General Statement of Job
The 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 small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs in addition to instructing and coordinating SBDC training events. The Consultant provides consultation services to small businesses on a wide range of topics including marketing, retailing, advertising, budgeting, business planning, loan proposals, and personnel. The Consultant may develop and coordinate training seminars and classes designed to meet specific needs of small business owners and managers.
Specific Duties and Responsibilities
Provides an effective consultative service to small businesses by establishing cooperative one-on-one relationships with business owners and managers, recommending viable options, or identifying resources to address their stated and/or assessed needs, and conducting follow-up sessions with the management of participating small businesses to determine if the stated objectives has been met.
Assists in the achievement of program initiatives and economic impact goals as established by the Small Business Administration (SBA), the Missouri Small Business Development Center’s administrative lead office and the Missouri SBDC at Missouri Southern State University related to job creation and retention, dollar amounts of loans and investments secured, increased sales, the number of businesses acquired or started, and regular reporting to the Missouri SBDC at MSSU on client and center activity as requested. Works cooperatively with the MSSU School of Business and Center for Entrepreneurship.
Assists with the development and administration of training programs to meet specific needs of small businesses in the region by identifying prospective participants, arranging for the use of facilities and equipment, assisting with the printing and distribution of brochures and printed materials, serving as a representative of the Missouri SBDC during training sessions, assisting with workshop facilitation, and collecting and processing fees and associated funds and billings. Works cooperatively with organizations around the region to develop and promote training.
Assists in the achievement of program goals as established by the Missouri Small Business Development Centers’ administrative office and the Missouri SBDC at MSSU. Helps to obtain funding for various initiatives by writing, when appropriate, grant applications to support activities associated with the SBDC.
Markets educational offering and promotes the mission of the Missouri SBDC, including providing presentations, radio/television interviews and news releases, meeting with legislators and other leaders, and using social media and other platforms appropriate for the programs and audiences.
Establishes positive working relationships with local and regional economic development organizations, critical community governments, chambers of commerce and business stakeholders; and develops and maintains essential partnerships with local and regional organizations, governments, county extension offices, and other local key leaders in an effort to effectively communicate the Missouri SBDC services and value to stakeholders.
Contributes to a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds.
Actively participates in professional development opportunities to acquire effective and innovative teaching skills, continuously improves skills and increases research-based knowledge, and remains competent and current through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional development courses, and attending training and or courses as directed by the supervisor.
Contributes to the overall success of the Missouri SBDC at MSSU and University, by performing all other related duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Education, Experience, and Licenses
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university required. Masters degree in a related field from an accredited four-year college or university is preferred.
Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP) certification from National Development Council preferred or have ability to obtain.
Transformational Coaching Credential from ACTP (Accredited Coach Training Program) from International Coach Federation or have ability to obtain.
Minimum of five years of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Valid driver’s license and the ability to meet insurance requirements for driving University owned, leased, or rented vehicles. Requires the ability to drive a personal vehicle or University rental to serve the counties in the region assigned to the SBDC Center.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Requires the ability to accept, receive, and/or collect payments.
- Requires the ability to develop knowledge of, respect for, and skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds
- Requires the ability to use small office equipment, including copy machines or multi-line telephone systems.
- Requires the ability to use computers for data entry.
- Requires the ability to use highly technical computer applications (examples would be: Neoserra, ESRI, Growth Wheel, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Acrobat Pro, Microsoft Excel and others as necessary).
- Requires the ability to travel to SBDC clients, conferences, training, and to give public presentations.
- Requires the ability to instruct online courses for the Plaster School of Business using University adopted software
Abilities of a successful Consultant:
Interpersonal Skills Finance/Accounting: Debt & Equity
Listening Skills Sales and Marketing
Small Business Experience Technology
Project Management Experience Organizational Skills
Willingness to Learn Collaboration
Economic Development Utilization of spreadsheets
Financing/Lending Multi-tasking
Strong analytical and innovative skills Safeguarding program confidentiality
Strong verbal skills Strong written communication skills
Public speaking abilities Presentation software abilities
Excellent interpersonal skills Organizational management skills
Problem solving skills Word processing skills
Flexibility Resiliency
Operate with minimal guidance
Physical Demands/Work Environment
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel including the use of a computer keyboard; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear including the use of a telephone. The employee is frequently required to walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, texture perception, and ability to adjust focus. Requires the ability to taste.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
NOTICE: The above job profile does not include all essential and nonessential duties of this job. All employees with disabilities are encouraged to contact Human Resources to review and discuss the essential and nonessential functions of the job. An employee with a disability can evaluate the job in greater detail to determine if she/he can safely perform the essential function of this job with or without reasonable accommodation.
