Area Director-Atlanta

University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Georgia’s Small Business Development Center in Atlanta seeks a highly motivated Area Director to lead consulting, training, and strategic guidance for Georgia businesses. You will manage the Atlanta office, supervise staff, travel across multiple counties, and ensure program excellence with a focus on growth and prosperity for entrepreneurs.

The role emphasizes strong business acumen, leadership, and the ability to deliver high-impact services within a dynamic, collaborative

Qualifications

• Three years' experience of position-related responsibilities is necessary.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and a solid business education are required to consult with and train small business owners and entrepreneurs.

Responsibilities

• Provide high quality individual instruction to entrepreneurs, business owners, and business managers.
• Develop and deliver high quality business training programs and curricula for local business interests.
• Engage in public relations activities such as speeches, presentations, and committee participation.
• Document activities via Client Information System (CIS) in a timely, accurate manner.
• Maintain efficient operation of the area office, manage personnel, budget, and resources.
• Prepare and deploy action plans and reports; support strategic goals and grants relevant to entrepreneurship.
• Represent the SBDC State Director when required and collaborate with internal stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership experience

Public speaking

Business development

Strategic thinking

Analytical skills

Education

Master's degree in business related field

Tools

Client Information System (CIS)

Job description

About the University of Georgia

Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state's flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University's main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

Position Details

Position Information

Classification Title: Public Service Professional AC

Faculty Rank: Open Rank

Contract Type: Fiscal (12 mo.)

Tenure Status: Non-Tenure Track

Minimum Qualifications: Master's degree in business related field.

Position Summary: Would you like to have an impact on your community and make a difference? Are you committed to service? Are you a strategic thinker with strong business acumen and leadership experience? Do you excel at managing teams, analyzing complex business challenges, and driving results? The University of Georgia Small Business Development Center located in Atlanta, GA is seeking 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 also include managing the Atlanta SBDC territory and office personnel. As an Area Director, you will apply your broad base of business knowledge to deliver high-impact consulting, training, and strategic guidance to small businesses across your assigned territory. This role requires strong analytical capabilities, sound judgment, and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively. You will lead the daily operations of the Atlanta office, supervise staff, and ensure program excellence within the Atlanta SBDC service area. This position involves multi-county travel and offers the opportunity to apply your expertise in a dynamic, collaborative environment. The salary is $100,000 with a generous, comprehensive benefits package, including a defined benefits retirement plan.

Additional Requirements: Please see the UGA guidelines for Public Service and Outreach Academic Ranks at http://outreach.uga.edu/policies/appointment-and-promotion-guidelines/

Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, and/or Certification: Three years' experience of position-related responsibilities is necessary. Exceptional interpersonal skills and a solid business education are required to consult with and train small business owners and entrepreneurs.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies: Ideal candidates will bring a solid foundation in business theory and practice, along with exceptional interpersonal and communication skills. A background in team management, financial analysis, business strategy, or entrepreneurship is highly desirable.

Is this a Position of Trust? Yes

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? No

Does this position require a P-Card? No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? No

Is driving a responsibility of this position? Yes

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? No

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications)? No

Credit and P-Card policy: Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Background Investigation Policy: Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

• 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, to name but a few topics.


• Develop and deliver high quality 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.


• Engage in public relations activities such as 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.


• Document activities via Client Information System (CIS) in a timely, accurate, and comprehensive manner. Collect and transmit consolidated CIS data. 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 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. Uphold contractual obligations with other institutions.


• 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, active involvement 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 other duties as required.

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, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ([e-mail]).

USG Core Values Statement

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of 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. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 08.02.18.01.02. Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.