Business Assistance Specialist, Northeast

The University of Scranton is a Catholic and Jesuit university dedicated to the formation of students and the freedom of inquiry in service of the common good.

About the role

This position will provide bilingual (English/Spanish) hands-on business assistance and community outreach to aspiring and existing small business owners through the SBDC-led Business Assistance Service Centers. The focus is on supporting clients in accessing resources and information needed to start or strengthen a business. The appointment is scheduled through June 30, 2027, with a possible extension through September 30, 2027.

Responsibilities

• Provides bilingual (English/Spanish) hands-on assistance and step-by-step guidance to aspiring and existing small business owners in foundational business areas including financial literacy, business planning, budgeting, recordkeeping, and other essential business practices
• Assists clients in navigating early-stage business development, operational barriers, and access to resources through practical, individualized support
• Conducts outreach and community engagement with local organizations, partners, and stakeholders to increase awareness of small business resources and services
• Supports clients with microgrant applications by helping them navigate program requirements and assemble supporting documentation
• Works collaboratively with SBDC staff and external partners to connect clients to appropriate consulting, training, and specialized services as their needs evolve
• Develops and delivers workshops, presentations, and training programs on financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and core small business topics, including coordinating guest speakers and subject matter experts as appropriate
• Builds and maintains collaborative relationships with internal departments, community organizations, resource partners, and stakeholders to support program goals
• Requires frequent travel throughout a multi-county service area based out of the Scranton office; position includes significant field-based work and a flexible schedule with regular evening and weekend hours to support outreach, training, and community engagement
• Meets all deliverables and reporting requirements established by the Director, including those necessary for funding, grant, and contractual compliance

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required in business, communications, education, social sciences, or related field
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish (speaking, reading, and writing) with the ability to deliver client-facing support in both languages
• Experience in client-facing roles such as advising, coaching, education, workforce development, community outreach, or small business support
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to provide clear, structured, step-by-step guidance in a client-facing environment
• Ability to effectively deliver presentations, workshops, and training sessions to small and large groups
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Ability to work independently and manage responsibilities with minimal supervision in a field-based environment
• Ability to build and maintain effective relationships within the business and community environment
• Proficiency with standard business software and digital tools
• Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body
• Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time
• Must be able to respect, support, and contribute to the university's Catholic and Jesuit mission

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a related field
• Experience in entrepreneurship, small business operations, or small business ownership

Schedule

Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Additional hours/days as required. Full-time position.