State Director, Connecticut Small Business Development Center (University Staff Professional 3)

JOB SUMMARY

Reporting to the Dean of the School of Business, the State Director is responsible for leadership and management of the CT Small Business Development Center’s network by setting strategic direction for the program; providing management and oversight of all CT SBDC network employees; developing, deploying, evaluating and improving program services including business advising, educational programming and research, to fulfill program mission, objectives and contractual deliverables; compliance with sponsor’s funding requirements; outreach and developing and managing relationships with stakeholders and partners to acquire resources and customers; CT SBDC program branding and promotion. 

The ideal candidate is comfortable taking initiative, making informed, timely, and sound business decisions, and executing responsibilities efficiently and effectively with little direction.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Directly oversees the CTSBDC leadership team and business advisors at all locations; develops strategic and annual operating plans in support of the CTSBDC mission; provides for fiscal solvency; fulfills mission and required deliverables.
• Represents the CTSBDC to external parties within and outside of the state; establishes and maintains sound business relationships that are beneficial to the success of the CTSBDC and businesses within the state.
• Ensures professional delivery of client services, including comprehensive consulting services, training, and other programs for businesses within the state; applies innovative thinking to advising and learning services and resources offered to clients and others.
• Acts independently to align available resources with the objectives of the U.S. Small Business Administration, the State of CT, and other funding agencies; determines and provides appropriate oversight and works with the Associate State Director on training of business advisors to support their ability to meet established goals.
• Responsible for all personnel decisions, including staffing, hiring, firing, evaluation, promotion and training, program design, goals, financial control and accountability; ensures adherence to university policies and procedures. 
• Acts as a liaison with business and industry leaders, professionals, legislators, government officials and others to promote CTSBDC as a statewide business resource.
• Oversees the programmatic and fiscal operations of the unit; seeks and applies for additional public and private financing to provide for financial self-reliance.
• Ensures CTSBDC complies with all federal and state mandates, including accreditation standards.
• Attends annual ASBDC and the New England Professional Development training events, completes relevant training programs, and maintains all certifications as directed or required.
• Develops relationships within the University of Connecticut, particularly the School of Business, to support student and faculty engagement and research opportunities.
• Identifies and creates the systems and structure that will strengthen the evaluation and impact of CTSBDC programs, overseeing the development and implementation of innovative practices.
• Ensures that client satisfaction is prioritized and that an appropriate review and response process is operational.
• Convenes and maintains an advisory council to support the CTSBDC.
• Performs related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in business or related field.
• At least seven years of relevant experience, which must include program and personnel management experience.
• Experience in or working with Federal, state, and local agencies or business development programs.
• Proven experience working with and supporting entrepreneurs or small businesses.
• Demonstrated experience managing federal grants including oversight and management of operating budgets and resources, forecasting revenues and expenses, and being fiscally responsible.
• Proven written and oral communication skills, including presentation skills.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills and the ability to establish, maintain and grow relationships with diverse constituents.
• Experience developing, implementing, and evaluating strategic plans and accomplishing goals/objectives.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with management, human resources, and/or fiscal procedures in a higher education environment.
• Experience navigating relationships with multiple stakeholders such as UConn, State Legislature, Small Business Administration, Connecticut Department of Economic Community Development, municipal and private sector leaders.
• Experience evaluating the effectiveness of services and determ