Certified Business Advisor, Sbdc

General Summary

The primary focus of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) program is business development education through individual and small group advising. The Small Business Development Center Certified Business Advisor (CBA) provides confidential, no-fee, one-to-one counseling and technical assistance to business owners and entrepreneurs on financial analysis, financing, business plans, marketing, personnel issues, management and other business issues. Highline College Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides technical assistance to businesses in South King County.The CBA is expected to implement a business outreach program independently; make decisions as to client mix, marketing outreach efforts, client counseling, schedule and direction of specialty area; assess client needs and determine best options or resources to help client achieve solutions while working in coordination with the Center Director and program goals. The focus of our economic development program is to promote growth, expansions, innovation, increased productivity, and management improvement in small businesses and prospective small businesses in our service area.Advisors must be well organized to manage more than 90 clients annually. Business clients will be from every sector of the local business community and require a full range of business services. Advisors must have comprehensive knowledge and experience of small business operations. Advisors must understand the client’s situation, analyze the problems and guide the client in developing a solution he or she is willing and able to implement.Advisors typically identify a range of solutions, discuss the pros and cons of each and explain abstract concepts with real world examples. Advisors constantly seek professional development opportunities to expand their core competencies in all areas of business, including technology, necessary to start, grow, sustain and transition a small business.This is an exempt position for the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Highline College that reports to the Center Director. The SBDC at Highline College works primarily with clients located in Burien, Des Moines, Federal Way, Normandy Park, SeaTac, Tukwila, and selected neighborhoods of unincorporated King County.The CBA collaborates with other business assistance programs such as the StartZone Microenterprise Development Program, Community Education, academic programs and community partners to identify and address community small business support needs. In addition, the CBA cultivates positive working relationships with community stakeholders and referral partners, and ensures activity compliance with grant regulations.

Essential Tasks

Department Job Performance Standards:

Produce thorough and accurate Business Advisor work in a timely manner;Demonstrate problem solving and ability to teach, coach, manage and work with clients and staff with motivation and enthusiasm;Communicate professionally and effectively in English at all levels of the organization, with other agencies and the general public, including culturally diverse populations, with the use of tact, discretion and courtesy.Position Functions:Business Management Counseling: (55%)Deliver practical products and services to help participants from immigrant and BIPOC communities, start small businesses and keep them growing, including workshops, practical worksheets, templates and other tools;Listen constructively to clients as they present information about themselves and their companies;Provide technical assistance to clients in the areas of business that include but are not limited to; formation, stabilization and expansion of small businesses, development of business plans, management issues, marketing, organizational structure, and financial analyses;Manage and submit client activity reports according to specified formats and timelines;Monitor and measure key performance indicators and meet deliverables;Attend weekly meetings with director, as well as staff and weekly WSBDC state calls and meetings;Identify research or educational opportunities for clients based upon their needs;Participate in the area’s economic development peer community through attendance at regional or local meetings, committees or similar events;Represent the SBDC at events, meetings and functions on a local, state and national level;Develop and implement cooperative relationships with other SBDC business assistance professionals;Provide support and consulting for special projects of the department or the Washington SBDC.Community Engagement and Marketing (25%)Develop and implement strategies to connect the SBDC with potential clients;Specific focus to engage businesses of immigrant, minority communities and people of color;Deliver significant outreach to the community through regular engagement with SBDC and StartZone funders and partners, Chambers of Commerce, Economic Development Councils, service clubs and community organizations;Develop and maintain referral relationships with community organizations, banks, accountants, attorneys and potential partnerships and referrals sources from other businesses, agencies and organizations;Provides expertise and guest lecturer services to Highline College departments related to business and entrepreneurship. Operations Administration and Reporting (15%)Submit and report client activities in specified formats and timelines using the current Client Management Activity System as well as other digital applications such as (Word, PowerPoint, email and Excel etc.);Compile reports for stakeholders and grantors according to deliverables;Ensure activities operate within the SBDC and other funding agency guidelines.Professional Development (5%)• Participates in continuing education opportunities to enhance knowledge of business development and related fields, leadership, and management. Qualifications

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in business or related field, AND A minimum of four years’ experience in business ownership, business management, and or project development (A Master's degree in a related field may substitute for up to one year of the required experience); ANDDemonstrated proficiency in financial analysis (small business analysis preferred), demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse populations including multicultural experience and cross-cultural communication skills; ANDProficient using Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook); ANDDemonstrated business management and/or program development experience.*NOTE: Successful applicant must obtain certification from the Washington SBDC as a Certified Business Advisor within six months of start date and maintain certification thereafter. The SBDC will facilitate this process with the successful candidate. No financial cost of the certification process is borne by the CBA.
Preferred Qualifications

• Have established relationships or experience establishing relationships with local economic development, community, and business relationships;
• Experience in advising small businesses;
• Washington Small Business Development Center Certified Business Advisor designation;
• Five (5) or more years of small business ownership and/or management;
• Experience developing and/or teaching management workshops;
• A professional-level understanding of financial statements for small businesses;
• Strong financial analysis skills;
• Experience with private-sector marketing programs;
• Demonstrated experience working with diverse populations including staff and customers/clients;
• Ability to converse in second language;
• Work experience with technology and technology-based firms, familiarity with integration of AI into business practices.

Supplemental InformationApplicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.THE COLLEGEHighline College prides itself on its commitment to diversity and equity, its institutional culture of collegiality and innovation, its globalization of curricula and its inclusion of the community in its programming. Founded in 1961, Highline College is situated in a diverse community just 15minutes south of Seattle. The college annually serves more than 16,500 students –– a student population of over 70% students of color, representing 35 nations and more than 100 languages. The college embraces equity, inclusion and social justice, with core goals of student attainment, diversity, community Engagement and sustainability. The student body at Highline College is made up of Transfer students, Running Start students, Professional- Technical students, International students, Comprehensive Transition Program for students with intellectual disabilities, Adult Basic Education and English Language Learners. In addition, we offer six bachelor of applied science, four-year degrees.MISSION AND VISIONAs an essential part of our mission and vision, diversity, equity and inclusion are promoted and fostered in all aspects of college life.APPLICATION PROCEDUREYour online application must include the following to be considered complete:1. A detailed resume that addresses the MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS of the position;2. A letter of application/cover letter (two-page maximum, recommended) that addresses your ability to meet the QUALIFICATIONS, and KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES for the position;3. A one-page response to the Supplemental Question.CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:National Criminal Background Check may be required.APPLICATIONS MUST BE FILED ONLINE AT:https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/highlineNEED APPLICATION HELP?Should you have any difficulties uploading your documents or navigating the application process, please contact NEOGOV Technical Support at 1-855-524- 5627, Monday - Friday 6:00 AM to 6:00PM Pacific Time.HIGHLINE COLLEGE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERHighline College is an equal opportunity employer. The College is committed to enhancing the diversity of our faculty and staff, as well as our student population. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientations, and gender identity diversity. We strongly encourage applicants to apply without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legal protected status.REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONSThe College complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Applicants needing accommodations in the application process in an alternative format may contact the Human Resources office at (206) 592-3812. Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing may dial 711 to place a call through Washington Relay, the state's free telecommunication access service.TITLE IX POLICYHighline College complies with Title IX regulations. For details on our policies, see our website https://humanresources.highline.edu/faculty-and-staff/policies/title-ix/The College appointing authorities reserve the right and may exercise the option to make an employment decision prior to the conclusion of the recruitment process.

NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

The college provides equal opportunity in education and employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, creed, religion, or status as a veteran of war. Prohibited sex discrimination includes sexual harassment (unwelcome sexual conduct of various types).

The Title IX Coordinator, Danielle Slota, can be reached at (206) 592-3600 or DSlota@Highline.edu. 2400 S. 240th St. Des Moines, WA 98198. Building 12, President’s Office.

The 504 Coordinator, Jenni Sandler, can be reached at (206) 592-3474 or JSandler@Highline.edu. 2400 S. 240th St. Des Moines, WA 98198. Building 25, 5th Floor.

The Chief Human Resources Officer, Steven Sloniker, can be reached at (206) 592-3320 or SSloniker@Highline.edu. 2400 S. 240th St. Des Moines, WA 98198. Building 12, Human Resources.

You can receive this information in an alternate format by contacting Access Services (206) 592-3857; TTY (206) 870-4853.