Center Director for Business Expansion and Commerce Engagement

The core responsibility is to represent the interests of the Oklahoma SBDC within the state's economic development ecosystem and seek opportunities for providing services to companies exploring growth, expansion, or relocation in Oklahoma. The SBDC provides individual small business management advising, technical services, and group training to existing small business owners and new entrepreneurs in areas such as business management, financial analysis, business disruption, and marketing strategy.

Other responsibilities include identifying problem areas in small businesses, developing outreach assistance programs, and building relationships with state economic development professionals. Work is performed independently and reports to the State Director. Continuation of employment depends on program needs, satisfactory performance, and funding availability.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Advances long-term objectives of the Oklahoma SBDC through strategic engagement.
• Serves as a liaison to the Oklahoma Department of Commerce and other economic development entities.
• Develops understanding of the SBDC network's capacities to match company needs with available advising.
• Promotes the Oklahoma SBDC as a resource for companies doing business in Oklahoma.
• Provides business counseling on topics like business plans, marketing, accounting, and finance.
• Performs one-on-one client consultations via various methods.
• Connects companies with subject matter experts or ad-hoc adviser teams.
• Develops and delivers training in workshops and seminars.
• Collaborates on outreach for small communities.
• Takes a leadership role in developing knowledge of state programs.
• Attends state government meetings and updates leadership.
• Prepares reports for counseling, training, and other activities.
• Provides input to senior leadership.
• Partners on promotional and advocacy activities.
• Seeks coordination with various departments.
• Highlights SBDC offerings to relevant entities.
• Implements a strategic awareness campaign.
• Identifies opportunities or cautions in the economic development community.
• Travels statewide for services and training.
• Develops a diverse client base with sensitivity to diversity.
• Engages in professional development activities.
• Attends SBDC staff meetings.
• Meets or exceeds assigned goals and metrics.
• Maintains excellent communication skills.
• Possesses well-developed interviewing and analytical skills.
• Manages priorities and deadlines effectively.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Additional Performance Responsibilities

• Attendance and Dependability: Reliable reporting and thorough work.
• Communication and Contact: Effective and professional communication.
• Relationships with Others: Works well with superiors, colleagues, and external individuals.
• Safety: Adheres to safety rules and participates in incident management.

Education, Training, and Experience

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in business or related discipline.
• Five years of small business ownership or management experience.
• Intermediate knowledge of business capitalization.
• Developed network of lenders.
• Intermediate experience in financial analysis.
• Demonstrated knowledge of accounting and financial statements.
• Certification in a specialty.
• Completion of advanced coursework in business management.
• Advanced knowledge of starting and operating a small business.
• Development and delivery of training.
• Ability to provide exceptional customer service.
• Evening and weekend work required.
• Ability to lift 40 pounds.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Proficient with computers and Microsoft Office.
• Cybersecurity skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple projects.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Professional appearance.
• Valid driver's license.

Preferred:

• Master's degree in business or related field.
• Five to ten years of business experience including management and accounting.
• Experience as a loan officer.
• Experience in economic development.
• Experience with advocacy.
• Knowledge of business counseling.
• Fluency in Spanish.

Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience. The preferred start date is July 1, 2025. Southeastern offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement contributions, and tuition waiver.