Rural Center Director

Rural Center Director

The Alaska Small Business Development Center (Alaska SBDC) is seeking a Rural Center Director to lead business advising and entrepreneurial support services across rural Alaska. This leadership position helps entrepreneurs launch, manage, and grow their businesses by providing guidance in business planning, financial management, access to capital, marketing, operations, and growth strategies.

The Rural Center Director oversees the Alaska SBDC Rural Center, serving more than 200 entrepreneurs and small businesses annually in over 70 communities. The position provides direct business advising, supervises Rural Business Advisors, develops training programs, and builds partnerships with Alaska Native organizations, Tribal entities, lenders, municipalities, chambers of commerce, and other resource partners to strengthen small business development throughout rural Alaska.

This is a unique opportunity to support entrepreneurs, expand economic opportunity, and make a lasting impact in communities across the state.

As the Rural Center Director, you will lead the delivery of high-quality small business advising, training, and economic development services that support entrepreneurs and small business owners across rural Alaska. You will oversee all aspects of Rural Center operations, including strategic planning, program administration, staff supervision, fiscal management, partnership development, and compliance with University, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), federal, state, and Alaska SBDC policies and reporting requirements.

In this role, you will provide expert business consulting and technical assistance in areas such as business planning, financial management, access to capital, marketing, operations, and business growth while ensuring exceptional client service. You will build and maintain collaborative relationships with Alaska Native organizations, Tribal entities, municipalities, lenders, chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, and other community partners to strengthen regional economic opportunities.

The Rural Center Director serves as a leader and ambassador for the Alaska SBDC, representing the organization with professionalism and sound judgment while addressing the unique opportunities and challenges facing rural Alaska businesses. You will leverage emerging technologies, including generative AI tools, to enhance business advising, operational efficiency, and client success, while educating entrepreneurs on the practical, ethical, and responsible use of digital technologies.

This position requires strong leadership, communication, organizational, and project management skills, as well as the ability and willingness to travel regularly to rural Alaska communities.

To thrive in this role, you will bring hands-on experience supporting, advising, managing, or owning small businesses, along with a strong understanding of the opportunities and challenges rural Alaska entrepreneurs face throughout the business lifecycle. Success in this position requires the ability to build trusted relationships, provide strategic guidance, and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders. A deep understanding of rural Alaska communities, their unique business environment, and the economic factors that impact long-term business growth will enable you to make a meaningful impact.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree and four years progressively responsible experience relevant to the program specialty, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Position Details:

This position is remote within the State of Alaska (on site/hybrid work arrangements may be made depending on location). This is a term-funded, full-time, exempt staff position complete with both a competitive salary and full employee benefits package. UA provides a generous compensation package that includes retirement options, annual leave, 12 paid holidays per year, tuition waivers for employees and family members, and affordable medical, dental and vision care coverage.

New hires will be placed on the UA Staff Salary Schedule, Grade 80, based on education and experience.

Application…