Small Business Consultant - Sbdcjob Description

The Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce is the region’s most dynamic and effective business-for- business member organization. By combining the power of people, with our legacy of leadership and business advocacy, we drive public policy, programs, and communications to create a dynamic economy. We focus on delivering value for our members, making Chicago a world-class place to live and work.

Small Business Consultant - SBDC Job Description

Position Summary: Reporting to the Executive Director, Programs and serving as an integral member of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) team, the Business Consultant is a public service position responsible for providing counselling and delivering programs to individuals, businesses, communities, organizations, and public agencies in the assigned geographic territory. This charge requires a broad base of business knowledge, excellent analytical skills, and the ability to effectively manage multiple projects simultaneously. These duties require the integration of business theory and practice, thus necessitating professional development activities.

Duties and Responsibilities:  Provide high quality individual instruction to entrepreneurs, business owners, and business managers. Analyze situations, make recommendations, and educate clients with regard to business plans, market feasibility, financial viability, operations management, and legal structures, to name but a few topics.

 Maintain an appropriate level and mix of clients as noted by annual goals and strategic plan objectives.

 Manage high quality business assistance programs that are responsive to the needs of the business community served, including legal, accounting, technology and marketing clinics.

 Direct clients to other appropriate sources of business information and assistance. Disseminate pertinent information to the business community via various media.

 Work collaboratively with private-sector businesses and other economic development assistance units. Small Business Consultant - SBDC Job Description Page 2

 Document activities via Client Information System (Neoserra) in a timely, accurate, and comprehensive manner. Maintain adequate client files as per SBA and SBDC guidelines.

 Perform all responsibilities efficiently and effectively within assigned office. Ensure that administrative policies are followed, that programs are innovative and responsive, and that top quality services are delivered. Utilize client and management feedback in striving for continuous improvement. Maintain positive, professional relations with other institutions.

 Build awareness and earn respect for the Chamber SBDC, programs and initiatives at off-site locations and other organizations dedicated to small business success.

 Engages Chamber members to facilitate the Legal Clinic, Retail Academy and other Small Business programming.

 Assists with SBDC newsletter and provides ongoing communication to clients on behalf of the Chamber and Chamber Foundation.

 Completes paperwork and data entry associated with grants.

 Analyzes and reports on the success metrics of the Chamber’s SBDC initiatives.

Qualifications:  BA / BS degree mandatory, MBA or JD preferred.

 Minimum 3 years of experience in small business consulting or management.

 Experience either as an employee, owner, board member of, or advisor to, a small business.

 Should be familiar with non-profit finance and grant management policies and procedures.

 Proven track record of success facilitating progressive organizational change and development within a growing organization.

 Excellent judgment and creative problem solving skills including negotiation and conflict resolution skills.

 Entrepreneurial spirit and support for culture change.

 Superior management skills; ability to influence and engage indirect reports and peers.

 Self-reliant, good problem solver, results oriented.

 Exceptional written, oral, interpersonal, and presentation skills; and the ability to effectively interface with staff, senior management, and boards of directors

 Demonstrated command of pro-business issues and priorities. Executive Director, Programs Job Description Page 3

 Broad functional experience in developing strategic plans and goals, and implementing tactics.

 Focused, proactive, highly responsive and results and goal-oriented.

 An inspirational, enthusiastic, and accessible style, the capability to earn respect and broad- based credibility across an organization, and the ability to empower others.

 Problem analysis and problem resolution at both a strategic and functional level.

 A strong work ethic and ability to maintain confidentiality.

 Ability to operate as an effective tactical as well as strategic thinker.

 Ability to work non-traditional hours including early mornings and evenings, and in varied locations across the City of Chicago.

 Passion for the Chamber’s mission.

TO APPLY: Please send a cover letter, resume and salary history via email to: Katie Fitzpatrick, Executive Director, Programs - Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce / [email protected]

Due to the large volume of applications we receive, we will not be able to reply individually to each applicant. The Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce is an equal opportunity employer. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.