Director of Tennessee Small Business Development Center

Duties And Responsibilities

Plan, implement, and evaluate programs and services consistent with the goals and objectives of the TSBDC as outlined in the Agreement for Hosting a TSBDC Service Center.

Refer to the TSBDC Strategic Plan to direct accomplishments.

Provide day-to-day operational leadership, establish procedures, and ensure effective, consistent, and customer-focused service delivery.

Develop internal and external resources to accomplish program objectives, including actively seeking additional funding resources, economic development partners, and local professional organizations.

Develop and manage the Center’s annual operating budget, monitor expenditures, prepare budget projections, and maintain appropriate fiscal documentation.

Provide direct advice and training, or refer clients to appropriate sources as necessary.

Identify, pursue, and steward funding opportunities, including grants, sponsorships, and other allowable public or private resources.

Recruit, hire, supervise, schedule, coach, and evaluate consultants, administrative staff, contractors, and other assigned personnel.

Supervise center personnel, both consultants and administrative.

Assure daily inputs (641,1062 and 888) reports into the Center IC database as required by the TSBDC program;

Establish linkages with other service centers or small businesses that may provide additional resources;

Provide timely and accurate reports to the Lead Center per the TSBDC contract, as determined.

Analyze scorecards, dashboards, and performance reports; use findings, client feedback, and community needs assessments to strengthen programs and support continuous improvement.

Develop and execute marketing and outreach strategies that expand awareness and accessibility of TSBDC services across the assigned territory.

Cultivate productive relationships with chambers of commerce, SCORE, financial institutions, economic-development organizations, governmental entities, professional associations, and higher-education partners.

Coordinate with the TSBDC Lead Center and other service centers to share resources, address emerging needs, and support consistent network operations.

Support grant reviews, audits, accreditation activities, program monitoring, and other compliance responsibilities as assigned.

Perform other duties and participate in College, TSBDC, and community activities as assigned.

Qualifications

Demonstrate ability to analyze small business problems and suggest alternative actions.

Possess knowledge of small business functions, including planning, accounting, resource management, and general computer business applications.

Excellent written and verbal communication, presentation, facilitation, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

Ability to establish collaborative relationships with business, government, nonprofit, and economic-development partners.

Proficiency with standard business technology, database systems, productivity applications, and virtual collaboration tools.

Minimum Education And Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree required from a regionally accredited institution;
• Three (3) years of small business management, workforce development/training, or business consulting experience;
• Budget and program management experience;
• Strong marketing and sales orientation;
• Excellent communication skills, including public speaking;
• Must successfully complete five (5) business counselor training modules.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree from a regionally accredited institution;
• Experience directing an SBDC, entrepreneurial-support program, or grant-funded community-service operation;
• Experience with federal, state, or institutional grant compliance, reporting, and audit preparation;
• Established relationships with regional business, government, nonprofit, or economic-development organizations;
• Demonstrated success in developing programs, securing resources, and achieving measurable outcomes for entrepreneurs or small businesses.