Maine SBDC Business Advisor

Statement of the Job

As a Business Advisor, your primary purpose is to improve the managerial skills of small business clients by providing high quality advising, training, and referrals to sources of financing and other business assistance. You will act as a first line of defense or point of contact for the Association's Lending and Business Development Department.

Essential Functions

• As Business Advisor (100%):
  
  
  
  • Appropriately apply general and specific knowledge and interpersonal skills to specific client cases.
  
  
  • Analyze client businesses and assist clients in identifying problem areas and developing solutions to address problems.
  
  
  • Identify and communicate to clients the availability of other public and private resources of business assistance and financing. Assist clients in applying for regional, state, and federal resources. Refer clients to other in-house SBDC services where appropriate.
  
  
  • Assist clients with all aspects of business start-up and acquisitions, financial management, personnel development, market research and planning, accounting and record keeping, and most other aspects of small business management.
  
  
  • Act as an advocate on behalf of clients and as a liaison between clients and those organizations or individuals to whom the client is referred.
  
  
  • Document all interaction between advisor and client and monitor progress.
  
  
  • Stay abreast of and brief colleagues and staff on current programs and major issues pertinent to small business.
  
  
  • Administer Technical Support Programs.
  
  
  • Perform additional duties as assigned.
  
  
  
  

Special Essential Functions/Responsibilities

• Ability to provide own transportation (fully-insured vehicle), provide proof of a valid driver’s license, and comply with Maine law regarding vehicle insurance.


• Work on federally funded projects.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Occasionally responsible for the supervision of special resource partners or affiliated members at organized functions and training events. Responsible for program implementation within Aroostook County and for implementing the SBDC mission and NMDC goals. Demonstrates knowledge and experience in maintaining a safe working/learning environment.

Budget Responsibilities

Develops annual plan for submission/negotiation with funding partners. May supervise special projects and the corresponding budgets.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of skills needed by small business owners/operators including, but not limited to: marketing; business plans; management reporting; recordkeeping; human resource management; cash management; workflow; legal requirements; safety standards; and organizational structure.


• Ability to guide clients on all aspects of financial management including financial structuring, packaging, securing, and managing capital, monitoring cash flow, investment strategies and resources, SBA and other loan workouts for companies with outstanding financial obligations.


• Knowledge of other in-state or national SBDC resources, or outside resources such as banks, venture capitalists, lawyers, consultants, market researchers, and other public and private sector agencies, companies, and individuals who might be of help to small business owners/operators.


• Proven analytical and research skills.


• Proven interpersonal competencies.


• Proven oral and written communication abilities.


• Possesses an attitude that fosters a respectful, non-threatening workplace environment.


• Ability to multi-task.


• Knowledge of adult learning techniques.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s Degree in a business administration field with equivalent experience; Master’s Degree preferred.


• Minimum of five years’ experience in private business or industry.


• Experience with public-private finance programs and economic development activities.


• Demonstrated ability to conceptualize and clearly express written ideas.


• Must achieve the designation, “Certified Small Business Advisor” through New England Professional Development (NEPD) within first year of employment and maintain that certification annually thereafter.

Preferred

• Familiarity with computer systems as they relate to financial management and small business applications and wide area networks.


• Familiarity with the Maine SBDC organization, its policies and procedures.

Additional Screening

All individuals recommended to fill and subsequently offered a position with special essential responsibilities, or other licensure or certification, shall have additional applicable background screening completed (in addition to regular and standard background screening) based on the responsibilities of the position. This may include credit history screening, sex offender registry screening, federal criminal history screening, and/or license/certification verification.