Director of Small Business Center

Job Description

The Director of the Small Business Center (SBC) provides leadership and strategic direction for small business support, training, and entrepreneurial development across Anson and Union Counties. The Director helps aspiring entrepreneurs and existing business owners start, grow, and sustain successful enterprises by delivering high-impact counseling, training, and resource programs aligned with the North Carolina Small Business Center Network (NCSBCN) mission.

This role oversees all SBC activities, including business counseling, program development, marketing, partnerships, and reporting. The Director reports to the Executive Director of the Services Corporation and will be primarily based at the L. Carlton Tyson Ascend704 Coworking and Entrepreneurship Center in Monroe, NC.

Comprehensive Benefits Package to include health insurance with the NC State Health Plan for Teachers and State Employees, retirement benefits through the NC Retirement System, Paid Time Off, and a supplemental cafeteria plan.

Essential Duties Summary

• Provide leadership and oversight for all NC Small Business Center Network objectives, including counseling, training, and measurable outcomes such as business startups and job creation.
• Provide one-on-one confidential counseling to aspiring entrepreneurs and established small business owners. Additionally, utilize qualified contracted or volunteer counselors to supplement director provided counseling.
• Design and implement a robust schedule of seminars, workshops, and courses based on business trends and community needs.
• Recruit, contract, and evaluate qualified instructors, ensuring program quality through classroom audits, participant feedback, and performance coaching.
• Manage all SBC vendor contracts and professional service agreements; coordinate with the business office for accurate invoicing and timely payments.
• Market SBC programs through multiple channels including social media, email newsletters, and community partnerships.
• Serve as the face of the Small Business Center in the community delivering presentations, distributing materials, and representing SPCC at business and networking events.
• Maintain an onsite resource and information center to serve entrepreneurs and business owners.
• Document and maintain all client sessions and outcomes in the SBCN Client Management System (CMS) according to network guidelines.
• Assist clients with key business development needs, including business planning, marketing strategies, financial projections, and loan preparation.
• Monitor local and state economic trends, benchmarking successful programs to enhance SBC offerings.
• Oversee and manage the SBC operational budget, ensuring compliance with SBCN and SPCC fiscal policies.
• Prepare and submit all required reports, data, and impact summaries to the NC Community College System and internal stakeholders.
• Convene and manage the SBC Advisory Board; coordinate meetings, maintain records, and implement actionable recommendations.
• Foster partnerships with local chambers of commerce, economic development agencies, and business associations to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
• Establish and maintain good working relationships with all lenders in service area
• Collaborate with the Executive Director of the Services Corporation to develop and sustain strategic programs, partnerships, and community initiatives that advance entrepreneurship.
• Participate in mandatory SBCN professional development events and complete the SBC Director Credentialing Program within three years of hire.
• Work on occasional evenings and weekends to attend programs and community events.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Entrepreneurship, Management, or related field.
• 3-5 years of progressive leadership experience in a business-related setting, or a combination of 1 year of director-level experience in business development and a Master of Business Administration (MBA).
• Working knowledge of the principles of successful small business management
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with demonstrated presentation experience.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and comfort using digital marketing platforms and databases.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with diverse audiences, including business owners, community leaders, faculty, and students.
• Proven track record of problem-solving, innovation, and successful project execution.
• High personal and professional integrity, self-motivation, and a commitment to advancing small business success.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Entrepreneurship, Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or Law
• Prior experience with the North Carolina Community College System Small Business Center Network, Women's Business Center, or Small Business Development Center
• Supervisory experience
• Budgeting experience
• Business Ownership experience