Small Business Development Center; SBDC Business Advisor

Business Advisor

Provide confidential one-on-one business advising to entrepreneurs and small business owners in Coos, Curry and western Douglas Counties. Advising topics include, but are not limited to business formation, business plan development, pre-venture feasibility, financial management and bookkeeping, marketing, human resource management, sources of capital, commercialization of products, intellectual property protection, business resilience and recovery and strategic planning.

Provide confidential one-on-one business advising either in-person, on the phone, via Zoom, or via email to business owners and potential owners as stipulated in the agreements with the Oregon SBDC Network, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and Business Oregon.

Keep all scheduled client appointments.

Adhere to the Oregon SBDC Network Code of Ethics.

Participate in the Oregon SBDC Network's Professional Development and other training and networking opportunities as requested.

Refer clients to appropriate small business resources and training as appropriate.

Deliver business training as assigned.

Enter a counseling record into the Oregon SBDC Network's Management Information System (Center IC) within five business days of each meeting with a client which tracks time spent, subjects discussed, recommendations/referrals made, and counselor and client next steps.

Capture and record economic impacts and success stories as supported by the work conducted with clients.

Ensure integrity of client data entered into Center IC.

Demonstrate continued professional growth by staying current in and expanding knowledge of business processes and systems through a plan of professional development.

Attend SBDC staff meetings.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Associate's degree in Business or equivalent combination of business ownership and education.

Business ownership experience or appropriate subject matter expertise.

Strong understanding of business and training terminology required.

Successful applicants for this position must possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities, or be able to explain and demonstrate that they can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation:

• Knowledge of all aspects of business startup, management, and growth.
• Knowledge of resources available to businesses, agencies supporting businesses and training opportunities available to small business owners.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, using the English language with or without the use of an interpreter.
• Excellent written communication skills and the ability to communicate verbally in ways that meet clients' needs and levels of understanding.
• Ability to perform data entry and access various files in college-wide information system, word processing, and spreadsheet applications. Exhibit a high level of computer literacy, sufficient to use software such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases to produce correspondence, documents, brochures, flyers, and reports. Accuracy in database management essential. A comfort level with advising using video and online technology a plus.
• Ability to receive and process information in a professional, sensitive, timely, and confidential manner. Ability to interview clients and assess needs. Good problem-solving skills required.
• Ability to work effectively and sensitively with individuals of diverse cultural backgrounds, perspectives, and abilities.
• Ability to consistently convey a pleasant and helpful attitude by using excellent interpersonal and communication skills to control sometimes stressful and emotional situations. Requires sufficient communication and human relations skills to resolve complaints/issues, defuse anger, and gain cooperation.
• Ability to plan, organize, and carry out activities independently. Strong time management skills to support efficient work production and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality of client identity and information.
• Ability to respond on short notice to a client's needs.
• Ability and willingness to manage a flexible work schedule with self-discipline, including occasional travel, various hours and possible weekends/evenings, as well as workdays at other college and client locations.
• Ability to communicate professionally with SBDC staff, other business advisors, instructors, clients, stakeholders, economic developers, project coordinators, community members, legislators, volunteers, and lab assistants.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants for this position possessing one or more of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities will receive preferred consideration through the selection process:

• Preferred skills include small business management, strategic planning, business recordkeeping, marketing techniques, human resource management, sales and business problem solving.
• Experience working with Center Dynamics…