Area Director-DeKalb

The University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 85,500 - 104,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Defined benefits retirement plan

Job summary

The University of Georgia is seeking an Area Director—DeKalb to lead the DeKalb SBDC territory from the Tucker office in Georgia. This management-level role delivers high-impact consulting, training, and strategic guidance to small businesses and oversees staff and office operations.

The successful candidate will supervise employees, analyze business challenges, and develop programs for seminars, conferences, and workshops, while ensuring program excellence and contractual compliance.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Provide high quality instruction to entrepreneurs, business owners, and business managers.
• Analyze situations, make recommendations, and educate clients regarding business plans, market feasibility, financial viability, operations management, and legal structures.
• Develop and deliver high quality business training programs that respond to the needs of the business community served, including curriculum for seminars, conferences, and workshops.
• Engage in public relations activities such as speeches, presentations, committee participation, and direct discussions with banks, chambers of commerce, economic development authorities, and local media.
• Document activities via Client Information System (CIS) in a timely, accurate, and comprehensive manner; collect and transmit consolidated CIS data; maintain client files per SBA and SBDC guidelines.
• Maintain efficient and effective operation of the assigned area office, including personnel, budget, and other resources, while ensuring administrative policies are followed and services are innovative and responsive.
• Utilize client and management feedback to achieve continuous improvement and uphold contractual obligations with partner institutions.

Skills

Team management

Financial analysis

Business strategy

Entrepreneurship

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Education

Master’s degree in a business-related field

Job description

Job Title: Area Director—DeKalb

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 (SBDC) in Tucker, GA is seeking a highly motivated individual for a management-level, public service faculty position dedicated to helping Georgia businesses grow and prosper.

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. Responsibilities also include managing the DeKalb SBDC territory and office personnel. This role requires strong analytical capabilities, sound judgment, and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively. You will lead the daily operations of the Tucker office, supervise staff, and ensure program excellence within the DeKalb County SBDC service area.

Salary: $95,000 with a comprehensive benefits package, including a defined benefits retirement plan.

Responsibilities

• Provide high quality individual instruction to entrepreneurs, business owners, and business managers.
• Analyze situations, make recommendations, and educate clients regarding business plans, market feasibility, financial viability, operations management, and legal structures.
• Develop and deliver high quality business training programs that respond to the needs of the business community served, including curriculum for seminars, conferences, and workshops.
• Engage in public relations activities such as speeches, presentations, committee participation, and direct discussions with banks, chambers of commerce, economic development authorities, and local media.
• Document activities via Client Information System (CIS) in a timely, accurate, and comprehensive manner; collect and transmit consolidated CIS data; maintain client files per SBA and SBDC guidelines.
• Maintain efficient and effective operation of the assigned area office, including personnel, budget, and other resources, while ensuring administrative policies are followed and services are innovative and responsive.
• Utilize client and management feedback to achieve continuous improvement and uphold contractual obligations with partner institutions.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a business-related field.

Additional Requirements

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

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

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

Benefits

• Defined benefits retirement plan.

Equal Opportunity

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. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR.