Senior Small Business Advisor

University of Houston; Richmond (TX); Hybrid; USD 57,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Houston System’s Fort Bend County Small Business Development Center is seeking an experienced business advisor to support pre-venture, early stage, and growing companies in the Richmond area.

The role emphasizes client consulting, analyzing strengths and needs, developing training and materials, and building relationships with SBA, lenders, chambers of commerce and other partners while traveling as required.

Qualifications

• Thorough understanding of business consulting concepts and related disciplines.
• Experience advising clients on budgeting, financial analysis, and marketing research.
• Ability to develop training materials and present to groups.

Responsibilities

• Consult with clients across the Gulf Coast region on business strategy.
• Analyze strengths/weaknesses; develop improvement plans.
• Assess training needs and recommend classes; create materials.
• Conduct seminars and presentations; participate in PR activities.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Independent work

Client advisory experience

Budgeting and financial analysis

Microsoft Office proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree (4-year degree)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Department:Small Business Development CtrSalary:56,800 - 64,600

Description:

Provides comprehensive business consulting services to small business owners on a wide range of topics. Support may be provided in assigned specialized area or areas.

1. Consults with clients throughout the gulf coast region of Texas at the regional office, sub-center locations or through on-site visits.
2. Assists clients in analyzing business strengths and weaknesses and developing strategies for improvement.
3. Assesses client's management and technical education needs and recommends appropriate training classes.
4. Develops and updates specialized training classes and materials for individual clients or groups; may conduct training seminars or presentations.
5. Participates in public relations activities; makes speeches and presentations; serves on various committees, etc.
6. Remains informed on changes in laws and regulations applicable to area of specialization.
7. May assist the director with a variety of administrative duties and responsibilities.
8. May provide specialized support in one of the following areas: obtaining contracts with federal, state and local governments; enhancing product commercialization and technology; solicitation of financial support; entering or expanding into international trade.
9. Performs other job-related duties as required.

Additional Posting Information:
This position will be a part of the Fort Bend County Small Business Development Center, which has multiple locations throughout Ft. Bend County. This position is currently expected to report to the location in Richmond, Texas but may be expected to periodically report to other locations in Fort Bend County, Matagorda County, and Wharton County areas.

This position is responsible for providing professional business advising services to pre-venture, early stage and growing companies. A key part of the position also includes engaging and helping build relationships with stakeholders, including: the SBA and its resource partners, lenders, Chambers of Commerce, and other community partners.

The ideal candidate will have
· Strong communication skills
· The ability to work independently.
· Experience in business advising services areas such as budgeting, financial analysis, marketing research, business plan development, capital access. and other business-related areas.
· A combination of experience related to small business consulting, banking and/or finance, and small business ownership.
· Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, and Excel) is required.
Frequent travel with the use of a personal vehicle is required. Out of town travel may be required periodically.

The SBDC program is funded through a cooperative agreement with the U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the State of Texas. The continuation of all SBDC positions are contingent on the continuation of funding from the SBA and the State of Texas at current levels.

MQ: Requires a thorough understanding of both theoretical and practical aspects of an analytical, technical or professional discipline; or the basic knowledge of more than one professional discipline. Knowledge of the discipline is normally obtained through a formal, directly job-related 4 year degree from a college or university or an equivalent in-depth specialized training program that is directly related to the type of work being performed. Requires a minimum of five (5) years of directly job-related experience.

All positions at the University of Houston-System are security sensitive and will require a criminal history check.

The University of Houston System and its universities are Equal Opportunity Institutions. Everyone is encouraged to apply.