Assistant Director - (SBDC Business Consultant)

Valdosta State University; Valdosta (GA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Georgia Small Business Development Center, Valdosta office, seeks an experienced management professional to serve the Valdosta area as a SBDC Business Consultant. This public service faculty role reports to the Area Director and involves counseling, educational programs, and helping small businesses grow.

The role requires strong financial analysis, budgeting, and problem solving, with multi-county travel and a record of reliable program delivery.

Qualifications

• Small business experience is required.
• A degree in business or a related field is necessary.
• A master's degree in business or a related field is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide counseling and deliver programs to entrepreneurs, business owners, and managers.
• Develop and deliver high‑quality business training programs and curricula.
• Coordinate topics, instructors, and resources for business training events.

Skills

Small business experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in business or related field

Master's degree in business or related field

Job description

Job Title: Assistant Director - (SBDC Business Consultant)

Location: Valdosta State University

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Full/Part Time: Full-Time

Job ID: 304004

About Us

As a comprehensive institution of the University System of Georgia, Valdosta State University (VSU) is a welcoming, aware, and vibrant community founded on and dedicated to serving our communities' rich and diverse heritages. Through excellence in teaching, basic and applied research, and service, VSU provides rigorous programs and opportunities that enrich our students, our university, and our region. As such, the VSU mission consists of three interrelated parts that includes a student mission, university mission and regional mission. The university is equally dedicated to the core values of community, including a commitment to practice civility, integrity and citizenship. As members of this community and proud Blazers we strive to uphold these core values for the advancement of the University, as stated in the Blazer Creed and reflected in our commitment to the University System of Georgia's Core Values.

Blazer Creed

Valdosta State University is a learning environment based on trust and mutual respect in which open dialogue, vigorous debate, and the free exchange of ideas are welcome. The University is equally dedicated to the core values of community, including a commitment to practice civility, integrity, and citizenship. As members of this community, and proud Blazers, we will strive to uphold these core values for the advancement of the University.Civility - A Blazer shows courtesy and compassion as well as respect for the dignity of every human being.Integrity - Each Blazer is responsible for his or her own actions, and our community is stronger when we contemplate the context of our decisions and uphold the principles of trust and honesty.Citizenship - Every Blazer has an interest in the well-being of the community, and, therefore, a duty to stay informed, to make positive contributions, and to offer support to those who need help.As a Blazer, we pledge to uphold the core principles of Civility, Integrity, and Citizenship.

Job Summary

The University of Georgia Small Business Development Center, Valdosta office, seeks an experienced management professional with strong skills in financial analysis, business budgeting, small business lending practices, and problem solving to serve the Valdosta area as a business consultant. A Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Business Consultant is a public service faculty position reporting to the Area Director. The person is responsible for providing counseling and delivering programs to individuals, businesses, communities, and organizations 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, thus necessitating professional development activities. Multi-county travel is required. Join an environment that has been named by Georgia Trend as a Best Place to Work. Our team consists of a well-respected and collaborative group of professionals committed to using their areas of expertise to enhance the economic well-being of the small business community. As a trusted Business Consultant, you will enjoy applying your knowledge to help small business clients reach their goals by providing a wide range of educational and consulting services. We are looking for trusted consultants who have a passion to serve and a desire to make a positive impact on the small business community.

Grant Funded Position

This is a grant funded position; therefore, the university will incur no salary obligation beyond funding derived from this source. This position will continue as long as adequate funds are available.

Responsibilities

Supervisor Expectations

• Provide high-quality individual instruction and educational support 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, to name a few topics. Maintain an appropriate level and mix of clients as noted by annual goals and strategic plan objectives. Responsible for developing and refining a consulting practice that yields impactful results.

• 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 and initiate, 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, to meet annual goals.

• In addition to maintaining a broad base of business knowledge, develop specific and relevant areas of expertise within the arena of business development. Apply this knowledge through development and delivery of new training programs, consulting tools, research projects, co-consulting and/or other impact measures.

• 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 such as speeches, presentations, active committee participation, and direct discussions. Relevant audiences include bankers, colleges and universities, chambers of commerce, economic development authorities, downtown development organizations, government agencies, local political offices, civic organizations, local media and potential program sponsors.

• 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 colleagues to develop and deploy annual action and marketing plans that align with the organizational strategic plan, are tailored to meeting the specific small business needs within the assigned geography and capitalize on the skills of SBDC personnel. Prepare and execute individual work plans, including professional development initiatives, which align with area office objectives.

• Support organizational improvement efforts through active involvement with internal committees, center reviews, special projects, and various assessments as directed by the state office.

• Actively participate in the development and execution of sponsorship acquisition strategies in support of area office and state goals. Initiate co-sponsorship of programs with private businesses, economic development organizations, and other government entities. Seek and apply for grants relevant to entrepreneurship and business development.

• Document activities via electronic information system (Unity) in a timely, accurate, and comprehensive manner. Maintain client files as per SBA and SBDC guidelines. Provide impact information for required SBA reporting, including but not limited to success stories.

• Perform all responsibilities efficiently and effectively within the assigned area of 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.

For a candidate to be successful in this position

• Small business experience, and

• A degree in business or a related field is necessary.

Typical Allocation of Duties

Assist in plans and goals development - 30%

Assist in developing and implementing plans and goals for the department or unit.

Assist in daily operations - 25%

Work with the Director or Associate Director to coordinate and supervise daily operations. Supervise assigned department staff. Participate in the provision of professional services as required.

Compliance - 15%

Ensure compliance with regulations, standards, and internal policies.

Data analysis - 15%

Analyze data, prepares reports, and implements necessary changes to existing procedures.

Coordinate departmental participation - 10%

Coordinate the participation of the department/unit at internal and external functions.

Participate in meetings - 5%

Participate in administrative staff meetings and attends other meetings as needed to provide guidance and direction on related issues.

Required Qualifications

• Small business experience, and

• A degree in business or a related field is necessary.

Preferred Qualifications

A master's degree in business or a related field and 3 years of small business experience is preferred.

Proposed Salary

$68,761

USG Core Values

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as 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 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653

Conditions of Employment

Applicants are required to provide:

• professional references with current contact information

• Documentation of academic credentials

• Employment history

Please note that during the search process, VSU reserves the right to: ask candidates who will serve in Positions of Trust to disclose criminal record history during the initial screening process and prior to a conditional offer of employment, view social media outlets, and remove job postings without additional notification.

Employment is contingent upon: successful completion of a background check investigation, including a criminal background check reference checks

Employment may also be contingent upon the job-based requirements if applicable for your position:

• satisfactory credit check

• successful completion of a Motor Vehicle Report (MVR)

• pre-employment drug testing

• confirmation of credentials

After initial hiring, employees will be required to successfully complete all of the following training:

• New employee orientation

• VSU's Annual Compliance Training

• USG Ethics Policy

• Conflict of Interest/Outside Activities Policy

• Drug Free Workplace

• Sexual Misconduct and Title IX

• Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

• Motor Vehicle Policy

• Workers Compensation (new hires)

• Georgia Open Records Act (new hires)

• USG Cybersecurity Training (required twice yearly)

• Job-specific training such as: FMLA and Worker's Compensation

• Budget Manager training

• Purchasing Training (ePro & PCard)

• Defensive Driving

Equal Employment Opportunity

Valdosta State University is an equal opportunity educational institution. It is not the intent of the institution to discriminate against any applicant for admission or any student or employee of the institution based on the age, sex, race, religion, color, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation of the individual.

Background Check

• Position of Trust + Credit

Accommodations

If you are a qualified individual with a disability, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings, apply for a job on this site, or participate in the search process as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by contacting our Benefits Team, in the Office of Human Resources at [e-mail].

Special Applicant Instructions

Valdosta State University may provide employment-based immigration sponsorship for select positions when consistent with institutional needs, University policy, and applicable law. Sponsorship is considered on a case-by-case basis and is not available for all positions. Applicants who anticipate requiring employer sponsorship now or in the future are encouraged to contact Human Resources early in the recruitment process with questions regarding sponsorship eligibility.

Clery Disclosure

The Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act requires institutions of higher education to publish an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (ASFSR). The ASFSR includes crime statistics for the three previous calendar years of reported crimes that occurred on campus; in or on certain non-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by our institution; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security, alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and fire safety policies and statistics. The ASFSR is published annually by October 1 and is available online at https://www.valdosta.edu/administration/finance-admin/police/documents/2025-asfr-final-draft-aa.docx.pdf. You may request a paper copy of the report by emailing [e-mail].