Director of the Small Business Development Center

Position Title & Department:

 Director of the Small Business Development Center; Knauss School of Business Posting #

5397

Department Description:

The Knauss School of Business at USD embraces a stewardship approach to business education. Stewardship requires businesses to protect and care for society in pursuit of a greater good.  The Knauss School community of faculty, staff, students and graduates, embrace stewardship by applying values-driven, free-enterprise skills to improve businesses, industries, and the lives of people in our community and around the world.  We provide academically rigorous, relevant and values-based education and research.  Degree programs in the Knauss School of Business are AACSB accredited, with the undergraduate and MBA programs being highly ranked both domestically and internationally.  www.sandiego.edu/business/about/

University Description:

The University of San Diego, an engaged and contemporary Catholic institution, was founded by the Diocese of San Diego and the Society of the Sacred Heart in 1949. Governed by an independent board of trustees since 1972, USD remains committed to a liberal arts education grounded in the Catholic intellectual tradition and the pursuit of truth, goodness and beauty. Inspired by this centuries old tradition of Catholic higher education, the University welcomes people of all faith traditions and any, or no, religious background. The future success of USD relies on the contributions of those who seek to foster the development of engaged global citizens and an earnest confrontation of humanity’s urgent challenges.

Detailed Description:

This is a full-time temporary, benefit-based position with an anticipated end date of December 31, 2026. This position is funded by an SBA grant and will be renewed annually upon continued grant funding.

The Director of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, and fiscal management of all SBDC activities. The SBDC, housed within the Knauss School of Business, serves entrepreneurs and small businesses across San Diego and Imperial Counties through consulting, training, and access to resources that foster innovation and growth. While administratively located in the Knauss Center for Business Education, the SBDC’s programs and partnerships support all USD schools, departments, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and the broader community.

The Director serves on the Knauss School Leadership Team and collaborates closely with the San Diego & Imperial SBDC Network Lead Office at Southwestern Community College District, as well as other network centers, university stakeholders, and external partners to advance the mission of supporting small business development, entrepreneurship, and economic impact in the region.

This position is responsible for ensuring full compliance with federal, state, and university grant policies and procedures, including the oversight of multiple funding sources, financial management, performance tracking, and timely submission of required reports. The Director develops and manages budgets, ensures proper expenditure of funds, and maintains accountability for programmatic and fiscal performance standards outlined in grant agreements.

Additionally, the Director leads the SBDC’s fundraising and grant development efforts to expand program capacity and sustainability, fosters relationships across the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem, and represents USD and the SBDC at regional and national levels. This position requires active engagement in the business and entrepreneurial community, with occasional evening, weekend, and travel commitments.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Manages and oversees all aspects of SBDC operations by:

• Create relationships locally, regionally, and nationally with fundraising sources such as angel investors, angel funds, and venture capital funds
• Hiring and managing staff and contractors to deliver services and support the functions of the SBDC.