Job Summary

Xavier University of Louisiana is accepting applications for the open position of SBDC Business Consultant. The SBDC Business Consultant fosters a strong climate for small business growth by providing in-depth, confidential, no-cost business counseling, no- to low-cost training, and resource and referral services to Louisiana’s small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. AA/EOE

Minimum Qualifications

B.A., B.S., or master’s degree in business administration, Public Administration or related field. In lieu of a degree, a minimum of five (5) years’ experience in either business ownership and operations and/or equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for this position may be accepted.

Preferred Qualifications

B.A., B.S., or master’s degree in business administration, Public Administration or related field. In lieu of a degree, a minimum of five (5) years’ experience in either business ownership and operations and/or equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for this position may be accepted.

Special Requirements Summary

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required to perform job duties at a high level.

· Leadership Skills – ability to influence, motivate, and elevate others to do more than they knew possible as well as an ability to know when to lead and when to follow.

· Small Business Path – clear understanding of the path to take an idea or concept and develop a solid plan to startup, stabilize, grow, or expand. Familiarity with preparing financial projections is a plus.

· Emotional Intelligence – ability to recognize and discern emotions to guide thinking and behavior to adapt to dynamic environments and collaborative teams.

· Interpersonal Relations – ability to deliver exceptional customer service by exceeding the expectations of clients, stakeholders and colleagues with every encounter.

· Consultation/Advising Skills – keen ability to effectively analyze, interpret, and coach clients from various industries on multi-faceted business concepts to a positive outcome that directs their path to success. Must be able to help clients with all facets of the business planning process.

· Communication Skills— knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, proper grammar, and professional etiquette. Adept at website content management, digital marketing and social media networks and blog engagement.

· Presentation/Facilitation Skills – ability to present, facilitate and lead small and large groups with varying level of expertise.

· Business Insight – keen ability to analyze, understand and deal with a business situation in a manner that is likely to lead to a positive outcome. Familiarity with preparing financial projections is a plus.

· Personal Effectiveness/Time Management – ability to strategically utilize time and resources to manage priorities, timelines, deadlines and details under pressure, with accuracy, and to a high level of proficiency.

· Technical Capability –strong proficiency in fundamental office and computer equipment as well as software programs such as Microsoft Office Suite, CIC platforms and cloud based software applications.

· Teamwork Oriented – ability to effectively align within a collaborative effort to achieve common goals and outcomes and work for the good of the team.

· Adaptability – ability to modify actions, direction or approach to changing situations and expectations in a respectful and professional manner.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; speak (with clarity) and hear. The employee frequently is required to walk, sit, and climb or balance. The employee is occasionally required to stand and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. The employee must have the ability to drive a vehicle to deliver and pick up materials and to attend meetings on and off campus.

Note

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.

Work Hours

Full-time (9AM until 5PM - Mon thru Fri). Occasional Saturdays. 
Special events, after hour meetings to meet the client’s needs & light occasional travel.

KSA's

Knowledge, Education, Experience, and Proficiencies

B.A., B.S., or master’s degree in business administration, Public Administration or related field. In lieu of a degree, a minimum of five (5) years’ experience in either business ownership and operations and/or equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for this position may be accepted.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Small Business Counseling and Training:

· Interview and assess client needs.

· Provide counseling or e-counseling that includes feasibility, financial, regulatory, and operational guidance and technical assistance on the various aspects of starting and expanding a successful small business including, but not limited to:

o analyzing the specific business and industry data in finance, marketing, management and operations,

o providing guidance in the development of business plans and financial packages; Ø calculating and interpreting historical and projected financial ratios;

o preparing pro forma cash flow and financial statements;

o troubleshooting to identify problems and areas for improvement;

o providing guidance on expansion to include employment requirements, foreign markets, government contracting, and technology commercialization;

o conducting quality-based assessments;

o providing information on federal, state, and local regulations and programs, and

o providing guidance in loan packaging to pre-venture, start-up, or advanced stage existing businesses.

· Develop a resource network to be used in providing referrals to appropriate resources.

· Plan and market no- to low-cost training on subjects relevant to small business start-up and growth.

· Recruit government, private and public entities, as well as businesses and businesspersons to provide voluntary training.

· Evaluate programs’ effectiveness and measure impact of services provided.

· Assist in the transfer of university-based knowledge to the small business community.

· Ensure timely and accurate counseling data input into Center IC client information management system.

· Be physically located at the LSBDC at XULA during working hours. This location may change from time to time.

· Other duties as assigned by the Center Director.

Program and Small Business Advocate:

· Promote the SBDC program and advocate for small business through presentations to communities and entities.

· Develop relationships with key stakeholders including, but not limited to, SBA, University Leadership, banks, chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, trade groups, educational institutions, legislators, and hosts.

· Develop appropriate advertising, promotion, and marketing materials.

Miscellaneous:

· Duties will be performed at the offices of the LSBDC with the exception of client meetings at the client’s place of business and events. Deviations from this requirement require the written consent of the Center Director or Principal Investigator.

· Attend regional and state meetings and conferences as required.

· Develop and provide specific information, reports and/or special services as requested or required by the SBA/SBDC Administrators, the SBA Business Development Specialist, and the State Director of the SBDC.

· Support area, state and federal research projects concerning small business and disseminate results to community.

Direct any questions you may have to tlanglois@louisianasbdc.org