What are the responsibilities and job description for the Business Consultant Associate position at Western Michigan University?
Position Details
Posting Summary
College
VP Research and Innovation-DIV
Executive Area
VP Research and Innovation
Department
VP Research and Innovation
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
S1063P
Job Type
Full Time, Regular
Pay Type
Exempt/Salaried
Pay Grade
D
Campus Location
WMU-Kalamazoo - East Campus
Salary Range
Pay is commensurate with qualifications and experience, combined with an excellent benefits package.
Number of Vacancies
General Summary
Provides counseling, training, research and technical assistance services to small business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs, and those developing new products or markets.
Major Duties
- Manages a client pipeline and provides high-quality, one-on-one consulting assistance to basic business structures in areas of strategic planning, financing, loan packaging, exporting, marketing, human resources, demographics, and other areas of management. Provides technical support to promote small business growth and productivity.
- Assists in providing guidance, training, and mentorship to Michigan Small Business Development Center clients.
- Provides general business guidance and reviews financial statements and other documents as required. May assist with preparing small business clients to gain access to capital from both traditional and alternative funding institutions.
- Maintains relationships with small business support organizations, financial institutions, consultants, and high-level public and private sector business resource partners. Assists clients access basic Small Business Development Center specialty programs and local business resources.
- Advises clients on basic business finance topics. Assists clients in identifying financial needs and potential local funding sources. Provides guidance on initial steps for obtaining funding through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
- Establishes and maintains detailed electronic records of client assistance in the customer relationship management software in accordance with the United States Small Business Administration and Michigan Small Business Development Center policies and procedures.
- Oversees an inclusive client portfolio to ensure timely attendance at appointments, meaningful progress through next steps, and effective follow-ups to build client relationships and capture impact validation.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in related field from an accredited institution.
- Some relevant experience
- Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.
- General knowledge of the principals and practices of small business.
- Experience with office software, including word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software.
- Experience using and querying databases.
- Ability to work independently.
- Ability to manage multiple assignments and establish work priorities.
- Ability to work irregular shifts and extended hours, including weekends and holidays.
- Ability to travel to business clients throughout Southwest Michigan.
Desired Qualifications
Special Instructions to Applicants
- External applicants should use the WMU – Application.
- Internal applicants should use the WMU – Internal Application.
Additional Position Information
- This terminal position will end on 12/31/2025, and has the potential to be renewed.
- Staff Compensation System pay grades and rates are available at: https://wmich.edu/hr/staffcompensation.
- Western Michigan University offers generous benefits to its employees including health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, retirement, and tuition discount for the employee and tuition remission for eligible dependents. To access information about the specific benefits available for this position, s://www.wmich.edu/hr/enrollment-staff.
Physical requirements and working conditions
- Office or other indoor work with minimal physical demands such as occasionally lifting or moving materials less than 25 pounds.
- Work is generally performed in a well-lit, temperature-controlled indoor environment with occasional exposure to the outdoors or any number of elements.
