Small Business Advisor

Lumpkin College of Business & Technology

The Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) hosted by Eastern Illinois University, is excited to announce a new opportunity for a dedicated and experienced full-time Small Business Advisor for the launch of our Effingham, IL satellite office. This grant-supported program, partially funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) & the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), aims to provide invaluable no-cost assistance to a highly diversified community of entrepreneurs and small business owners throughout our 8-county region.

Position Summary: Small Business Advisor

We are seeking a dynamic individual passionate about fostering the growth of small businesses in various industries. This role, based in our independent satellite office within a shared workspace will provide expert guidance to clients across our full region which includes (but not limited to) the counties of Coles, Clark, Cumberland, Edgar, Effingham, Douglas, Moultrie, and Shelby.

• Please note that funding for this position is secured through a specified Grant period each calendar year. The continuation of employment beyond the current funding is contingent upon sustained funding or the acquisition of new Grant.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree with two years of hands-on experience in small business management or business financial analysis.

• Proven self-starter with the ability to work independently and occasional travel within a 30-minute radius. Rare overnight travel within and out of state (up to 2x per year).

• Consistent in-office availability during business hours to serve as primary point-of-contact.

• Proficient in remote meeting software (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams).

• Proven ability to establish and maintain positive community and stakeholder relations through effective communication skills, both oral and written.

• Demonstrated expertise in advising/coaching methodologies and delivering impactful presentations.

• Versatility to manage day-to-day office operations independently, including administrative tasks and maintaining a secure and organized workspace.

• Willingness to take on additional duties as assigned within scope of business operations.

• Demonstrated experience in maintaining client confidentiality.

• Demonstrated commitment to diversity and experience promoting inclusive excellence is required.

Key Responsibilities:

General:

Overall, the Small Business Advisor is versatile and adaptable across different stages of business development. The Small Business Advisor will:

• Conduct all business operations and administrative tasks in accordance with grant requirements.

• Collaborate with our vast network of Business Advisors and Subject Matter Experts to meet the needs of local small business owners.

• Deliver engaging business presentations to diverse audiences in public settings.

• Develop tailored programs to empower small businesses and drive success.

Daily focus will shift based on the specific needs and challenges faced by businesses in each segment:

Pre-Venture:

• Provide foundational guidance to pre-venture entrepreneurs through validation of business ideas, feasibility assessments, pricing models, budget analysis, knowledge of early-stage capital access assistance, and basic business planning.

Emerging Businesses:

• Collaborate with emerging businesses to stabilize operations and identify areas for improvement though advising on day-to-day operations, employee management, market opportunities, inventory control, risk management, cash flow and fiscal management.

Growing Businesses:

• Provide or connect growing businesses with expert guidance to enhance operations and increase profitability through strategic planning, financial modeling, process optimization, growth strategies, cybersecurity, and connections to resources for: exporting, government contracting, product development, etc.

Mature Businesses:

• Assist mature businesses in refining strategies for lease negotiations, profit sustainability, succession/transition planning, market projection assessments, and dissolution assessments.

Starting Date: May 1, 2024 (anticipated)

Applications: Applicants should submit the following: 1) a letter of application indicating how the candidate's background and credentials meet the position's responsibilities and qualifications; 2) a resume; 3) list of names, addresses, phone number, and email for three (3) professional references; and 4) a copy of final transcripts for all degrees completed. Official transcripts for the highest degree must be submitted upon hire. Applications can be submitted using Interfolio at http://apply.interfolio.com/142950. Questions about the search may be directed to Dr. David Melton, Search Committee Chair, at dwmelton@eiu.edu.

Closing Date: Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until campus interviews are scheduled. Priority will be given to applications received by March 31, 2024.

Diversity and Inclusion: Eastern Illinois University is committed to fostering a learning community where all members feel welcomed and valued. The university provides equality of opportunity in all areas of campus life and we strive to recognize and appreciate the unique value of our students, faculty, and staff. Every member of campus has the right to learn and work in an environment free of discrimination and harassment, and beyond that, our goal is for all members of our community to develop a strong sense of belonging to Eastern Illinois University.

The University and Community: Eastern Illinois University takes pride in creating a warm, welcoming environment for all faculty, staff, and students. Established in 1895, EIU boasts a rich, 125-year tradition of preparing students for their personal and professional goals. A traditional regional residential institution, EIU offers a superior education at a relatively low cost while consistently earning high rankings and distinctions for its affordability, academic program quality, career placement rates, campus safety, online degree options, student support, and sustainability initiatives. EIU focuses on individualized attention and superior student relationships and has earned recognition as the highest- ranking independent public regional university in Illinois and a place among the Midwest's top public regional universities according to U.S. News and World Report. EIU hosts more than 175 student organizations on campus, and offers a variety of cultural events, NCAA Division I athletics, and active research opportunities for its students to enjoy and to thrive. EIU has become recognized for providing the resources of a large institution while creating the kinds of individual relationships that support student and alumni success.

Eastern Illinois University is located in Charleston, Illinois - a comfortable and safe east central town within a two-to- three-hour drive of three major metropolitan areas -- Chicago, Indianapolis, and St. Louis.

Eastern Illinois University is an Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer - minority/female/disability/veteran - committed to achieving a diverse community.

Apply Now →

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