CE events, and other relevant office events
and deadlines for the local center Manages scheduling and
correspondence with clients when requested by consultants
Maintains a contact list and calendar of outreach meetings and
events with local referral sources and resource partners Support
organizational improvement efforts through active involvement on
internal committees, special projects, and various assessments
as directed by the state office.

Educational Requirements
Bachelor's Degree

Required Experience
Bachelor's degree in a business related field. A minimum of two years experience in a professional office environment in a supporting role. Working knowledge of office best practices and procedures. Skilled in Microsoft Office to include Excel and PowerPoint. Must be organized and self starter who takes the initiative to continually improve the operations.

Preferred Educational Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree

Preferred Experience
Experience in a related office setting to the SBDC.

$21.63-$23.08 hourly, paid on a bi-weekly basis

ABILITIES
Communication and Interpersonal Abilities ¿ Ability to effectively communicate with clients, faculty, and staff while maintaining a professional demeanor.
Confidentiality and Discretion ¿ Ability to handle sensitive information appropriately.
Teamwork and Collaboration ¿ Ability to work effectively in a team environment and contribute to a collaborative culture.
Decision-Making and Judgment ¿ Ability to make sound decisions that impact the efficiency and reputation of the center.
Adaptability and Flexibility ¿ Ability to adjust to changing priorities and handle multiple responsibilities simultaneously.
Attention to Detail ¿ Ability to ensure accuracy in records, reports, and financial transactions.
Initiative and Self-Management ¿ Ability to manage tasks independently and take initiative in improving processes.
Technical Proficiency ¿ Ability to use and maintain office equipment, including computers, printers, copy machines, and messaging systems.

KNOWLEDGE
Office Mgmt Practices ¿ Understanding of admin procedures, including financial tracking & correspondence handling.
Cust Serv Best Practices ¿ Knowledge of professional interaction with clients, faculty, staff, & students.
SBDC & Comm Resources ¿ Familiarity with the SBDC & available community services.
Fin Procedures ¿ Knowledge of financial processes, such as purchasing, invoicing, & travel authorizations.
CE Programs ¿ Understanding of continuing education registration, class documentation, & compliance with UGA & SBA standards.
Event Coordination & Scheduling ¿ Knowledge of organizing & managing events, including maintaining calendars & outreach coordination.

Errors in this position can have significant consequences, impacting financial integrity, operational efficiency, & the reputation of UWG, the Richards College of Business, and the UGA SBDC. Mistakes in financial management, client communication, or compliance documentation can result in monetary losses, wasted time, and increased effort to correct issues, leading to disruptions in service delivery and potential regulatory concerns. Given the role¿s direct interaction with clients and stakeholders, errors in judgment or miscommunication may damage relationships & diminish trust in the center's ability to provide high-quality support.

SKILLS
Administrative Skills ¿ Ability to manage office functions efficiently, including scheduling, coordinating, and handling inquiries.
Customer Service Skills ¿ Strong interpersonal and communication skills to interact with clients, faculty, staff, and students.
Organizational Skills ¿ Ability to multitask and prioritize responsibilities effectively.
Financial Management Skills ¿ Experience with purchasing, reconciliation, and budget tracking.
Technology Skills ¿ Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
Event Coordination Skills ¿ Ability to manage continuing education registration and support event planning.
Data Management Skills ¿ Ability to collect, organize, and maintain records efficiently.
Problem-Solving Skills ¿ Ability to address inquiries and determine the appropriate course of action.
Marketing and Outreach Skills ¿ Ability to assist with promotional materials and event planning in collaboration with the UGA SBDC State Office Marketing department.
Time Management Skills ¿ Ability to self-manage and allocate time effectively among competing priorities.

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of West Georgia as determined by the University of West Georgia in its sole discretion; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials, reference checks; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Applicants may be subject to a pre-employment drug test. Offers are made expressly subject to the applicable federal and state laws, to the statutes, rules and regulations of this institution and to the Bylaws and Policies of the Board of Regents (BOR) of the University System of Georgia (USG), which are available for your inspection upon request.

The University of West Georgia is an equal employment, equal access, and equal educational opportunity, and affirmative action institution. It is the policy of the University of West Georgia to recruit, hire, train, promote, and educate persons without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status as required by applicable state and federal laws (including Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, Sections 503, and 504, ADEA, ADA, E.O. 11246, and Rev. Proc. 75-50)

The mission of the University of West Georgia is to enable students, faculty, and staff to realize their full potential through academic engagement, supportive services, professional development, and a caring, student-centered community. The institutional mission and daily operation of the University of West Georgia are guided by our values that support our vision to be the best place to work, learn, and succeed: ACHIEVEMENT, CARING, COLLABORATION, INCLUSIVENESS, INNOVATION, INTEGRITY, SUSTAINABILITY, and WISDOM.

Describe any budgetary responsibilities: Coordinate and complete expense reports and check requests; Accurately account for monies collected for program and conference registration fees, prepare budget amendment, and review and balance department budgets.

Describe the type of decisions this position makes and what are the consequences of error: Records must be prepared and maintained and and data must be collected, stored, and secured. Errors can affect client scheduling, office productivity and SBA audit findings.