Area Director

UGA Small Business Development Center in Brunswick; Illinois; On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Defined benefits retirement plan

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

The University of Georgia Small Business Development Center in Atlanta, GA seeks an experienced Area Director to lead the SBDC territory, oversee office personnel, and drive business development initiatives. This fiscal, 12-month public service faculty position emphasizes leadership, strategic planning, and multi-county travel.

Responsibilities include delivering high-quality instruction to entrepreneurs, developing training programs, managing relationships with bankers and government partners,

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a business related field.
• Three years of position-related responsibilities.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and a solid business education.
• Required skills to consult with and train small business owners and entrepreneurs.

Responsibilities

• Provide high quality instruction to entrepreneurs and business managers on business plans, market feasibility, financial viability, operations management, and legal structures.
• Develop and deliver high quality business training programs responsive to the needs of the business community served; generate curricula for seminars and conferences.
• Engage in public relations activities with bankers, colleges and universities, chambers of commerce, economic development authorities, government agencies, and local media.
• Document activities via CIS in a timely, accurate, and comprehensive manner; maintain client files per SBA and SBDC guidelines.
• Maintain efficient operation of area office, including personnel, budget, and other resources; ensure policies followed and programs are innovative and responsive.
• Prepare action plans and work plans, assist in strategic planning, prepare reports, seek grants for entrepreneurship and business development, and mentor staff.

Job description

Job Title and Details

Area Director - Atlanta (Department: PSO - Small Business Development Center, University of Georgia).

Posting Number: F2753P

Working Title: Area Director-Atlanta

Posting Type: External

Retirement Plan Employment Type

Employee Benefits Eligibility

Benefits Eligible Underutilization

Advertised Salary: $100,000

Anticipated Start Date: 10/01/2026

Job Posting Date: 07/14/2026

Job Closing Date: Open until filled

Position Summary

The University of Georgia Small Business Development Center located in Atlanta, GA seeks a highly motivated, highly skilled professional for a management-level, public service faculty position dedicated to helping Georgia businesses grow and prosper, focused on business development and operational leadership. Responsibilities include managing the Atlanta SBDC territory and office personnel. This role involves multi-county travel and offers the opportunity to apply your expertise in a dynamic, collaborative environment.

Position Information

Classification Title: AC FLSA Public Service Professional

Faculty Rank: Open Rank

Contract Type: Fiscal (12 mo.)

Tenure Status: Non-Tenure Track

Responsibilities

• Provide high quality 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.
• Develop and deliver high quality business training programs responsive to the needs of the business community served. Generate curricula for business programs, seminars, conferences, and related resources.
• Engage in public relations activities such as speeches, presentations, active committee participation, and direct discussions with audiences including bankers, colleges and universities, chambers of commerce, economic development authorities, main street coordinators, government agencies, local political offices, civic organizations, and local media.
• Document activities via Client Information System (CIS) in a timely, accurate, and comprehensive manner. Collect and transmit consolidated CIS data and maintain adequate client files as per SBA and SBDC guidelines.
• Maintain efficient and effective operation of assigned area office, including management of personnel, budget, and other resources. Ensure administrative policies are followed and that programs are innovative and responsive, delivering top quality services.
• Prepare and deploy action plans and individual work plans, assist in the organization’s strategic plan, prepare semi-annual reports, ensure that organizational goals and objectives are accomplished in a timely and thorough manner. Actively involve on internal committees or special projects, serve as a guide and mentor to Business Consultants, seek and apply for grants relevant to entrepreneurship and business development, represent the SBDC State Director when required, and perform other duties as required.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in a business related field.
• Three years of position-related responsibilities.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and a solid business education.
• Required skills to consult with and train small business owners and entrepreneurs.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies

• Solid foundation in business theory and practice.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
• Background in team management, financial analysis, business strategy, or entrepreneurship.

Benefits and Compensation

• Salary: $100,000.
• Defined benefits retirement plan.
• Comprehensive benefits package.

Location

Atlanta Area.

EEO Statement

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, veteran status or other protected status.

USG Core Values Statement

The University System of Georgia 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.

Background Investigation and Credit Check

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation and may include a criminal background check, credential verification, reference checks, and a satisfactory credit check for positions with financial responsibilities. A pre-employment drug test may be required for high-risk responsibilities.

Application Details

The cover letter of application should address the following: Our employees say empathy—an understanding of and service to others—is important in their role at the SBDC. In your letter, please describe instances where empathy is evidenced in your work and discuss why you are interested in supporting the mission and culture of our organization.

Required Documents

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter