SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER

(SBDC)

BUSINESS CONSULTANT

Rome, GA

The Ga. Highlands College/Small Business Development Center seeks an experienced management professional with skills in marketing, finance, accounting and/or human resources to serve the Northwest GA area as a business consultant.  Applicants must have a Master’s degree in business or a related field. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in marketing, finance, and/or accounting.  Salary based on experience in the $50,000+ range.  Excellent benefits available.

APPLICATION PROCESS:  The position is open until filled.  Applications will be screened as received. Background check is required. To be considered an applicant, submit a cover letter, our College Employment Application, resume, and three professional references to us.  The College application and Affirmative Action statement (optional) may be obtained at   http://www.highlands.edu/facultystaff/hr/online_application.htm  Send required documents to:                           

Human Resources Department

Ga. Highlands College

3175 Cedartown Highway – SE

Rome, GA   30161

Fax:  706-368-7723

Email:  applyjobs@highlands.edu

An Equal Opportunity Employer

A Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Business Consultant is a public service professional position responsible for delivering programs to individuals, businesses, communities, organizations, and other public agencies in their assigned geographic territory. This charge requires a broad base of business knowledge, excellent analytical skills, and the ability to effectively manage multiple projects simultaneously. These duties require the integration of business theory and practice, consequently necessitating professional development activities. Multi-county travel is required.

Duties and Responsibilities

Provide individual instruction to entrepreneurs, business owners, and business managers. Analyze situations, make recommendations, and educate clients with regard to business plans, market feasibility, financial viability, operations management, and legal structures, to name but a few topics. Maintain an appropriate level and mix of clients as noted by annual deliverables and strategic plan objectives.

Develop and deliver business training programs that are responsive to the needs of the business community served. Generate curricula for business programs, seminars, conferences, etc. for the local business interests. Determine topics, agendas, instructors, instructional materials, location, time and other resources required. Create and produce instructional materials. Serve as an instructor of business training programs and secure qualified outside instructors, as needed. Effectively market business training programs within assigned communities, so as to meet annual deliverables.

Develop specific area(s) of expertise within the arena of business development. Apply this knowledge through new training programs, consulting tools, research projects, and/or other business assistance programs.

Direct clients to other appropriate sources of business information and assistance. Disseminate pertinent information to the business community via various media.

Serve as an advocate of business development, expansion and retention in the area, thereby becoming a visible leader in the local business community. Work collaboratively with private-sector businesses, other economic development assistance units of the University System, and other units of State Government to further the economic well-being of Georgia's citizens.

Engage in public relations activities including, but not limited to, speeches, presentations, active committee participation, and direct discussions. Relevant audiences include bankers, colleges and universities, chambers of commerce, economic development authorities, main street coordinators, government agencies, local political offices, civic organizations, and local media.

Assist in the continued development, implementation, and updating of the organization's strategic plan. Ensure that organizational goals and objectives are accomplished in a timely and thorough manner. Work with regional colleagues to develop and deploy annual regional action plans that correspond with the organizational strategic plan, are tailored to meeting the specific small business needs within the assigned geography, and capitalize on the skills of regional personnel. Prepare individual work plans, including professional development initiatives, which support regional objectives ..

Seek and apply for grants relevant to entrepreneurship and business development. Initiate co-sponsorship of programs with private businesses, economic development organizations, and other government entities.

Document activities via Consultant Information System (CIS) in a timely, accurate, and comprehensive manner. Maintain adequate client files as per SBA and SBDC guidelines.

Perform all responsibilities efficiently and effectively within assigned area office. Ensure that administrative policies are followed, that programs are innovative and responsive, and that top quality services are delivered. Utilize client and management feedback in striving for continuous improvement. Maintain positive, professional relations with other institutions.

Represent the Area Director when required.

Qualifications

Masters degree in Business or related field. Applicable experience of three years necessary.