Business Advisor

About the role

At a Regional Center, a Business Advisor provides one-on-one client counseling and comprehensive small-business assistance to existing businesses, startups, and aspiring entrepreneurs.

Responsibilities

• Provide expertise in SBDC services, including business formation, business plan development, market research, and guidance on financials (cash flow projections, profit & loss statements, balance sheets, budgeting, and other financial matters).
• Enter contact and counseling notes into the CRM system (Neoserra) within two to three days of contact; respond to clients, potential clients, and other external liaisons in a timely manner; refer individuals to outside providers when appropriate.
• Meet monthly, quarterly, and annual metrics to ensure the center meets annual goals.
• Conduct weekly outreach in business corridors within New York Congressional District 11 and attend business-related events to attract new clients.
• Participate in and lead training sessions sponsored by the SBDC and other liaisons, and provide follow-up services to attendees as needed. Sessions may include video conferences, long-term classroom settings, and single- and multi-day conferences.
• Other duties as assigned.

Complexity of Duties

• Providing quality one-on-one advisement to a varied and complex clientele requires a broad range of knowledge across many areas. Some clients can be served on a short-term basis, while others require long-term counseling, depending on the client's level of expertise or the sophistication of the venture. Sufficient organizational skills are critical in maintaining a high level of activity while adapting to the time-sensitive nature of business decision-making.
• Conducting an SBDC sponsored training event is a complicated task that involves careful planning including a) identifying a topic that effectively addresses an identified need in the business community; b) securing the services of appropriate experts in the field; c) selecting time, date and location for the event; d) providing follow-on one-to-one counseling to attendees when requested; and e) gathering feedback from attendees to evaluate the quality of the event and to help identify topics for future events.
• Establishing a comprehensive network of professional contacts for referral purposes is an important component of an advisor's responsibilities. The credibility of the advisor and the program can be jeopardized if a referral is made to an individual or organization that is ill-suited to meet the client's needs. New contacts are established on an ongoing basis so that resources can be utilized in response to an ever-changing business climate.

Requirements

• At least three years of experience in private-sector business or a related public technical assistance environment.
• Strong customer service skills to identify client needs, troubleshoot issues, and provide solutions that support business growth and long-term success.
• Excellent communication skills (written, oral, and interpersonal).
• A strong commitment to the advisement model and to effective strategies for serving small businesses.
• Experience in building and managing partnerships and relationships with external liaisons.
• Ability to maintain client confidentiality.
• Must have a valid driver's license and a personal vehicle for daily client visits.

Preferred Qualifications

• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and technical skills.
• Proficiency with standard office computer programs, systems, and survey tools.
• Familiarity with a variety of virtual meeting platforms (Zoom, Microsoft Teams).
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team while independently managing daily responsibilities.
• Availability to work some evenings and weekends.
• Knowledge of the small business and of the New York Congressional District 11 community.

Education

A bachelor's degree in business, management, finance, economics, or a related field.

Work Location

The individual will work on-site daily at the Staten Island SBDC office on the campus of the College of Staten Island.

Pay

$52,000 – $59,000 annually