Center Director

Posting Summary

Position Title: LSBDC Center Director

FLSA: Exempt

Department: Department Of Business Administration & Economics

Xavier University of Louisiana is accepting applications for the open position of LSBDC Director. The Louisiana Small Business Development Center (LSBDC) Director at XULA provides leadership in coordinating and overseeing the development and reporting of all activities at the center level that (1) accomplish the purposes of the grant agreement and (2) are consistent with the goals and objectives of the Louisiana SBDC Network program. The Center Director serves as the liaison, cultivating and managing relationships with the community, US Small Business Administration (SBA), Louisiana Economic Development (LED), the LSBDC State Office, host institution, and external agencies to provide information on available resources and services. AA/EOE

Minimum Qualifications

In lieu of a master’s degree, a minimum of seven (7) years of experience in either business ownership and operations and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for this position may be accepted.

Preferred Qualifications

B.A., B.S., or Master’s Degree in Business Administration.

Special Requirements Summary

Work Hours: Full time. Some weekend, special events, and travel required.

KSA's

Knowledge, Education, Experience, and Proficiencies:

1. Leadership Skills – the ability to influence, motivate, and elevate others to do more than they knew possible, as well as know when to lead and when to follow.
2. Emotional Intelligence – the ability to recognize and discern emotions to guide thinking and behavior to adapt to dynamic environments and collaborative teams.
3. Consultation/Advising Skills – a keen ability to effectively analyze, interpret, and coach clients from various industries on multi-faceted business concepts to a positive outcome that directs their path to success. Must be able to help clients with all facets of the business planning process.
4. Communication Skills – knowledge of the structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, proper grammar, and professional etiquette. Adept at website content management, digital marketing and social media networks, and blog engagement.
5. Business Insight – keen ability to analyze, understand, and deal with a business situation in a manner that is likely to lead to a positive outcome.
6. Time Management – the ability to strategically utilize time and resources to accurately and proficiently manage priorities, timelines, deadlines, and details under pressure.
7. Technical Capability – strong proficiency in fundamental office and computer equipment and software programs such as Microsoft Office Suite, CIC platforms, and cloud-based software applications.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Administrative (Development of Plans/Proposals, Recordkeeping, Reporting, Performance Measurement) 20%:

1. Develop and implement a strategic plan consistent with the goals and strategies of the state LSBDC program.
2. Account for the accuracy and financial compliance of multiple accounts.
3. Maintain an accounting system to track expenses from multiple accounts for Center operations.
4. Work with the University Sponsored Programs and Office of Research for grant proposal development and compliance.
5. Develop and submit quarterly and annual reports.
6. Input timely and accurate counseling data into Center IC, client information management system.
7. Supervise the client records and data.
8. Evaluate and measure the effectiveness and impact of the center’s programs and services.

Human Resource Management 20%:

1. Recruit, select, and evaluate employees.
2. Supervise business advisors’ and support staff’s counseling, training, and reporting activities.
3. Use data analytics to make informed decisions to manage center operations and strategically serve the regional entrepreneurial ecosystem.
4. Promote staff development by utilizing continuing education opportunities to enhance professional development.

Small Business Counseling and Training 30%:

1. Provide and facilitate free, in-depth, confidential, individual business analyses and refer to appropriate resources.
2. Plan and market no- to low-cost training on subjects relevant to small business start-ups and growth.
3. Recruit government, private, and public entities to provide voluntary consulting services and training.
4. Develop a resource network to achieve program objectives.
5. Assist in the transfer of university-based knowledge to the small business community.
6. Provide at least 600 hours of consulting in the small business ecosystem.

Program and Small Business Advocate 20%:

1. Promote the SBDC program and advocate for small businesses through presentations to communities and entities.
2. Develop relationships with key stakeholders including, but not limited to, SBA, the host institution, banks, chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, trade groups, educational institutions, and legislators.
3. Develop appropriate advertising, promotion, and marketing materials.
4. Attend regional and state meetings and conferences.
5. Develop and provide reports and/or special services as requested by the SBA, LED, and LSBDC State Office.
6. Support area, state, and federal research projects concerning small businesses and disseminate results to the community.
7. Engage in the LSBDC Network Accreditation process for maintaining exceptional performance and standards.

Competency Statement(s)

The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required to perform job duties at an elevated level.

1. Leadership Skills – the ability to influence, motivate, and elevate others to do more than they knew possible, as well as know when to lead and when to follow.
2. Emotional Intelligence – the ability to recognize and discern emotions to guide thinking and behavior to adapt to dynamic environments and collaborative teams.
3. Consultation/Advising Skills – a keen ability to effectively analyze, interpret, and coach clients from various industries on multi-faceted business concepts to a positive outcome that directs their path to success.
4. Communication Skills – knowledge of the structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, proper grammar, and professional etiquette. Adept at website content management, digital marketing and social media networks, and blog engagement.
5. Business Insight – keen ability to analyze, understand, and deal with a business situation in a manner that is likely to lead to a positive outcome.
6. Time Management – the ability to strategically utilize time and resources to accurately and proficiently manage priorities, timelines, deadlines, and details under pressure.
7. Technical Capability – strong proficiency in fundamental office and computer equipment and software programs such as Microsoft Office Suite, CIC platforms, and cloud-based software applications.

Posting Number

Posting Number: S412P

Number of Vacancies

Number of Vacancies: 1

Desired Start Date

Desired Start Date: 10/01/2024

Posting Date

Posting Date: 09/20/2024

Application Review Date

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Special Instructions to Applicants

Submit a resume, CV, cover letter and at least 3 reference letters.

Founded in 1925 by Saint Katharine Drexel and the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, Xavier is Catholic and historically Black. Located in New Orleans, the ultimate purpose of the University is to contribute to the promotion of a more just and humane society by preparing its students to assume roles of leadership and service in a global society. This preparation takes place in a diverse learning and teaching environment that incorporates all relevant educational means, including research and community service.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Documents Needed To Apply

Required Documents:

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter
3. Letter of Recommendation

Optional Documents:

1. Transcripts
2. Curriculum Vitae

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