Business Assistance Specialist

Lehigh University; Bethlehem (Northampton County); On-site; USD 56,030 - 68,190; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement contributions above market

Tuition remission

Job summary

Lehigh University’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and Business Assistance Service Center (BASC) seek a Business Assistance Specialist to deliver one-on-one consulting, develop training, and manage client engagements across the region. Reporting to the Director, you’ll drive measurable performance targets and contribute to program outcomes.

You’ll coordinate consulting for startups and established businesses, perform market and financial analyses, and create training content tailored

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business; Master's degree preferred.
• Five to eight years of work related experience.
• Experience in small business consulting.
• Practical knowledge of business plan development, financial modelling, and cash flow analysis.
• Ability to design and deliver training content for diverse business audiences.
• Strong research skills with the capacity to synthesize information into clear, actionable recommendations.
• Familiarity with SBDC reporting requirements or federally funded program compliance is an advantage.
• Willingness and ability to work evenings and/or weekends as needed during peak business periods.
• Fluency in Spanish (or another second language) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Delivering one-on-one consulting to startups and established businesses on strategy, business planning, and cash flow projections
• Conducting applied research and presenting findings directly to clients on market conditions, financing options, and industry trends
• Developing, coordinating, and facilitating training programs aligned to specific SBDC/BASC service offerings and client needs
• Monitoring and supporting progress against performance goals set by the Director across individual service areas
• Preparing clear written materials, reports, and presentations for clients covering a range of business topics
• Contributing to broader Center programs and initiatives beyond core consulting, including outreach and partnership activities
• Supporting documented client outcomes that meet state and federal performance benchmarks

Skills

Business consulting

Financial modelling

Cash flow analysis

Training delivery

Research and analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in business

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Lehigh University

Lehigh University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, national or ethnic origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status. Lehigh University provides comprehensive benefits including partner benefits.

Lehigh University's Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and Business Assistance Service Center (BASC) sit at the intersection of rigorous academic thinking and real-world economic impact. As a Business Assistance Specialist, you'll translate that expertise into meaningful outcomes for entrepreneurs and business owners across the region. Reporting to the Director, you'll carry a portfolio of client engagements while contributing to the Center's measurable performance targets.

Position Number(s): S98470 & S99580

This position is a Grade: 9 - 40 with an approximate salary range of $56,030-$68,190 and is subject to change based on experience, skills and qualifications.

Key Accountabilities

• Delivering one-on-one consulting to startups and established businesses on strategy, business planning, and cash flow projections
• Conducting applied research and presenting findings directly to clients on market conditions, financing options, and industry trends
• Developing, coordinating, and facilitating training programs aligned to specific SBDC/BASC service offerings and client needs
• Monitoring and supporting progress against performance goals set by the Director across individual service areas
• Preparing clear written materials, reports, and presentations for clients covering a range of business topics
• Contributing to broader Center programs and initiatives beyond core consulting, including outreach and partnership activities
• Supporting documented client outcomes that meet state and federal performance benchmarks

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Business; Master's Degree preferred
• Five to eights years of work related experience
• Experience in small business consulting
• Practical knowledge of business plan development, financial modelling, and cash flow analysis
• Ability to design and deliver training content for diverse business audiences
• Strong research skills with the capacity to synthesize information into clear, actionable recommendations
• Familiarity with SBDC reporting requirements or federally funded program compliance is an advantage
• Willingness and ability to work evenings and/or weekends as needed during peak business periods
• Fluency in Spanish (or another second language) preferred

Why Lehigh

Lehigh University brings together a community where scholarship and civic engagement reinforce each other. As part of the College of Business, this role benefits from access to faculty research, a robust professional network, and a culture that values intellectual rigor in service of practical outcomes. Staff enjoy generous benefits including substantial retirement contributions above standard market rates, comprehensive health coverage, tuition remission opportunities, and a campus environment that takes professional development seriously. You'll work within a team that measures its success by the growth of the businesses and communities it serves.

Lehigh University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate. We are committed to a culturally and intellectually diverse community and we seek qualified candidates to contribute to the university’s mission.

Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing an accommodation for any part of the interview or hiring process may contact Lehigh's Accommodations Specialist.

Special Considerations

• The duties of the position do not allow for a remote work option; the employee in this position will be required to work on campus where they can be fully accessible to the Lehigh community.
• This position is funded by soft dollars; there is no severance associated with this position.
• This is a term-limited position through September 2027 (unless otherwise extended).

Successful completion of standard background checks including but not limited to: social security verification, education verification, national criminal background checks, motor vehicle checks, PATCH, FBI fingerprinting, Child Abuse Clearance and credit history based upon the requirements of the position.

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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