Director, Small Business Development Center

INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY

Directs and provides overall management of a major unit of the UH Small Business Development Center (SBDC) which provides business consulting (or counseling) and training assistance to small business and entrepreneurs.

• Prepares annual budgets and plans and monitors same throughout the year to ensure that established goals and objectives are achieved.

• Establishes work assignments of professional staff and provides guidance, professional development, and work direction as required.

• Develops proposals, secures sponsorships, and manages specific programs under several contractual agreements.

• Analyzes results of region-wide operations, develops new programs, and identifies and purchases business/management tools.

• May meet regularly with area economic development organizations and small business groups to promote the institute and support small businesses.

• As required by the unit, participates in client consulting sessions and performs financial, operational and administrative analyses; prepares recommendations.

• Participates in the development and implementation of the strategic planning process for the unit.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

EEO/AA

Additional Posting Information:

This position will help develop and lead a specialty program (currently called Vision2Venture) and oversee new and existing programs with entities in the technology and innovation spaces for small businesses in the Texas Gulf Coast Region. Duties will include:

• Co-developing the University of Houston Texas Gulf Coast Network Vision2Venture program (V2V), focusing on cohort-based entrepreneurship education, ensuring alignment with the needs of diverse entrepreneurs, especially non-technology-based entrepreneurs.

• Providing and organizing mentorship to both technology and non-technology-based businesses, helping them navigate the complexities of startup, growth, commercialization and government contracting.

• Leveraging your expertise to support early-stage technology startups in developing robust commercialization plans and securing funding through SBIR/STTR grants.

• Fostering partnerships with industry experts, academic institutions, and other stakeholders to create a supportive ecosystem for entrepreneurship education, innovation and commercialization.

• Developing and delivering educational programs, workshops, and training sessions focused on business startup, growth and grant acquisition.

• Developing and tracking key performance indicators to measure the success of educational initiatives and programs.

• Engaging with the local entrepreneurial community, providing support and resources to foster a vibrant ecosystem for small businesses.

• Represent the Texas Gulf Coast SBDC Network at industry conferences, seminars, and community events to promote innovation and support for small businesses.

Bachelors and 7 years experience

Requires a thorough understanding of both theoretical and practical aspects of an analytical, technical or professional discipline; or the basic knowledge of more than one professional discipline. Knowledge of the discipline is normally obtained through a formal, directly job-related 4 year degree from a college or university or an equivalent in-depth specialized training program that is directly related to the type of work being performed. Requires a minimum of seven (7) years of directly job-related experience.