"SBDC Business Advisor"

SBDC Business Advisor

Company:
Ohio University

Job Location:
Athens, Ohio

Category:
Economic and Business Development

Type:
Full-Time

Business Title
SBDC Business Advisor

Applications Accepted From
Public: Open to the Public

Special Instructions to Applicants

THIS IS A GRANT-FUNDED POSITION. EMPLOYMENT IS CONTINGENT UPON CONTINUED FUNDING FROM THE GRANT PROVIDER.

Please complete the online application and attach required documents. Required documents include a detailed cover letter, current resume, and a list of at least three (3) professional references with current contact details, including email addresses.

The position will remain open until filled. For full consideration, please apply by April 1, 2026.

This position is eligible for the following benefits
medical, vision, dental, basic and supplemental life, winter break closure, paid holidays, educational benefits for you and eligible dependents, sick leave, vacation, and retirement.

Posting Number: 2016286T

Department Summary

POSITION HIRE IS CONTINGENT ON RECEIPT OF GRANT FUNDING.

SBDC Business Advisor Position responsibility is focused on northern Fairfield and Licking counties Ohio.

The SBDC Business Advisor fosters a strong climate for small business growth by providing in-depth, confidential, no-cost business counseling, no-cost training, and resource and referral services to Ohio's small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is a results-driven program supported by state and federal funding. Advisors are responsible for delivering measurable economic impact that aligns with prescribed annual performance goals. Primary outcomes include assisting clients in securing capital and supporting both new business launches and the growth and sustainability of existing businesses. The Business Advisor is expected to proactively build, manage, and maintain a strong and diverse client pipeline. This includes working with entrepreneurs exploring startup opportunities as well as established business owners seeking expansion capital, operational improvements, strategic repositioning, or market growth.

Advisors provide high-quality counseling in areas such as business feasibility analysis, financial projections, cash flow management, capital readiness, lender packaging, financial analysis, growth strategy, and problem-solving to support business stability and expansion. Success in this role requires disciplined self-management and a high level of accountability. Advisors must independently manage their time and outreach efforts, monitor their progress toward annual impact targets, and make strategic adjustments when performance indicators suggest the need for corrective action. Impact generation must occur consistently throughout the year, demonstrating a sustained pipeline of counseling activity that leads to documented outcomes. Achievement of prescribed performance goals is a core responsibility of the position and a fundamental expectation for continued success in the role.

Advisors must take ownership of their results and demonstrate the initiative, responsiveness, and strategic focus necessary to ensure that client engagement translates into measurable economic impact.

This position is best suited for a motivated, results-oriented professional who thrives in an environment where accountability, partnership development, and tangible outcomes matter. A critical component of achieving impact goals is the Advisor's ability to cultivate strategic partnerships and referral networks.

Advisors are expected to actively engage lenders, economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, community partners, and other resource providers to create pathways for capital access and business support. Building and maintaining these relationships is essential to generating opportunities that translate into measurable capital infusion and business starts. Promote the SBDC program and advocate for small business through presentations and training events.

Position Profile

Oversees designated academic program or center and related activities. Manages assigned budget and/or financial responsibilities for program. Evaluates program and provides strategic recommendations for change as needed. Represents program to internal and external contacts. Collaborates with University schools, departments, units regarding program. May be responsible for staff management, compliance monitoring, and writing/reviewing program communications.

Level Summary

Provides professional expertise to the University community. Serves as a resource and guide to others in the department and/or university. Completes operational tasks essential for the daily functioning of the University. Additionally, contributes to larger projects or initiatives that align with department or University goals, often collaborating across teams.

Supervisory Responsibilities

May assist in mentoring or training new employees.

Fiscal Responsibilities

No budgetary responsibility. May be responsible for validating transactions.

Problem Solving

Handles a variety of problems with some independence.

Independence of Action

Some supervision; able to work independently on routine tasks.

Communication and Collaboration

Collaborates with team members and shares knowledge.

Physical Requirements

This role is primarily desk-based and involves extensive use of desktop computers. Occasionally, the job may require travel to attend meetings and programs.

Minimum Qualifications

Requires a Bachelor's degree in a related field and at least 3 years of related professional experience, or equivalent education and experience. Healthcare professionals must hold, or be eligible for, appropriate licensure as required by position.

Preferred Qualifications

Candidate will be required to complete the certified Business Advisor program within three months of hire.

Understanding of and ability to travel, most often locally or within the state of Ohio; may occasionally be asked to travel out of state to staff college events or national conferences, and throughout the service region to serve clients and partners.

Requires travel to attend meetings and programs.

Department
Voinovich School of Leadership & Public Affairs

Pay Rate: Commensurate with credentials. Employees also enjoy a generous benefits package which includes health benefits, paid time off, and educational benefits for employees and eligible dependents.

Total Compensation Estimator (For Full-Time Benefits Eligible Employees)

Discover the full value of joining Ohio University by clicking this link:
https://www.ohio.edu/hr/compensation/total-compensation-estimator

Our Total Compensation Estimator shows your offer package in dollars: salary plus university paid benefits including health coverage, retirement contributions, paid time off, tuition benefits, and more.
See details on what we offer in one place and compare different options for retirement and insurance.
Estimates are informational only; exact coverage is determined by eligibility policies and official plan documents.

Pay Grade
17

Pay Range
$51,281.00-$85,325.00

FLSA Status
Exempt

Job Category: Administrative Special at-will appointment

Job Family
Academic & Program Management

Job Sub Family
Academic Program Management

Job Level
IC2

Job Open Date
03/11/2026

Posting End Date: 04/01/2026

Planning Unit: Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service

Work Schedule

M-F 8AM-5PM

Months
12 month

Campus: Athens

Expected hours worked per week
40

Expected duration of assignment
ongoing

Applicants may contact this person if they have questions about this position.
Lissa Jollick, jollickl@ohio.edu