Area Director

Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and the state’s flagship university. The main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff, with enrollment exceeding 41,000 students.

About the role

The University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in Atlanta, GA is seeking a highly motivated, highly skilled professional for a management-level, public service faculty position dedicated to helping Georgia businesses grow and prosper. This role focuses on business development and operational leadership, including managing the Atlanta SBDC territory and office personnel.

As an Area Director, you will apply your broad base of business knowledge to deliver high-impact consulting, training, and strategic guidance to small businesses across your assigned territory. This role requires strong analytical capabilities, sound judgment, and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively. You will lead the daily operations of the Atlanta office, supervise staff, and ensure program excellence within the Atlanta SBDC service area. This position involves multi-county travel and offers the opportunity to apply your expertise in a dynamic, collaborative environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality individual instruction to entrepreneurs, business owners, and business managers. Analyze situations, make recommendations, and educate clients on business plans, market feasibility, financial viability, operations management, and legal structures.
• Develop and deliver high-quality business training programs responsive to the needs of the business community. Generate curricula for business programs, seminars, and conferences, determining topics, agendas, instructors, instructional materials, location, time, and other resources required.
• Engage in public relations activities, including speeches, presentations, active committee participation, and direct discussions with audiences such as bankers, colleges, chambers of commerce, economic development authorities, government agencies, civic organizations, and local media.
• Document activities via the Client Information System (CIS) in a timely, accurate, and comprehensive manner. Collect and transmit consolidated CIS data and maintain adequate client files per SBA and SBDC guidelines.
• Maintain efficient and effective operation of the assigned area office, including management of personnel, budget, and other resources. Ensure administrative policies are followed, programs are innovative and responsive, and top-quality services are delivered. Utilize client and management feedback for continuous improvement and uphold contractual obligations with other institutions.
• Prepare and deploy action plans and individual work plans, assist in the organization’s strategic plan, prepare Semi-Annual Reports, ensure organizational goals and objectives are accomplished, actively participate in internal committees or special projects, mentor Business Consultants, seek and apply for grants relevant to entrepreneurship and business development, and represent the SBDC State Director when required.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in a business-related field.
• Three years of position-related experience.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and a solid business education to consult with and train small business owners and entrepreneurs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Solid foundation in business theory and practice.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
• Background in team management, financial analysis, business strategy, or entrepreneurship.

Skills

• Strong analytical capabilities and sound judgment.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Leadership and operational management experience.

Benefits

• Generous, comprehensive benefits package.
• Defined benefits retirement plan.

Pay

$100,000 annually.

This position is open until filled. The anticipated start date is October 1, 2026.