Small Business Consultant I (multiple vacancies)

Job Summary

The Small Business Consultant I performs a variety of financial and business management consulting, counseling, or advisement, technical assistance, and related educational services to new and existing small businesses. Provides one-on-one consultations covering a variety of issues related to running small businesses. Develops and presents educational materials, and conducts outreach to educate clients, partners, and stakeholders on the Small Business Development Center’s (SBDC) services and impact.
FGCU is a member of the State University System of Florida and an Affirmative Action and Equal Employment Opportunity and Access Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, disability, sex, pregnancy, national origin, marital status, genetic predisposition, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender expression, veteran status, and any other protected class(es), as required by applicable state and federal law, as well as University regulations and policies.

Job Description

Typical duties may include but are not limited to:

• Provides direct technical assistance to small business clients in the research and development of business plans, sales growth plans, marketing plans, loan proposals, and related business development requirements.  Provides specialized small business advising in one or more SBDC functional areas.
• Advises clients in small business management practices, methods, and techniques in compliance with all relevant business, accounting, and taxation laws, regulations, guidelines, and standards.
• Participates in the development, promotion, coordination, and delivery of small business management training programs and workshops.
• Coordinates and/or participates in efforts to build relationships with area businesses to establish and develop contract training opportunities.
• Participates, as assigned, as a member of community groups and organizations to promote local business and economic development within the service area. Networks and builds relationships with community partners including Economic Development Agencies, Chambers of Commerce, and other community organizations for the purpose of building a client service base.
• Monitors operational activities and effectiveness of results, and prepares reports as appropriate.
• Creates and maintains reports required by Florida SBDC Network in the Customer Relationship Management System (CRM). Utilizes CRM data to assists SBDC consultants and account executives to measure the cost, quantity, quality, and impact of the Florida SBDC program.
• Creates and maintains confidential client files, sends and reviews surveys to ensure accuracy of client information, and makes timely updates to records as necessary.
• Conducts assessments, follows up with clients, and gathers impact data and feedback from clients and customers. Creates client success stories on a regular basis.
• Contributes to knowledge creation and dissemination to SBDC peers and participates in networking activities.

Other Duties

• Completes annual professional development hours as required.
• Attends meetings and events as required.
• May be required to assist with disaster recovery during declared disasters by working as a staff member at Business Recovery and/or Disaster Recovery Centers.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Additional Job Description

Required Qualifications

• This position requires either six years of directly related full-time experience or, as an alternative, a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in an appropriate area of specialization and two years of full-time experience directly related to the job functions.
• Any appropriate combination of relevant education, experience, and/or certifications may be considered.
• Experience operating a personal computer and proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook).
• Valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree from an accredited institution in an appropriate area of specialization.
• Experience in consulting and/or finance and accounting.
• Proficiency in Spanish.
• This preferred experience can be updated depending on your needs, for example if you are looking to hire a Small Business Consultant with a specific background like marketing.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of economic development, business ownership, sales growth, entrepreneurship, operations, financing, human resources management, general business management, and budgetary principles and practices.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of business and marketing plan development.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to prioritize and complete simultaneous projects.
• Skill in public speaking and delivering presentations to individuals and groups
• Ability to work successfully as both a member of a team and independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to think critically and creatively, have a high standard of integrity, and be motivated to incorporate best practices into the organizational structure.
• Ability to take initiative to plan, organize, coordinate and perform work in various situations when numerous and diverse demands are involved.
• Ability to interact in a professional manner with a diverse group of staff, faculty, students, and the community in a service-oriented environment.
• Ability to gather data, maintain records, and prepare reports and other written materials.
• Ability to work independently to complete assignments.
• Ability to conduct market research and analysis.
• Ability to develop training presentations and programs.
• Ability to utilize data and information to make decisions and projections.
• Ability to thrive in an organization that values the diversity of its student body and workforce and actively promotes an equitable environment.
• Ability to work frequent evenings, nights, and weekends as required.

Pay Grade 17