The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) represents a significant outreach effort, offering valuable expertise and resources to prospective entrepreneurs and small business owners located throughout a six (6) county region of east central Wisconsin. The Wisconsin SBDC at UW Oshkosh is part of a statewide network supporting entrepreneurs and small business owners through no-cost, confidential consulting, training, and educational programs. Local SBDC experts facilitate improvement and growth for small and emerging mid-size companies and help launch successful enterprises. The Wisconsin SBDC Network serves over 5,000 clients per year across 13 locations.

This position is a full-time, calendar year academic staff position reporting to the Dean of the College of Business, Arts and Communication, at UW Oshkosh, with additional reporting responsibilities through the University of Wisconsin’s Office of Business & Entrepreneurship state SBDC network.

The SBDC Director specifically is responsible for the overall planning, administration, coordination, and evaluation of the services to business and industry in a six (6) county region of east central Wisconsin. Develop and implement an effective fiscal management plan, marketing plan, objectives, and facility strategies that align with the Small Business Development Center and College of Business Arts and Communication mission(s). Develop, implement, and maintain all operational plans, budget, policy development, and other duties for the SBDC and additional programs developed in collaboration with other college outreach entities. The director will also be responsible for strengthening relationships with UWO faculty and to build programs and initiatives that work closely with them. The ideal candidate will combine leadership skills with experience in small business development and program management.

UW Oshkosh provides a competitive benefits package for all benefit-eligible positions. Click here for more details.

1. Directs long-range and short-term strategic plans and initiatives to further the growth of the outreach program
   • Plan for new and established market-driven education programs that generate net program revenue.
   • Develop strategic regional and global initiatives with staff and applicable faculty to ensure alignment of plans with SBDC, college, academic programs, university, WSBDC, and SBA goals. 
   • Develop and implement SBDC marketing strategies, College of Business Arts and Communication alignment, including stakeholder communications, reports, slide presentations, newsletters, web site, and brochures.
2. Develops organizational and operational policies and procedures and monitors performance to ensure alignment with strategic objectives
   • Supervise all SBDC counseling functions, ensuring high quality services and measurable outcomes.
3. Exercises supervisory authority, including hiring, transferring, suspending, promoting, managing conduct and performance, discharging, assigning, rewarding, disciplining, and/or approving hours worked of at least 2.0 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees
4. Serves as the unit liaison to internal and external stakeholder groups providing organizational information and representing the interests of the unit
   • Maintain a statewide network of service providers and expert trainers to enhance the outcomes for clients including graduate/undergraduate students who may be seeking independent studies or internships.
   • Collaborate with UWO faculty and staff, along with SBDC, WEDC and other economic support agencies to provide direct development services, coaching and/or mentoring in business creation and development activities and functions to undergraduate and graduate business students.
   • Support the promotional, marketing, and recruitment activities for student business creation activities.  Initiatives could include almost every facet of marketing, from conducting market research to developing digital content and messaging strategies. 
   • Represent the College of Business Arts and Communication, the University, and the SBDC at economic development events.
   • Host special events that promote the UW Oshkosh College of Business, Arts and Communication, the SBDC, and community collaborations.
   • Host guests to campus including regional business leaders, UW System administrators, UW-Extension administrators, auditors and other stakeholders.
   • Serve on community leadership organizations and teams as applicable.
5. Assists with developing and monitoring the budget
   • Manage the center’s compliance with SBA grant requirements, WEDC requirements, private donation initiatives, including timely filing of required activity and professional development reports and maintenance of client counseling records.
   • Identify and pursue opportunities to increase outside funding of the operation of the SBDC and College outreach centers through local, state, and federal grants; entrepreneurship education; and outreach education programs in business and management.

• Master’s degree (in public administration, management, finance, or a business-related field).
• Three (3) years of experience in private sector business including one year in a managerial capacity. Consulting experience may be substituted for management experience, however at least one year of private-sector business management is desired. 
• Experience in business consulting, entrepreneurship, or small business development, with a demonstrated ability to provide business counseling or support to small businesses or startups.
• Demonstrated experience in supervising and leading teams, including recruitment, staff development, and performance management.
• Experience managing program budgets, including forecasting, reporting, and maintaining financial controls.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

• Experience in developing outreach programs, building partnerships, and engaging diverse community stakeholders.
• Experience in developing and executing marketing and promotional strategies to increase program visibility and participation.
• Experience with grant management and compliance, including reporting and financial oversight of grant-funded programs.

Applicants must submit the following documents using the online application: Cover letter and resume.

For questions regarding your application and additional options to apply, contact Human Resources at recruitment@uwosh.edu or 920-424-1166.

TO ENSURE CONSIDERATION: Applications received by December 2nd, 2024 are ensured full consideration. Applications received after that date may be given consideration at the discretion of the search committee. Application materials will be evaluated and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process. Incomplete and/or late application materials may not receive consideration.

If you have questions regarding this recruitment, or if you are not able to complete the application online due to a disability or system problem, please contact the Office of Human Resources.

AA/EO Statement
The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh (UWO) is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff. We strongly encourage women, minorities, people with disabilities and veterans to apply. UWO, in compliance with applicable laws and in furtherance of its commitment to fostering an environment that welcomes and embraces diversity, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, or protected veteran status.

DEI Statement
Diversity drives innovation, creativity, and progress. At the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, the culture, identities, life experiences, unique abilities, and talents of every individual contribute to the foundation of our success. Creating and maintaining an inclusive and equitable environment is of paramount importance to us. This pursuit prepares all of us to be global citizens who will contribute to the betterment of the world. We are committed to a university culture that provides everyone with the opportunity to thrive.

Reasonable Accommodations
UWO provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability. If you need assistance or accommodation in applying because of a disability, please contact afaction@uwosh.edu or 920-424-1166. This job announcement and other material on this site will be made available in alternate formats upon request to an individual with a disability.

Confidentiality of Applicant Materials
UWO is a State agency and subject to Wisconsin's Open Records Law. UWO will not, however, reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing except as may be required by Wisconsin's Open Records law. In certain circumstances, the identities of "final candidates" and/or the identity of the appointed applicant must be revealed upon request.

CBC & Reference Check Policy
All candidates for employment are subject to a pre-employment screening which includes a criminal background check, work authorization, and verification of education. It will also require you and your references to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment.

Work Authorization
The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term.

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act)
For the UWO Annual Security and Fire Safety Reports (i.e., Clery Report), which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, see https://uwosh.edu/police/, or call UWO Police Department, at (920) 424-1212 for a paper copy.