"Business Consultant-Gainesville"

Position Summary

The University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is seeking a results-driven, experienced Business Consultant to join our Gainesville office. If you’re ready to apply your business expertise in a role that supports Georgia’s economic growth, we encourage you to.

As a Business Consultant, you’ll work directly with business owners to provide expert guidance in areas such as financial analysis, business planning, marketing strategy, and operations management. You’ll also develop and lead educational programs tailored to the needs of the local business community.

A Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Business Consultant is a public service faculty position responsible for providing counseling and delivering programs to individuals, businesses, communities, organizations, and other public agencies in their assigned geographic territory. This charge requires a broad base of business knowledge, excellent analytical skills, and effective management of multiple projects simultaneously. This position is located in Gainesville, Georgia. Multi-county travel is required.

The position includes excellent benefits, including a defined benefits retirement plan.

Special Instructions to Applicants

The cover letter 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 or elsewhere and discuss why you are interested in supporting the mission and culture of our organization.

Posting Details

Posting Number: F2473P

Working Title: Business Consultant-Gainesville

Department: PSO-Small Business Dev Center

About the University of Georgia: Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia’s oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education. The proof is in our more than 235 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly formed School of Medicine.

Posting Type: External

Retirement Plan: (Not specified)

Employment Type: Employee

Benefits Eligibility: Benefits Eligible

Advertised Salary: 80,000

Anticipated Start Date: 11/01/2025

Job Posting Date: 09/03/2025

Job Closing Date: (Open until filled)

Location of Vacancy: Outside Athens

EEO Statement: The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).

USG Core Values Statement: The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct. Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Position Details

Classification Title: Public Service Professional AC

Faculty Rank: Open Rank

Contract Type: Fiscal (12 mo.)

Tenant Status: Non-Tenure Track

Minimum Qualifications: A Master’s degree in business or a related field. A Bachelor’s degree is acceptable for a Public Service Provisional appointment (see Additional Requirements for more information on this provisional appointment).

Additional Requirements: See the University of Georgia Guidelines for Appointments and Promotions for Public Service and Outreach Academic Rank for information regarding the Public Service Faculty ranks. Progression towards earning an advanced degree is expected while in a provisional faculty position. When a public service professional receives an advanced degree, recommendation for a public service faculty appointment can be initiated according to the public service faculty appointment process (see “Appointment and Promotion upon Receiving an Advanced Degree” on page 16 of the Guidelines).

Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, and/or Certification: Master’s degree is preferred.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies: Knowledge of University and SBDC programs and operating philosophy and/or relevant management background preferred. Strong knowledge of core business functions (finance, marketing, operations). Excellent communication and project management skills.

Physical Demands: (Not specified)

Is this a Position of Trust?: No

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?: No

Does this position require a P-Card?: No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position?: No

Is driving a responsibility of this position?: Yes

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?: No

Does this position have Security Access?: No

Credit and P-Card policy: Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Background Investigation Policy: Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Educate clients on business plans, market feasibility, financial viability, operations management, and legal structures, to name but a few topics.
• Develop, effectively market, and deliver high quality business training programs that are responsive to the needs of the business community served.
• Serve as an advocate of business development, expansion, and retention in your local area, thereby becoming a visible leader in the local business community.
• Work collaboratively with private-sector businesses, other economic development assistance units of the University System, and other units of State Government to further the economic well-being of Georgia’s citizens.
• Engage in public relations activities such as, speeches, presentations, active committee participation, and direct discussions.
• Support organizational improvement efforts through active involvement on internal committees or special projects.
• Secure sponsorship of business education programs with private businesses, economic development organizations, and other government entities.