Position Summary
Would you like to have an impact on your community and make a difference? Are you committed to service? Are you a strategic thinker with strong business acumen and leadership experience? Do you excel at managing teams, analyzing complex business challenges, and driving results? The University of Georgia Small Business Development Center located in Atlanta, GA is seeking a highly motivated, highly skilled professional for a management-level, public service faculty position dedicated to helping…
Georgia businesses grow and prosper, focused on business development and operational leadership. Responsibilities also include managing the Atlanta SBDC territory and office personnel.
As an Area Director, you will apply your broad base of business knowledge to deliver high-impact consulting, training, and strategic guidance to small businesses across your assigned territory. This role requires strong analytical capabilities, sound judgment, and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively. You will lead the daily operations of the Atlanta office, supervise staff, and ensure program excellence within the Atlanta SBDC service area.
This position involves multi-county travel and offers the opportunity to apply your expertise in a dynamic, collaborative environment.
The salary is $100,000 with a generous, comprehensive benefits package, including a defined benefits retirement plan.
Special Instructions to Applicants
The cover letter of application should address the following: Our employees say empathy—an understanding of and service to others—is important in their role at the SBDC. In your letter, please describe instances where empathy is evidenced in your work and discuss why you are interested in supporting the mission and culture of our organization. This position is open until filled.
Posting Details
Posting Number: F2753P
Working Title: Area Director-Atlanta
Department: PSO-Small Business Dev Center
Posting Type: External
Employment Type: Employee
Benefits Eligibility: Benefits Eligible
Anticipated Start Date: 10/01/2026
Job Posting Date: 07/14/2026
Open until filled: Yes
Location of Vacancy: Atlanta Area
Position Details
Classification Title: Public Service Professional AC
Faculty Rank: Open Rank
Contract Type: Fiscal (12 mo.)
Tenure Status: Non-Tenure Track
Minimum Qualifications: Master’s degree in business related field.
Additional Requirements: Please see the UGA guidelines for Public Service and Outreach Academic Ranks at http://outreach.uga.edu/policies/appointment-and-promotion-guidelines/
Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, and/or Certification: Three years’ experience of position-related responsibilities is necessary. Exceptional interpersonal skills and a solid business education are required to consult with and train small business owners and entrepreneurs.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies: Ideal candidates will bring a solid foundation in business theory and practice, along with exceptional interpersonal and communication skills. A background in team management, financial analysis, business strategy, or entrepreneurship is highly desirable.
Is this a Position of Trust?: Yes
Is driving a responsibility of this position?: Yes
Duties/Responsibilities
Provide high quality individual instruction to entrepreneurs, business owners, and business managers. Analyze situations, make recommendations, and educate clients with regard to business plans, market feasibility, financial viability, operations management, and legal structures, to name but a few topics.
Develop and deliver high quality business training programs that are responsive to the needs of the business community served. Generate curricula for business programs, seminars, conferences, etc. for the local business interests. Determine topics, agendas, instructors, instructional materials, location, time, and other resources required.
Engage in public relations activities such as, speeches, presentations, active committee participation, and direct discussions. Relevant audiences include bankers, colleges and universities, chambers of commerce, economic development authorities, main street coordinators, government agencies, local political offices, civic organizations, and local media.
Document activities via Client Information System (CIS) in a timely, accurate, and comprehensive manner. Collect and transmit consolidated CIS data. Maintain adequate client files as per SBA and SBDC guidelines.
Maintain efficient and effective operation of assigned area office, including management of personnel, budget, and other resources. Ensure that administrative policies are followed, that programs are innovative and responsive, and that top quality services are delivered. Utilize client and management feedback in striving for continuous improvement. Uphold contractual obligations with other institutions.
Prepare and deploy action plans and individual work plans, assist in the organization’s strategic plan, prepare Semi-Annual Reports, ensure that organizational goals and objectives are accomplished in a timely and thorough manner, active involvement on internal committees or special projects, serve as a guide and mentor to Business Consultants, seek and apply for grants relevant to entrepreneurship and business development, represent the SBDC State Director when required, and other duties as required.
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