JOB SUMMARY
Reporting to the Dean of the School of Business, the State Director is responsible for leadership and management of the CT Small Business Development Center's network by setting strategic direction for the program; providing management and oversight of all CT SBDC network employees; developing, deploying, evaluating and improving program services including business advising, educational programming and research, to fulfill program mission, objectives and contractual deliverables; compliance with sponsor's funding requirements; outreach and developing and managing relationships with stakeholders and partners to acquire resources and customers; CT SBDC program branding and promotion.
The ideal candidate is comfortable taking initiative, making informed, timely, and sound business decisions, and executing responsibilities efficiently and effectively with little direction.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Directly oversees the CTSBDC leadership team and business advisors at all locations; develops strategic and annual operating plans in support of the CTSBDC mission; provides for fiscal solvency; fulfills mission and required deliverables.
Represents the CTSBDC to external parties within and outside of the state; establishes and maintains sound business relationships that are beneficial to the success of the CTSBDC and businesses within the state.
Ensures professional delivery of client services, including comprehensive consulting services, training, and other programs for businesses within the state; applies innovative thinking to advising and learning services and resources offered to clients and others.
Acts independently to align available resources with the objectives of the U.S. Small Business Administration, the State of CT, and other funding agencies; determines and provides appropriate oversight and works with the Associate State Director on training of business advisors to support their ability to meet established goals.
Responsible for all personnel decisions, including staffing, hiring, firing, evaluation, promotion and training, program design, goals, financial control and accountability; ensures adherence to university policies and procedures.
Acts as a liaison with business and industry leaders, professionals, legislators, government officials and others to promote CTSBDC as a statewide business resource.
Oversees the programmatic and fiscal operations of the unit; seeks and applies for additional public and private financing to provide for financial self-reliance.
Ensures CTSBDC complies with all federal and state mandates, including accreditation standards.
Attends annual ASBDC and the New England Professional Development training events, completes relevant training programs, and maintains all certifications as directed or required.
Develops relationships within the University of Connecticut, particularly the School of Business, to support student and faculty engagement and research opportunities.
Identifies and creates the systems and structure that will strengthen the evaluation and impact of CTSBDC programs, overseeing the development and implementation of innovative practices.
Ensures that client satisfaction is prioritized and that an appropriate review and response process is operational.
Convenes and maintains an advisory council to support the CTSBDC.
Performs related duties as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Master's degree in business or related field.
At least seven years of relevant experience, which must include program and personnel management experience.
Experience in or working with Federal, state, and local agencies or business development programs.
Proven experience working with and supporting entrepreneurs or small businesses.
Demonstrated experience managing federal grants including oversight and management of operating budgets and resources, forecasting revenues and expenses, and being fiscally responsible.
Proven written and oral communication skills, including presentation skills.
Demonstrated interpersonal skills and the ability to establish, maintain and grow relationships with diverse constituents.
Experience developing, implementing, and evaluating strategic plans and accomplishing goals/objectives.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Experience with management, human resources, and/or fiscal procedures in a higher education environment.
Experience navigating relationships with multiple stakeholders such as UConn, State Legislature, Small Business Administration, Connecticut Department of Economic Community Development, municipal and private sector leaders.
Experience evaluating the effectiveness of services and determining appropriate actions for improvements.
Experience with Microsoft Office products, especially Excel, Word, Outlook, and artificial intelligence tools such as ChatGPT and MS Copilot.
Experience with CRM systems, including designing data analytics requests and interpreting.
Experience working in a political landscape and adapting to changes in the market.
APPOINTMENT TERMS
This is a full-time, permanent, grant-funded position. The home base for this position is East Hartford, CT, with the possibility of some remote work. The chosen candidate must be able to work flexible hours and travel in-state and out-of-state in support of center activities. The salary offer will be commensurate with education, qualifications, and experience.
The University offers a competitive salary and outstanding benefits, including employee and dependent tuition waivers at UConn. For additional information regarding benefits, visit: https://hr.uconn.edu/health-benefits/.
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 https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Faculty and Staff Positions, Search #499151 to upload a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references.
This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on August 22, 2025.
Interviews are expected to begin in early September. Preferred start date: October 31, 2025.
All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.
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, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.
