Program Director, Business Assistance Service Centers

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 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) is a cornerstone of economic vitality in the Lehigh Valley, connecting entrepreneurs with the tools and expertise they need to build lasting businesses. As Program Director for the Business Assistance Service Centers (BASC), you will shape that impact directly — leading operations across Lehigh and Northampton Counties and ensuring that every client interaction reflects the SBDC's commitment to meaningful, measurable outcomes. Reporting through the College of Business, this full-time exempt role carries broad operational and programmatic responsibility across both BASC locations.

Position Number: S98340

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

• Directing all day-to-day operations of the BASC network across Lehigh and Northampton Counties
• Ensuring service delivery meets program objectives and quality standards established by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED)
• Managing contractual compliance, reporting cycles, and performance metrics required by state funding agreements
• Supervising, mentoring, and evaluating BASC staff to maintain consistent, high-quality business assistance
• Developing and monitoring program budgets in alignment with contractual obligations
• Building partnerships with regional economic development stakeholders, municipalities, and business support organizations
• Tracking client outcomes and preparing detailed performance reports for DCED and University leadership

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Economics, Entrepreneurship or related fields; Master's Degree preferred
• Five to eights years of work related experience
• Demonstrated experience directing a program, business development initiative, or economic development service
• Solid understanding of small business operations, entrepreneurship ecosystems, or commercial lending environments
• Experience managing government contracts or grant-funded programs, including compliance and performance reporting
• Strong relationship management skills with public sector, nonprofit, and private sector partners
• Proven ability to lead a team toward clearly defined service and outcome targets
• Fluent in Spanish (or another second language) preferred

Why Lehigh

Lehigh University offers a genuinely collegial environment where professional staff are valued contributors to the University's broader civic and academic mission. You'll have access to generous benefits including comprehensive health coverage, substantial retirement contributions, and tuition benefits for employees and eligible dependents. The SBDC's deep integration with the College of Business means you'll work alongside faculty researchers and practitioner networks that few regional development roles can match — giving your work both community grounding and intellectual depth.

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

• This position is funded by soft dollars; there is no severance associated with this position.
• This term position, tentatively ending September 2027. Eligible for possible extension based on available funding.
• 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.

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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