Career Opportunities

Position: Director, Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC

Reports To: Executive Director, Champaign County Economic Development Corporation

Status: Full-Time

Classification: Exempt

Location: Champaign, IL

About the Champaign County Economic Development Corporation:

The Champaign County Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC) is a public-private partnership dedicated to fostering a cooperative, county-wide approach to economic development. CCEDC works to improve the economic well-being of all Champaign County through efforts that include job creation and retention, tax base enhancement, small business development, and the promotion of quality of life. CCEDC brings together community partners to support economic growth by aligning interests through productive relationships, open dialogue, and advocacy efforts.

CCEDC invites applications for the position of SBDC Director to lead the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Champaign County EDC.

About the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC:

The CCEDC is the host organization to the SBDC, a program of the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO), which includes an International Trade Center (ITC). The SBDC provides information, confidential business advising, training, programs, and other resources for startups, existing small businesses, and those who wish to start or sell a business. These services are provided to hundreds of individuals each year. As a direct report to the CCEDC Executive Director, the SBDC Director is responsible for the day-to-day management and operations of the SBDC, including client advisory services, required reporting to DCEO, and supervision of the International Trade Center. The SBDC Director will represent the SBDC program at the local and regional levels within the economic development and business communities, and will collaborate closely with stakeholders throughout Champaign County and central Illinois.

Required qualifications:

· Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university/college and at least two years of experience in small business management, economic development, consulting, and/or other management experience

· Excellent written and verbal communication, with demonstrated strength in public speaking and professional presentations

· Must be a self-starter who can work with little supervision

· Ability to organize, budget, plan, and implement multiple projects and deadlines

· Must be able to respond quickly and accurately to changing project conditions in a fast-paced environment

· Ability to troubleshoot effectively and take initiative to seek information, ask questions, and find solutions proactively

· Must have strong customer service skills

· Experience collaborating with multiple organizations

· Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and professionalism, while upholding the reputation and value of the Illinois SBDC Network and CCEDC

Job responsibilities – what you’ll do:

· Plan, coordinate, and manage programs, services, and activities consistent with the goals and objectives of the SBDC

· Provide direct business advising and training to clients, including, but not limited to, business formation, financial analysis, needs assessments, how to access capital, developing a business plan, strategic planning, and more

· Prepare reports to achieve goals and objectives in compliance with the terms and conditions of applicable agreements and CCEDC policies and procedures

· Develop and present training (workshops and webinars) on a variety of topics, including how to start a business in Illinois, writing a business plan, how to register with SAM and GATA, and programs of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), DCEO, and local units of government

· Perform outreach and maintain collaborative relationships with local financial institutions, relevant service providers, the local business community, and local business associations, as well as local, state, and federal agencies

· Supervise, train, and evaluate the performance of assigned staff and independent contractors serving as SBDC business advisors

· Provide leadership in the community around small business development and help to build, sustain, and expand partnerships

· Monitor performance tracking and reporting efforts by creating and maintaining accurate client data and activity records in Neoserra, the CMS system, ensuring compliance with DCEO requirements and alignment with grant goals for measurable outcomes

· Work in close coordination with the Illinois SBDC Network, including leadership and other SBDCs throughout the state

· Work in close coordination with local units of government and other organizations to manage small business programs

· Obtain the Certified Business Development Advisor credential within the first 45 days of employment

· Maintain professional standards as a Small Business Advisor by participating in professional development activities

· Champion the SBDC brand in cooperation with the Illinois SBDC Network and ASBDC network

· Travel as needed for meetings and engagement with clients and partners and/or to attend events and conferences (you must possess a valid Illinois driver’s license)

· In coordination with the CCEDC Executive Director, communicate with officials of federal, state or local government agencies as well as community stakeholders, CCEDC investors, and business leaders

· Work with the CCEDC Board of Directors and staff to ensure the SBDC is responsive to the target sectors and priority areas of the Champaign County economy

· Perform other duties as required to support the overall goals of the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC

Skills we are looking for:

· Creativity and resourcefulness in developing and implementing projects

· Ability to work in a fast-paced, highly independent environment and juggle multiple ongoing projects, responsibilities, and relationships

· Strong attention to detail, with a commitment to quality and accuracy

· Effective at removing barriers and establishing trust – can identify challenges and provide solutions

· Strong time management skills and dedication to providing prompt responses and follow-up to clients

· Passion for entrepreneurship and continuous learning, with a drive to develop programs and resources

· Ability to work effectively as part of a management team

· Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and familiarity with tools such as Calendly and Zoom

Nice to have:

· Local community and/or regional knowledge

· Prior experience owning and/or managing a small business

· Prior experience working for an SBDC program, a non-profit, and/or a grant program

· Prior direct business consulting, training, or teaching experience

Things to know:

· Although the position is primarily 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM, Monday – Friday, early morning or evening work may be required

· Duties are performed indoors in an office environment; some remote work is available

This is not necessarily an all-inclusive list of job-related responsibilities, duties, skills, efforts, requirements, or working conditions, and this job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties required in this position. Management reserves the right to revise the job or require that other or different tasks be performed or assigned.

The Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC is funded through a cooperative agreement between the U.S. Small Business Administration, Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO), and the Champaign County Economic Development Corporation, with additional support provided by EDC of Decatur and Macon County and the Midwest Inland Port. While the continuation of this position is foreseen for years to come, all SBDC positions are contingent on continued grant funding.

Compensation is commensurate with education, experience, and qualifications. CCEDC offers a competitive benefits package. For full consideration, please submit a letter of interest, resume, and at least three professional references to carly@champaigncountyedc.org. Please note “SBDC Director Application” in the subject line.

Review of applications will begin immediately. The position will remain open until filled.

Champaign County Economic Development Corporation is an equal opportunity employer.