Program Director, Business Assistance Service Centers

About the role

Lehigh University's Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is a cornerstone of economic vitality in the Lehigh Valley, connecting entrepreneurs with the tools and expertise they need to build lasting businesses. As Program Director for the Business Assistance Service Centers (BASC), you will shape that impact directly — leading operations across Lehigh and Northampton Counties and ensuring that every client interaction reflects the SBDC's commitment to meaningful, measurable outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Directing all day-to-day operations of the BASC network across Lehigh and Northampton Counties
• Ensuring service delivery meets program objectives and quality standards established by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED)
• Managing contractual compliance, reporting cycles, and performance metrics required by state funding agreements
• Supervising, mentoring, and evaluating BASC staff to maintain consistent, high-quality business assistance
• Developing and monitoring program budgets in alignment with contractual obligations
• Building partnerships with regional economic development stakeholders, municipalities, and business support organizations
• Tracking client outcomes and preparing detailed performance reports for DCED and University leadership

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Economics, Entrepreneurship or related fields; Master's Degree preferred
• Five to eight years of work-related experience
• Demonstrated experience directing a program, business development initiative, or economic development service
• Solid understanding of small business operations, entrepreneurship ecosystems, or commercial lending environments
• Experience managing government contracts or grant-funded programs, including compliance and performance reporting
• Strong relationship management skills with public sector, nonprofit, and private sector partners
• Proven ability to lead a team toward clearly defined service and outcome targets
• Fluent in Spanish (or another second language) preferred

Why Lehigh

Lehigh University offers a genuinely collegial environment where professional staff are valued contributors to the University's broader civic and academic mission. You'll have access to generous benefits including comprehensive health coverage, substantial retirement contributions, and tuition benefits for employees and eligible dependents.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health coverage
• Substantial retirement contributions
• Tuition benefits for employees and eligible dependents

Pay

This position is a Grade: 9 - 40 with an approximate salary range of $56,030-$68,190 and is subject to change based on experience, skills and qualifications.

Schedule

This term position, tentatively ending September 2027. Eligible for possible extension based on available funding. The duties of the position do not allow for a remote work option; the employee in this position will be required to work on campus where they can be fully accessible to the Lehigh community.