Business Advisor

Research-Foundation-Cun; New York (NY); On-site; USD 52,000 - 59,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

RFCUNY Benefits and Accruals

On-site work at Staten Island office

Job summary

RFCUNY is seeking a Business Advisor for the Staten Island SBDC to counsel existing businesses, startups, and aspiring entrepreneurs. You will help with business formation, plans, market research, and financial guidance while maintaining detailed CRM records.

The role emphasizes client-centric advisement, outreach within New York's 11th district, and leading training events. A bachelor’s degree and 3+ years’ experience are required, with on-site work at the College of Staten Island.

Qualifications

• Minimum three years of experience in private-sector business or related public technical assistance environment
• Strong customer service skills to identify client needs and provide solutions
• Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to build partnerships and maintain confidentiality

Responsibilities

• Provide one-on-one client counseling and small-business assistance
• Assist with business formation, plans, market research, and financial projections
• Enter notes into CRM within 2–3 days; meet monthly/quarterly/annual metrics
• Conduct outreach in NY-11 district and participate in trainings
• Support and lead SBDC events and provide follow-up services

Skills

Communication

Customer service

Organization

Driving/Travel

Education

Bachelor's degree in business or related field

Tools

CRM Neoserra

Microsoft Office

Job description

Thank you for considering a career with the Research Foundation of The City University of New York (RFCUNY).

The team at RFCUNY is made up of dedicated, talented professionals committed to providing the services that allow CUNY researchers, faculty, and staff to focus on their intellectual curiosity and scientific discoveries. We are pleased that you are interested in exploring opportunities to join RFCUNY.

Primary Location

Primary Location: COLLEGE OF STATEN ISLAND Bargaining Unit: No Business Advisor

Duties & Responsibilities

At a Regional Center, a Business Advisor provides one-on-one client counseling and comprehensive small-business assistance to existing businesses, startups, and aspiring entrepreneurs. Provide expertise in SBDC services, including business formation, business plan development, market research, and guidance on financials (cash flow projections, profit & loss statements, balance sheets, budgeting, and other financial matters). Enter contact and counseling notes into the CRM system (Neoserra) within two to three days of contact; respond to clients, potential clients, and other external liaisons in a timely manner; refer individuals to outside providers when appropriate. Meet monthly, quarterly, and annual metrics to ensure the center meets annual goals. Conduct weekly outreach in business corridors within New York Congressional District 11 and attend business-related events to attract new clients. Participate in and lead training sessions sponsored by the SBDC and other liaisons, and provide follow‑up services to attendees as needed. Sessions may include video conferences, long-term classroom settings, and single-and-multi-day conferences. Other duties as assigned.

Complexity of Duties (in order of priority)

Providing quality one-on-one advisement to a varied and complex clientele requires a broad range of knowledge across many areas. Some clients can be served on a short-term basis, while others require long-term counseling, depending on the client's level of expertise or the sophistication of the venture. Sufficient organizational skills are critical in maintaining a high level of activity while adapting to the time-sensitive nature of business decision-making.

Conducting an SBDC sponsored training event is a complicated task that involves careful planning including

1. identifying a topic that effectively addresses an identified need in the business community;
2. securing the services of appropriate experts in the field;
3. selecting time, date and location for the event;
4. providing follow‑on one‑to‑one counseling to attendees when requested;
5. gathering feedback from attendees to evaluate the quality of the event and to help identify topics for future events.

Establishing a comprehensive network of professional contacts for referral purposes is an important component of an advisor's responsibilities. The credibility of the advisor and the program can be jeopardized if a referral is made to an individual or organization that is ill‑suited to meet the client's needs. New contacts are established on an ongoing basis so that resources can be utilized in response to an ever‑changing business climate.

Qualifications

The position requires at least three years of experience in private-sector business or a related public technical assistance environment. Strong customer service skills to identify client needs, troubleshoot issues, and provide solutions that support business growth and long‑term success. Excellent communication skills (written, oral, and interpersonal). A strong commitment to the advisement model and to effective strategies for serving small businesses. Experience in building and managing partnerships and relationships with external liaisons. Ability to maintain client confidentiality. Must have a valid driver's license and a personal vehicle for daily client visits.

Preferred Qualifications

Detail‑oriented with strong organizational and technical skills. Proficiency with standard office computer programs, systems, and survey tools. Familiarity with a variety of virtual meeting platforms (Zoom, Microsoft Teams). Ability to work collaboratively in a team while independently managing daily responsibilities. Availability to work some evenings and weekends. Knowledge of the small business and of the New York Congressional District 11 community.

Education

The position requires a bachelor's degree in business, management, finance, economics, or a related field.

Work Location

The individual will work on‑site daily at the Staten Island SBDC office on the campus of the College of Staten Island.

Pay Range

$52,000 - $59,000 annually

RFCUNY Benefits

RFCUNY Employee Benefits and Accruals

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Research Foundation of the City University of New York is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Americans with Disabilities Act/E-Verify Employer. It is the policy of the Research Foundation of CUNY to provide equal employment opportunities free of discrimination based on race, color, age, religion, sex, pregnancy, childbirth, national origin, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, domestic violence victim status, arrest record, criminal conviction history, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

The Research Foundation of The City University of New York (RFCUNY) is a nonprofit educational corporation founded in 1963 to provide post-award fiscal and administrative support for CUNY’s research and sponsored programs. RFCUNY’s services allow CUNY researchers, faculty, and staff to focus on their intellectual curiosity and scientific discoveries, on projects and programs that serve our local and global communities, proposing concrete solutions to society’s most pressing challenges. RFCUNY serves as a fiscal agent and works closely with all the CUNY campus Grants Offices to perform the core functions of post‑award financial management for CUNY research projects and sponsored programs. These functions include legal assessment and signing of agreements where RFCUNY is named as a fiscal agent; setting up award accounts; preparing sub‑awards and assisting PIs in monitoring the work of the recipients of sub‑awards; supporting project directors with hiring and managing research project and sponsored program staff; supporting the purchasing and paying for goods and services with grant and program funds; managing financial aspects of projects including accounts receivable, financial reporting, invoicing, budget monitoring, and cost compliance with uniform guidance; ensuring that sponsor financial requirements are met; monitoring compliance with applicable project and financial management rules and laws; supporting the management of independent and external audits and financial reviews; and providing data, information, management expertise, and other supports to CUNY’s research and sponsored programs.