Business Consultant-Savannah

Posting Number F2814P · Posted less than an hour ago · Job Posting Date 09/24/2026 · Open until filled

About the role

The University of Georgia Small Business Development Center seeks an experienced, results‑driven management professional with strong business skills to serve the Savannah area as a Business Consultant. The position is located in Savannah, Georgia, on‑site, with multi‑county travel required. The consultant will provide counseling and deliver programs to individuals, businesses, communities, organizations, and public agencies in the assigned geographic territory.

Responsibilities

• Provide high quality individual instruction and educational support to entrepreneurs, business owners, and business managers.
• Analyze situations, make recommendations, and educate clients regarding business plans, market feasibility, financial viability, operations management, legal structures, and related topics.
• Maintain an appropriate level and mix of clients per annual goals and strategic plan objectives.
• Develop and refine a consulting practice that yields impactful results.
• Develop and deliver high quality business training programs responsive to the needs of the business community; generate curricula for seminars, conferences, etc.; create instructional materials; serve as instructor and secure outside instructors as needed; market programs to meet annual goals.
• Develop specific expertise within business development and apply it through new training programs, consulting tools, research projects, co‑consulting, or other impact measures.
• Direct clients to other appropriate sources of business information and assistance; disseminate pertinent information via various media.
• Serve as an advocate for business development, expansion, and retention; work collaboratively with private‑sector businesses, other economic development units of the University System, and state government to further Georgia’s economic well‑being.
• Engage in public relations activities (speeches, presentations, committee participation, discussions) with bankers, colleges, chambers of commerce, economic development authorities, downtown development organizations, government agencies, local political offices, civic organizations, local media, and potential program sponsors.
• Assist in the continued development, implementation, and updating of the organization’s strategic plan; ensure goals and objectives are met; work with colleagues to develop annual action and marketing plans aligned with the strategic plan and tailored to local small business needs.
• Prepare and execute individual work plans, including professional development initiatives, aligned with area office objectives.
• Support organizational improvement efforts through internal committees, center reviews, special projects, and assessments as directed by the state office.
• Participate in sponsorship acquisition strategies; initiate co‑sponsorship of programs with private businesses, economic development organizations, and government entities; seek and apply for grants relevant to entrepreneurship and business development.
• Document activities via the electronic information system (Unity) timely, accurately, and comprehensively; maintain client files per SBA and SBDC guidelines; provide impact information for required SBA reporting.

Requirements

• A master's degree in business or a related field; a bachelor's degree is acceptable for a Public Service Provisional appointment.
• Progression toward earning an advanced degree is expected while in a provisional faculty position.
• When an advanced degree is earned, recommendation for a public service faculty appointment can be initiated per the appointment process.

Preferred Qualifications

• A master's degree is preferred.
• Broad base of business knowledge, excellent analytical skills, and effective management of multiple projects simultaneously.
• Knowledge of University and SBDC programs and operating philosophy, or relevant management background.
• Strong knowledge of core business functions (finance, marketing, operations).
• Excellent communication and project management skills.