Program Director, Business Assistance Centers (BASC)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Partner benefits

Tuition benefits for employees and/ or

Job summary

Lehigh University’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) seeks a full-time Program Director for the BASC to lead operations across Lehigh and Northampton Counties, reporting to the College of Business. This exempt role emphasizes strategic oversight and measurable outcomes.

You will supervise BASC staff, ensure compliance with state and university requirements, and guide budgets and performance reporting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Economics, Entrepreneurship or related field; Master's degree preferred.
• Five to eight years of work experience.
• Experience directing a program, business development initiative, or economic development service.
• Understanding of small business operations, entrepreneurship ecosystems, or commercial lending.
• Experience managing government contracts or grant-funded programs, including compliance and reporting.
• Strong relationship management with public, nonprofit, and private sector partners.
• Fluent in Spanish (or another second language) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Direct the BASC network’s day-to-day operations across Lehigh and Northampton Counties.
• Ensure service delivery meets program objectives and DCED standards.
• Manage contractual compliance, reporting cycles, and performance metrics.
• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate BASC staff.
• Develop and monitor program budgets aligned with obligations.
• Build partnerships with regional economic development stakeholders.
• Track client outcomes and prepare detailed performance reports for DCED and university leadership.

Skills

Program management

Stakeholder management

Contract compliance

Bilingual Spanish

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Economics, Entrepreneurship or related fields; Master's Degree preferred

Job description

Lehigh University’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) seeks a full-time Program Director for the BASC to lead operations across Lehigh and Northampton Counties, reporting to the College of Business. This exempt role emphasizes strategic oversight and measurable outcomes.

You will supervise BASC staff, ensure compliance with state and university requirements, and guide budgets and performance reporting.