Washington State SBDC Director

wsu; Spokane (WA); On-site; USD 93,000 - 149,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid sick leave

Vacation leave

Paid holidays

Medical, dental, life and disability保险

Retirement plan

Tuition waiver

Training and development

Job summary

Washington State University’s Office of Research seeks an experienced Director for the Washington Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to lead statewide operations, ensure fiscal stewardship, and advance small business growth across Washington.

The role requires a strong background in program development, outreach, and administration, with extensive leadership and inter-personal skills. Travel across WA and nationally is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and six years of relevant experience, incl. three years of management.
• Master's degree may substitute for up to one year of experience.
• Proven experience delivering business development, management, or technical services to the public or small businesses.
• Experience preparing and managing budgets.
• Commitment to diversity and working with a broad constituency.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Valid driver's license or ability to obtain one by time of hire.

Responsibilities

• Lead statewide SBDC Network program development.
• Oversee program outreach to stakeholders and partners.
• Manage administration, budgeting, and compliance.
• Travel across Washington state and nationally as needed.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Stakeholder engagement

Diversity awareness

Interpersonal communication

Public service delivery

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

Master's degree substitution for up to one year

Job description

Online applications must be received before 11:59pm on: November 15, 2026 If a date is not listed above, review the Applicant Instructions below for more details.

Available Title(s): 1155-NN_ADMINPRO - Director

Business Title: Washington State SBDC Director

Employee Type: Admin. Professional

Position Details:

The SBDC Director serves as the lead executive and chief administrator for the Washington Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network housed within the Office of Research . This position is responsible for statewide leadership, strategic direction, operational performance, fiscal stewardship, and compliance with the requirements of the U.S. Small Business Administration, funding partners, Washington State University, and applicable federal and state regulations. The SBDC Director is accountable for achieving economic impact outcomes through the delivery of high-quality business advising, training, capital access, technology commercialization support, and other services that advance small business growth, job creation, and job retention throughout Washington State. The SBDC Director directs, coordinates, and manages a multi-location statewide business assistance network and maintains effective relationships with public and private stakeholders essential to successful program operations. Must be willing and able to travel regularly throughout Washington State and occasionally nationally to represent the Washington SBDC Network, attend meetings, conferences, training programs, accreditation activities, and engage with service centers, funding partners, and stakeholders.

Job Functions:

• 40% - Program Development
• 35% - Program Outreach
• 20% - Administration
• 5% - Other

Additional Information:

This is a full-time (100% FTE), permanent position. This position is overtime exempt.

Monthly Salary: $8,338.26 - $13,319.56 | Commensurate with experience and qualifications

In accordance with RCW 49.58.110 , the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate's current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position.

Benefits: WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes paid sick and vacation leave; paid holidays; medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents; retirement; deferred compensation, optional supplemental retirement accounts; training and development; and employee tuition waiver. For additional information, please review the detailed Summary of Benefits offered by WSU for AP staff and Total Compensation .

Required Qualifications:

• Positions require a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and six (6) years of progressively responsible relevant experience, which has included at least three (3) years of managerial experience. Any combination of relevant education and professional experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis.
• A Master's degree in a related field may be substituted for up to one (1) year of the required experience. Education and experience can be tailored to fit the specific organizational entity/directorial assignment.
• Demonstrated experience in the delivery of business development, management, and/or technical services to the public or small businesses.
• Experience preparing and managing budgets.
• Demonstrated sensitivity to and desire to promote diversity.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a broad constituency.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Must have, or be able to obtain by time of hire, a valid driver's license and meet requirements in accordance with SPPM 7.10 and departmental driving standards.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A Master's degree or higher in a relevant field.
• Experience in a Small Business Development Center.
• Experience building sustained partnerships, coalition building and/or stakeholder communication.
• Experience managing professional employees.
• Experience obtaining extramural funding and/or fundraising.
• Experience with program implementation through sub-contractors.

Position Sponsorship Eligibility:

Not eligible for work visa sponsorship

About Department/College/Area/ Campus:

For more information about the great work we are doing and to view our mission and values, please visit our website: Washington State University | Office of Research .

Area/College: Office of Research

Department Name: Washington Small Business Development Center

Location: Spokane Lead Center