Business Advisor - Small Business Development Center

Location: Albany, NY Category: Professional Posted On: Mon Jan 26 2026

The Business Advisor plays a pivotal role in advancing the mission of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) by providing one-on-one confidential business counseling and technical assistance to entrepreneurs and small business owners. This position supports clients across all stages of the business lifecycle ranging from startup to expansion while helping foster economic development within the local community.

The Business Advisor works closely with small business clients to assess needs, identify opportunities, and develop strategic solutions in areas such as business planning, financial analysis, marketing strategies, operations, loan and grant applications, regulatory compliance, and access to capital. The advisor is responsible for maintaining accurate records of client interactions, delivering impactful consulting outcomes, and participating in outreach efforts to ensure broad community engagement.

This role requires strong analytical skills, a deep understanding of small business operations, and the ability to communicate complex business concepts clearly. Advisors must stay current on trends, challenges, and resources relevant to small businesses, including local, state, and federal programs.

• Client Advisement (client meetings, advisement and work product)
• Training program development and execution
• Client resource development
• Administrative tasks (data entry, filing, reporting, etc.)

• N/A

• A Bachelor's degree in business, human resources, accounting or a related field preferred, however, prior business ownership or management experience may be substituted for the degree.
• In lieu of a relevant bachelor's degree, a minimum of five (5) years of direct business experience, in business advising, consulting, entrepreneurship or management.
• Experience developing and delivering in person and virtual training.
• Business computer skills including Office 365 and ChatGPT.
• Applicants must demonstrate an ability to develop inclusive and equitable relationships within our diverse campus community.
• Applicants must demonstrate an ability to support diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and belonging relative to their role.

• Self-motivated and directed, with experience determining priorities, strategies and processes in partnership with others.
• Ability to effectively communicate over the phone, in person, on online platforms (Zoom, Skype, Teams, etc.) is required.
• Demonstrated excellence in written and verbal communications, customer service, client follow up, overall business acumen, quantitative and qualitative evaluation and client outreach required.
• Ability to adapt quickly to rapidly changing economic and client situations, pivot emphasis and time as required by disaster recovery or client needs; flexible, adaptable person eager to be involved in depth with economic recovery efforts within New York State, experience working remotely with clients or teams a strong plus.
• Relevant business process improvement exposure or experience, including leading others in a thorough and fact-driven analysis of overall business operations is a strong plus.
• Maturity to understand and empathize with business owners during a difficult time even while providing those same owners with direct and at times challenging questions, feedback and commentary on the state of their business plans, operations and recovery efforts.
• Verbal and written fluency in a language other than English a definite plus.

Professional Rank and Salary Grade:
Senior Staff Assistant, SL3, $57,151.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. If you currently need sponsorship or will need it in the future to maintain employment authorization, you do not meet eligibility requirements. UAlbany is not an E-Verify employer.

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