Business Advisor

BUSINESS ADVISOR

BARGAINING UNIT: Non-Bargaining Unit    FLSA: EXEMPTGRADE 13                                BASIC FUNCTION

To provide one-to-one, no fee, confidential advising and education to established small business owners and those considering launching a new business venture with emphasis on client segments and markets consistent with the VtSBDC strategic plan.   

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Create a welcoming environment for engagement and put clients at ease through the use of effective advising approaches.
• Provide business advising in a manner to achieve the performance objectives of funders and stakeholders.
• Assist clients with the steps necessary to prepare for financing needs, using financial spreadsheets to build projections and associated assumptions.
• Build and maintain a portfolio of clients with potential for impact.
• Stay up to date with small business trends, in order to share successful business practices with clients.
• Perform outreach activities to promote and market the services available through VtSBDC to generate client referrals.
• Use available technology to conduct remote advising and training.
• Using VtSBDC-licensed tools, conduct research, analysis, and industry benchmarking to support advice given to clients.
• Maintain records and produce reports relative to program activities in accordance with required client management systems.
• Stay abreast of federal, state and regional economic development initiatives and programs; help clients best utilize these programs.
• Develop and maintain local partnerships and collaborations that expand and enhance VtSBDC services in alignment with the strategic plan.
• Identify education and training needs, and where appropriate, plan and assist in delivery.
• Participate on advisor calls, staff meetings, committees and other related duties as requested by the State Director.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Direct supervision is received by State Director.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in business administration or other appropriate discipline. Plus, five to seven years business experience, or combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills are acquired. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Master’s degree in appropriate discipline with five to seven years relevant experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

Knowledge:

• Broad-based knowledge and experience in business and industry.
• Experience planning and delivering business training programs.
• Demonstrate understanding of and ability to articulate industries driving the Vermont economy.

Skills:

• Strong oral and written communication, presentation skills, planning, organizational and project management skills.
• Proven record of accountability and follow-through with the ability to meet deadlines.

Abilities:

• Ability to work effectively with and represent the program to the business community, and a wide range of individuals within the state and region.
• Work outside of regular business hours may be expected.
• Valid Vermont driver’s license required.

Location: Hybrid position, Vermont State Randolph campus, Randolph, VT. Two open positions: one position will cover 3 Northwest Region Counties and the other position will cover 2 Central Region Counties.

Compensation: The budgeted compensation for this position is $58,000 - $62,000.

Benefits Package:

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance 
• Vision Insurance 
• Retirement Plan
• Tuition Waiver to Vermont State Colleges
• Tuition Waiver to UVM* for dependent children
• Employee Assistance Program 
• Long Term Disability 
• 14 Paid Holidays
• Medical, Personal, and Vacation Leave 

This general outline illustrates the type of work which characterizes the job classification. It is not an all-encompassing statement of the specific duties, responsibilities and qualifications of individual positions assigned to the classification.

We encourage applicants with a demonstrated interest in building and supporting an inclusive, equitable, and diverse community at VSC.

Vermont State University is a part of the Vermont State Colleges System (VSCS). VSCS values individual differences that can be engaged in the service of learning.  Diverse experiences from people of varied backgrounds inform and enrich our community.  VSCS strongly encourages applications from historically marginalized and underrepresented populations.  VSCS is an equal opportunity employer, in compliance with ADA requirements, and will make reasonable accommodations for the known disability of an otherwise qualified applicant.  Please contact our HR office for assistance with accommodations athumanresources@vermontstate.edu.    

NOTE: This job could be subject to a criminal background check. Any offer of employment may be contingent upon the satisfactory results of this check.