JOB SUMMARY
The Connecticut Small Business Development Center (CTSBDC) in the School of Business is seeking a part-time (70%) Business Advisor (Educational Program Administrator). The incumbent will report to the CTSBDC Associate State Director and will advise and counsel individuals seeking to start a business, covering management, finance, marketing, and licensing and registration topics, and providing an overview of tax obligations and other topics. The incumbent will provide information on federal, state, and local registration requirements. This position acts as a consultant, advocate and liaison for all CTSBDC services and resources, collaborating with state agencies on behalf of entrepreneurs and small business owners.
The position will be based at the CTSBDC Lead Office in East Hartford, CT. Dependable transportation is required, as well as a willingness and ability to work flexible hours and travel in-state and out-of-state as needed to support program activities.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Include but are not limited to:
- Providing technical and management assistance to the small business community via on-site visits, online platforms, email and phone.
- Providing in-depth counseling and recommending course of action to owners of small businesses or to those about to start a business, in key areas such as business models and plans, startup financing, presentation of financial material, evaluation of current financial condition, industry specific federal and state regulations, and marketing products/services; addressing topics including, but not limited to market research, marketing strategies, and customer acquisition; international trade import/export; general understanding of organizational issues related to business structure; operations; accounting/financial analysis; federal, state and local resources for startup and young businesses; and veterans’, women’s, and minority business issues.
- Assisting clients in developing and recording their business concepts and using industry tools such as the Business Model Canvas and business plan outlines.
- Maintaining and enhancing the SBDC program’s ability and capacity to offer reasoned, logical advice and guidance on all matters of starting, building, and sustaining a business.
- Enhancing and delivering quality programs to the CTSBDC client base and CTSBDC colleagues, including planning, coordinating, and evaluating the success of advising, learning, and training programs.
- Keeping current on and informing clients about changes or current developments in regulations, laws, or conditions that may affect their business.
- Conducting and/or coordinating on-site administration of community outreach, client development, informational, and training programs, and making all arrangements necessary to deliver these programs.
- Working toward the goal that each client request receives a response within forty-eight hours during the business week, and offering an initial consultation with a client within two weeks of the client assignment.
- Performing necessary administrative duties such as correspondence, progress and summary reports, and the collection of data as required and utilized by the funding agency.
- Annually identifying personal professional development initiatives in accordance with guidelines determined in conjunction with supervisors and striving to complete an approved professional development plan within the given program year. Participating in ASBDC annual conference and NEPD annual event as determined in conjunction with the Director or Associate Director.
- Building and maintaining effective working relationships with public agencies, service organizations, and the private sector in order to better assist clients and to keep informed of general business conditions and changes in regulations/laws affecting small business.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in business, counseling, social work, or related field.
- At least five years of experience in an entrepreneurial, business management, financial, counseling or business education environment, project management, or experience with SBDC program methodology. One year of experience must be serving as an advanced team member.
- Demonstrated ability to assess the unique needs of each business and relay that information clearly and succinctly.
- Demonstrated ability to advise, counsel, and mentor individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and financial situations.
- Proven ability to plan, conduct and implement client development, recruitment and training programs.
- Demonstrated experience taking initiative, working independently and accurately, exercising sound judgment when making decisions, and meeting deadlines.
- Demonstrated proficiency with mobile device technology including smartphones and tablets.
- Demonstrated excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills and the ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with faculty, staff, students, administrators, external agencies/groups and the public.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Master’s degree in business, counseling, social work, or related field
- Ability to conduct advising and training sessions in Spanish. Spanish proficiency.
- Familiarity with web-based client tracking systems, CRMs.
- Experience in counseling or advising small business owners and entrepreneurs.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
The prorated salary range for this position is $56,000 to $57,680 (full-time salary range is $80,000 to $82,400). An offer of employment, if made, will be commensurate with the successful candidate’s skill and experience, as determined by the University.
For more information about benefits and other offerings available to University employees, we encourage you to review the Human Resources website and explore the sections under the Benefits & Leaves header at the top of the page. Under Benefits & Leaves, select Benefits to access an overview as well as additional information on topics such as paid time off, benefits, retirement, and other resources. As you explore these pages, please note that this position is covered by the University of Connecticut Professional Employees Association (UCPEA) and look for information specifically identified for UCPEA, as provisions may vary by employee group.
APPOINTMENT TERMS
This is a part-time, 12-month, annually renewable position. Other rights, terms, and conditions of employment are contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut and the University of Connecticut Professional Employees Association (UCPEA).
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.
TO APPLY
Please apply online at Faculty and Staff Positions, Search #499870 to upload a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references. Applicants must clearly demonstrate how they meet the stated minimum qualifications, and any preferred qualifications they may possess, in their application materials.
This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on October 20, 2026.
All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics.
All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.
The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, age, sex, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disabilities, veteran’s status, status as a victim of domestic violence and/or sexual assault and/or trafficking in persons as defined by Connecticut law, prior conviction of a crime, workplace hazards to the reproductive systems, or gender identity or expression.
The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO employer including for Disability and Veteran status.