Small Business Consultant, Startups (multiple vacancies)

Job Summary

The Small Business Officer is an entry level position that performs a variety of financial and business management advisement services, technical assistance, and related educational services to small businesses, with a specific focus on startups.
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:

• Assists startup and small business clients in the research and development of business plans, marketing plans, loan proposals, and related business development requirements.
• Advises clients in micro and 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 both online and in-person.
• Assists with 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.
• Assists with community outreach to educate prospective clients, strategic partners, and stakeholders on SBDC services and economic impact.
• Monitors operational activities and effectiveness of results, and prepares reports as appropriate.

Other Duties

• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
• May assist with disaster recovery by working as staff at Business Recovery and/or Disaster Recovery Centers.

Additional Job Description

Required Qualifications

• This position requires either four years of directly related full time experience or, as an alternative, a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Business Management, Business Administration, International Business, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Marketing, or related field.
• 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, PowerPoint and Outlook).
• Valid Driver’s License.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree from an accredited institution in Business Management, Business Administration, International Business, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Marketing, or related field. 
• Experience in consulting and/or finance and accounting.
• Proficiency in Spanish, French, or Creole.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of economic development, business ownership, management, and budgetary principles and practices.
• Knowledge of business and marketing plan development.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
• Skill in public speaking and delivering presentations to individuals and groups.
• 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 interact in a professional manner with a diverse group of staff, faculty, students, and the community in a service-oriented environment.
• Ability to take initiative to plan, organize, coordinate and perform work in various situations when numerous and diverse demands are involved.
• Ability to gather data, maintain records, and prepare reports and other written materials.
• Ability to work independently to complete assignments.
• Ability to thrive in an organization that values the diversity of its student body and workforce and actively promotes an equitable environment.
• 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 after hours and/or weekends to attend small business events.
• Ability to travel throughout the 5-county area for client meetings and stakeholder events.

Pay Grade 16