Business Consultant (Part-time) - Small Business Development Center

Business Consultant (Part-time) - Small Business Development Center

Salary: $ 30.00 per hour based 25 hours of work per week
Location: Small Business Development Center
Position Status: Part-time (Grant funded)
Hours: Varied (25 hours per week)
Position Number: 820138/61-021
FLSA Status: Non-exempt

POSITION SUMMARY:
The Small Business Development Center is seeking a part-time Business Consultant. This position reports to the Director.

This is a grant funded position.

This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement, subject to the nature of the position's responsibilities, departmental needs, supervisory approval, and applicable University policies. Hybrid work arrangements are not guaranteed and may be modified based on operational requirements.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Consult with the Center's small business clients at the SBDC offices, at facilities in outlying communities, and at clients' businesses (on an exception basis).
-Maintain client files as prescribed by the SBA using the personal computer as a consulting tool as well as the SBA client database and reporting system.
-Perform specialized consulting work for small businesses as specified under Center's contracts with government agencies, chambers of commerce and economic development agencies.

Links and preferably have contacts with business financing institutions and other referral sources to recruit clients who require and will apply for large capital loans for expansion or startup.

Speaks at the Center's management training seminars, when requested.

Participates in functions that promote Center publicity (i.e. trade shows, meetings speaking engagements) etc.

Manage and/or consult in special project(s) as assigned by the Director.

Attend professional development programs to update and enhance skills.

Travel out-of-town 1-2 times per year for meetings and conferences if requested by Director.

Assist with School of Business special projects as requested.

Completes other duties as assigned.

Minimum qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in business or comparable field from an accredited educational institution.

A minimum of 5 years’ experience working in the capacity as an advisor to clients who have need for consulting in the area of small business development or in a similar economic development position.

Consulting experience in helping both startup and existing businesses with financing, marketing (traditional and social media), startup, growth strategies and ongoing operational analysis.

Ability to produce and analyze financial statements and cash flow projections.

Communication skills to effectively work with clients and market SBDC program to financing and referral entities.

Knowledge of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) & Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Government agencies Grants programs is a plus.

Excellent written or oral communication skills, analytical and problem-solving abilities, and ability to prepare and critique detailed reports financial statements and business plans.

Self-starter not requiring extensive, step-by-step supervision.

Proficiency with Windows software, spreadsheets, word processing, database, website development Customer Relationship Management (CRM software and social media.

Experience doing market research, including compilation and analysis of demographic data.
Professionalism, great oral and written communication skills and customer service, i.e. collaboration and teamwork.

Work in outreach offices on an add needed basis.

Current PA Driver’s license in good standing.

Demonstrates creative thinking and sound judgment in identifying solutions, addressing University challenges, and improving processes. Applies critical thinking and initiative to evaluate options and support effective outcomes.

Demonstrates adaptability and flexibility in responding to changing University priorities, evolving responsibilities, and new processes or technologies. Maintains effectiveness and a constructive approach in a dynamic work environment.

Demonstrates a commitment to continuous learning, professional development, and improvement. Seeks feedback, applies lessons learned, and remains open to new ideas, approaches, and opportunities to strengthen individual and team effectiveness.

Demonstrates a service-oriented approach in interactions with students, faculty, staff, and other University constituents. Communicates professionally, responds to requests in a timely and effective manner, and seeks to understand and address the needs of those served.

Preferred qualifications:

Alternatively, the successful candidate may possess any equivalent combination of experience and training, which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the essential job functions. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the University Community.

Ability and willingness to contribute actively to the mission of the University and to respect the Spiritan Catholic identity of Duquesne University. The mission is implemented through a commitment to academic excellence, a spirit of service, moral and spiritual values, sensitivity to world concerns, and an ecumenical campus community.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Applicants are asked to submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references.

Duquesne University was founded in 1878 by its sponsoring religious community, the Congregation of the Holy Spirit. Duquesne University is Catholic in mission and ecumenical in spirit. Motivated by its Catholic identity, Duquesne values equality of opportunity both as an educational institution and as an employer.