Regional Director Small Business Development Center

Job Type      Full Time, Regular
Pay Type      Exempt/Salaried
Pay Grade   G
Campus Location WMU-Kalamazoo - East Campus
Salary Range          Pay is commensurate with qualifications and experience, combined with an excellent benefits package.
Number of Vacancies    
General Summary            
 
    The Regional Director is responsible for providing comprehensive leadership, oversight, planning, resource development, coordination, and management of the Michigan SBDC Regional Center serving the following counties: Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, and Van Buren. The Michigan Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides consulting, training, market research and technology commercialization services to assist small business to launch, grow, transition and innovate.
    The Regional Director is an iconic champion for entrepreneurs within the community while identifying new programs and services to meet the ever-changing needs of the entrepreneurial community. This individual ensures that all programs are operating in compliance, while providing inspirational leadership and being a great team member.
    Additionally, the Regional Director must understand the comprehensive mission, vision and strategic objectives of Western Michigan University and cooperate and work harmoniously with students, faculty and staff. The Regional Director will follow all College policies, rules, regulations and guidelines as they relate to this position.
 
Major Duties           
 
    Develops and implements a region-wide strategic business assistance program providing business counseling assistance, seminars and training events, research support services and advocacy on behalf of the small business sector in the designated region.
    Manages operations and support of a management information system to report and analyze detailed client data and program accomplishments. Develops substantial external funding support and management. Monitors, assesses and reports performance in relation to the overall strategic plan.
    Hires, trains, evaluates and supervises staff. Establishes performance goals for staff and centers within the region.
 
Minimum Qualifications  
 
    Master’s degree in related field from an accredited institution.
    Three years’ relevant experience.
    Supervisory or lead experience.
    Strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.
    Strong analytical skills.
 
Desired Qualifications     
 
    Experience working with, and/or managing programs of the U.S. Small Business Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, or other State or local business assistance programs including regional economic development organizations, the entrepreneurial ecosystem of Michigan, and Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC).
    Experience evaluating and managing contracts, budgets and negotiated agreements in accordance with policies, procedures, laws, regulations, and other governing documents.
    Previous consulting, training, market research and commercialization services to small businesses to launch, grow, transition and innovate.
    Demonstrated experience in program development/oversight and in personnel selection, development and management.
    Demonstrated excellent oral presentation and written communication skills with well-developed analytical and problem solving skills including knowledge of evaluation methods and quality control techniques.
 
 
 
Special Instructions to Applicants        
 
    Internal applicants should use the WMU – Internal Application.
    External applicants should use the WMU – Application.
 
Additional Position Information
 
    Terminal position ends on 3/31/2024 with annual renewal based on grant funding.
    Staff Compensation System pay grades and rates are available at: https://wmich.edu/sites/default/files/attachments/u4897/2022/SCS%20Pay%20Structure%202022-23%20for%20Web-Final_0.pdf
    Effective July 1, 2023, the Staff Compensation System pay grades and rates are available at: https://wmich.edu/hr/staffcompensation
    Western Michigan University offers generous benefits to its employees including health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, retirement, and tuition discount for the employee and tuition remission for eligible dependents. To access information about the specific benefits available for this position, go to: https://www.wmich.edu/hr/enrollment-staff