Senior Area Director, Small Business Growth

NorCal SBDC; California; On-site; USD 85,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Retirement plan

Job summary

The Northern California Small Business Development Center (NorCal SBDC) is seeking an Area Director who blends senior leadership with hands-on business advising. Reporting to the Area Director, you will guide operations, cultivate partnerships, and expand services across eight multi-county areas while maintaining an active client portfolio.

You will manage regional initiatives, support advisor development, and represent the SBDC in community engagements.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of entrepreneurship and small business growth.
• Experience generating new business opportunities and expanding visibility in the community.
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences and stakeholders.
• Experience supervising staff, advisors, or cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain an active portfolio of entrepreneurs and small business clients.
• Provide one-on-one advising in startup planning, business strategy, financial analysis, capital readiness, growth planning, operational improvement, and resource navigation.
• Document client activity, outcomes, and success metrics in the NeoSerra database.
• Foster a collaborative advising team of staff and independent contractors, focused on client success and continuous improvement.
• Support advisor onboarding, coaching and professional development initiatives.
• Coordinate partner and community engagement and referral networks.

Skills

Relationship building

Public speaking

Leadership

Project management

AI proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Economics, Finance, Economic Development, Management, Public Administration, or related field

Tools

CRM systems

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Job description

The Northern California Small Business Development Center (NorCal SBDC) is seeking an Area Director who blends senior leadership with hands-on business advising. Reporting to the Area Director, you will guide operations, cultivate partnerships, and expand services across eight multi-county areas while maintaining an active client portfolio.

You will manage regional initiatives, support advisor development, and represent the SBDC in community engagements.