General Business Counselor

The Small Business and Technology Development Center is an inter-institutional program of The University of North Carolina. It functions as the Business and Technology Extension Service of The University.

The primary mission of the SBTDC is to support economic development in the state by providing assistance in the start-up, successful operation and expansion of small businesses and by facilitating technology development and transfer within the state's small business community. In carrying out its mission, the SBTDC cooperates with and fully utilizes a broad range of programs and resources in the state but its primary attention is focused on leveraging the management and technical assistance resources of The University's constituent institutions and other colleges and state supported resources.

This position provides one-on-one management counseling and advisory services to owners and management teams of small and mid-sized businesses. Effective delivery of advisory services requires significant analysis of a business' current situation including but not limited to financial, market, operations, and strategic business plans. The positions is charged with identifying issues, interpreting complex data and information, communicating trends and possible outcomes, organizing and evaluating research, planning and designing data collection. Based on research and analysis, this position is expected to prepare and deliver recommendations and assist the client in critical decision making with respect to business goals and objectives. Delivery of advisory services requires use of broad discretion and professional judgment in formulating and communicating recommendations.

This position performs the following duties:

Counseling - 55%
This position provides one-on-one management counseling to small and mid-sized businesses. Requires significant analysis including but not limited to identifying issues, interpreting complex data and information, communicating trends and possible outcomes, organizing and evaluating research, planning and designing data collection, assisting client in establishing goals and objectives, and making recommendations. Incumbent must use broad discretion and professional judgment in formulating and communicating recommendations. Significance of decision-making ability is very high. Maintaining client relationship is very important. Significance and impact to client management is high. Absolute confidentiality of client information must be maintained. Both the SBTDC and its clients are directly affected by the quality of service provided through this position. Errors or failure to exercise care in advising clients could cause irreparable harm. This counselor collaborates with SBTDC, specialty advisers to addressing depth financial and operations needs with respect to special markets. Referrals and co-counseling may also occur with other economic development partners in the region.

Marketing and Outreach - 25%
This position has the responsibility for promoting the SBTDC throughout the 12-county area served by the regional center. This includes explaining SBTDC programs to lenders, chamber representatives, CPA's, attorneys, city and county officials, state and federal representatives, and economic developers. Developing and maintaining these relationships is essential as this network of partners in each county is crucial to continued success. Additional duties include promoting the programs and events of SBTDC, and marketing all services to the market segments outlined in the SBTDC Strategic Plan. Counselor represents SBTDCat conferences, meetings, panel discussions, special events, and other networking opportunities deemed appropriate both throughout the 12-county region and at the University.

Administrative -12%
This counselor is responsible for timely documentation of all work related to clients in assigned portfolio, to include all client impact resulting from assistance provided to clients. This is performed electronically using MARS, or MIS system. Outreach reports are compiled and submitted each month and incorporated into regional center quarterly reports. This counselor is also responsible for writing client success stories for the quarterly regional center reports and SBTDC Annual Reports. Counselor contributes to program evaluations undertaken by the SBTDC each quarter.

Training - 5%
This position has the responsibility for planning and facilitating workshops offered by this SBTDC regional center. This counselor will help teach "How to Start a Business" workshops and "Boots to Business" workshops as needed.

Student Engagement - 3%
This counselor will assist in recruiting, interviewing, selecting, and mentoring interns each semester as they provide assistance to SBTDC clients. Student engagement includes work with ECU Small Business Institute teams, Strategic Management teams, Duke summer interns, and graduate business interns.

Contingent upon availability of funds.

Bachelor's degree and one year of experience related to the area of assignment; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

None

Master's Degree in business administration or other related field. Three years of relevant work experience.

East Carolina University requires applicants to submit a candidate profile online in order to be considered for the position. Candidates must also submit a cover letter, resume, and a list of three references, including contact information, online.

2-3 original letters of reference are required for employment. Please be aware that if selected as a candidate of choice, an automatic e-mail will be sent to the individuals entered by the applicant in the References section in the PeopleAdmin applicant tracking system. Letters of reference submitted via the PeopleAdmin applicant tracking system will be verified and considered towards meeting this requirement.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

In order to be considered for this position, applicants must complete a candidate profile online via the PeopleAdmin system and submit any requested documents. Additionally, applicants that possess the preferred education and experience must also possess the minimum education/experience, if applicable.

East Carolina University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer who is committed to workforce success and cultivating a culture of care, belonging and opportunity for our faculty, staff and learners and all stakeholders. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race/ethnicity, color, genetic information, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, political affiliation, or veteran status.

Individuals requesting accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act ( ADAAA) should contact the ADA Coordinator at (252) 737-1018 (Voice/ TTY) or ADA-Coordinator@ecu.edu.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. ECU participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Department for People Operations, Success, and Opportunity at (252) 328-9847 or toll free at 1-866-489-1740 or send an email to employment@ecu.edu. Our office is available to provide assistance Monday-Friday from 8:00-5:00 EST.