The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in the School of Continuing Education at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee is looking for a hands-on, energetic, organized, and detail oriented individual to join a team of professionals in a dynamic educational environment. The center’s mission is to help entrepreneurs start and grow businesses through exceptional continuing education programs, advising both startup and existing small businesses within the three-county, Milwaukee/Washington/Ozaukee region. Building partnerships that lead to client referrals in Ozaukee and Washington Counties will be emphasized. The School of Continuing Education is located in Downtown, Milwaukee.

The Outreach Specialist is responsible to provide quality consulting and positive client outcomes and is expected to lead by example. Professional demeanor and appearance are expected while implementing a plan of action for small business activities, conferences and educational opportunities that will bridge UWM and SCE resources with the business community throughout Southeast Wisconsin. This position reports to the School of Continuing Education’s SBDC Center Director. This position will contribute to the day-to-day operations of the center and must be flexible in terms of hours of work and job responsibilities contributing to projects related to the center’s mission.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

Business Consulting/Advising

• Conduct face-to-face and remote business consulting to individuals and businesses within the region. Ensure follow-up after each consulting session to facilitate problem solving and expanding opportunities associated with their business needs.
• Provide resources and technical assistance to clients/entrepreneurs for startup, operations, financing, business planning and marketing.
• Work to meet metrics set by the SBA directed by WI-SBDC to maintain funding.
• Use SBDC best practices when working with clients to ensure quality service.
• Maintain a regional network of service providers and expert trainers to enhance outcomes for clients.
• Provide University resources with the goal of strengthening Southeastern Wisconsin small businesses.
• Monitor consulting client work, enter client data, manage lists, and track impact data to ensure WI SBDC Standards are met.
• Conduct web-based market research.
• Share client success stories.

Stakeholder and Community Outreach

• Regularly network with internal and external stakeholders to promote the SBDC.
• Work with local city and county economic and community development organizations including, but not limited to, local Chambers of Commerce, the Small Business Administration (SBA), the Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corp (WWBIC), the Wisconsin Business Development (WBD), and the Wisconsin Procurement Institute (WPI) to leverage resources and create an integrated array of programs and services for business owners and professionals.
• Develop relationships with local small business lenders including banks, credit unions and economic development institutions to encourage client referrals for assisting with business plans or financial projections as a step towards securing funding.
• Representing UWM and SCE SBDC, make public presentations upon request on topics related to small business, SBDC programs/services, and UW entrepreneurship activities.
• Attend events within the region to promote services offered by SBDC.
• Participate in key economic development and community organizations, serving on committees and teams when appropriate.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Attend and participate in SBDC meetings and monthly teleconferences.
• Assist in general center operations.
• May lead and supervise SBDC Student Staff/Interns
• Analyze data, develop, and submit analytical reports for compliance with Federal, State and University Regulations.
• May recruit and train ad hoc consultants as well as assign client cases.

QUALIFICATIONS OF IDEAL CANDIDATE:

REQUIRED

• Bachelor’s degree
• 3 Years’ experience working as consultant to entrepreneurs and/or small business owners or as a small business owner and/or manager of a small business.
• Demonstrated strong business acumen and business strategy knowledge.
• Proficient computer competency with standard office software (word processing, database, spreadsheet)
• Excellent communication skills
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• This position requires considerable contact with people outside of the University, including business owners, managers and professionals, elected officials, economic development organization leaders and staff, media, and the general public. The ability to travel and perform this function is required.
• Ability to maintain flexible hours including some nights and weekends, when necessary, to support SBDC clients, activities, and events.

PREFERRED

• Bachelor’s degree in a business-related field
• Master’s degree preferred, especially in a business-related field.
• 5 or more years’ experience working with and/or counseling entrepreneurs and/or small business owners.
• 5 or more years’ experience as a small business owner and/or managing a small business.
• Financial institution and/or product commercialization experience desirable
• Experience preparing business plans and preparing financial statements.
• Presentation skills

OTHER PROFESSIONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Ability to coach and provide training to clients using effective interpersonal communication.
• Ability to effectively build partnerships.
• Excellent customer service skills
• Experience in professional training
• Ability to remain adaptable and flexible to different situations and changes.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure.
• Ability to learn new systems, software, and processes quickly.
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with diverse groups and individuals.
• Ability to problem solve effectively.

SALARY: SALARY: Salary Grade 19, https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/title-and-total-compensation-study/salary-structure/. Note: The hiring range for this position is $45,000 to $57,000. based on qualifications and experience. This position has excellent fringe benefits including four weeks annual vacation.

TYPE OF APPOINTMENT: This is a non-teaching academic staff position, fixed term, 100% appointment.

APPLICATION PROCESS: All applicants are required to apply online. UWM will not consider paper, emailed or faxed applications. The following link will take you directly to our position: https://jobs.uwm.edu/postings/34431 Applicants must complete all required fields and attach any required documents. Applicants must submit a 1) cover letter 2) resume, and 3) the names and contact information for three professional references. Your cover letter and resume must address your qualifications, experience, and knowledge as it specifically relates to the minimum and preferred qualifications of the position as well as why you are interested in applying for this position.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: *This is a continuous recruitment. Review of applications will begin on June 13, 2022. Applications received after June 12, 2022, may not receive consideration.

AA/EO Statement
UWM is an AA/EO employer: All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, or protected veteran status.

Reasonable Accommodations
UWM 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 uwm-jobs@uwm.edu or 414-229-4463. 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
UWM is a State agency and subject to Wisconsin’s Open Records Law. UWM 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 and Reference Check Policy
Employment will require a criminal background check. UWM takes the prevention of sexual misconduct seriously. As such, you and your references will be required to answer questions regarding any past findings of sexual violence and sexual harassment or any pending allegations of sexual violence or sexual harassment.

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act)
For the UWM Annual Security and Fire Safety Reports (i.e., Clery Report), which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, see http://www.cleryact.uwm.edu/, or call UWM’s Dean of Students Office, Student Union 345 at (414) 229-4632 for a paper copy.

Employment Authorization
In compliance with federal law, all persons at the time of their start date will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.