Business Consultant – Small Business Development Center

Salary:               $60,000 (annual salary)
Benefits:           The University offers generous benefits including paid time off (holidays, holy days and vacation), employer matching contributions to the retirement plan, and tuition benefits for employees and their eligible dependents. Learn more and explore benefits at www.duq.edu/benefits
Location:                   Small Business Development Center
Position Status:        Full-time (Grant funded, 35 hours per week)                                           
Hours:                        Generally Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.
Position Number:    245604/10-1158                
FLSA Status:              Exempt

POSITION SUMMARY:

The consultant will provide one-on-one advising, conduct assessments, develop customized growth plans, and connect entrepreneurs to capital, procurement opportunities, and specialized resources. The ideal candidate brings deep business knowledge, hands-on experience, and a strong experience and commitment to equitable economic development.

The consultant will deliver individualized, one-on-one technical assistance and consulting to entrepreneurs and small businesses in areas such as business planning, financial management, marketing, operations, HR, and strategic growth.

Conducts comprehensive business assessments to identify needs, risks, and opportunities.
Develop tailored action plans and track progress toward measurable outcomes and success.

Assist clients in preparing financial documents, loan packages, grant applications, and investor materials.

Provide guidance on compliance, licensing, certifications (e.g., MBE/WBE/DBE), and procurement readiness.

This position is a grant funded position.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Direct Client Support:

Manages and provide appropriate technical assistance focused on client needs including business plans, financial plans, marketing efforts, growth strategies, business start, to a portfolio of assigned clients in the HDBA program.

Maintains accurate, timely documentation of all engagements with clients.

Coordinates workshops, training sessions, and cohort-based learning experiences.

Contributes to program reporting, data collection, and outcome measurement required by DCED.

Assists in the facilitation of MWDBE and 8 (a) certification and procurement opportunities for clients
Connect clients to capital sources, including CDFIs, banks, microloan programs, and grant opportunities to support client success.

Identify and refer clients to specialized technical assistance providers when appropriate.

Maintains up-to-date knowledge of regional business resources, incentives, and support programs.

Outreach and HDBA Program Support:

Conducts targeted outreach to historically disadvantaged business communities who meet program eligibility.
 
Builds trust-based and foster relationships with entrepreneurs, community organizations, and ecosystem partners.

Represents the SBDC at events, meetings, and community engagements as assigned.

HDBA Program Support:

Participates in all required training, meetings and other activities of the HDBA program.

Facilitates reports, data collection and resource allocation to program participants.

Communicates with and support the work of community partners in the HDBA program.

Provides client centered feedback and assessment to inform program delivery and ensure best practice.

Travel is required in this position.

Completes other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

Minimum qualifications:

Bachelor’s from an accredited educational institution and 3-5 years of work- related experience.
Minimum 3- 5 years of experience in business consulting, small business ownership or management, entrepreneurship, or economic development.

Demonstrated experience working with historically disadvantaged or underserved business communities.

Strong financial literacy, including interpreting financial statements developing business plans and developing projections.

Proven ability to coach entrepreneurs and guide them through complex business challenges.

Excellent communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills.

Ability to manage multiple clients and projects simultaneously.

Proficiency with CRM systems, Microsoft Office, and virtual meeting platforms.

Current PA driver’s license in good standing.

Preferred qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, economics, entrepreneurship, public administration, marketing or related field from an accredited educational institution.

Knowledge of procurement processes, supplier diversity programs, and certification pathways.
Bilingual or multilingual abilities an asset.

Alternatively, the successful candidate may possess any equivalent combination of experience and training, which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the essential job functions. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:

Familiarity with Pennsylvania’s small business ecosystem, DCED programs, and local economic development partners.

Knowledge of procurement processes, supplier diversity programs, and certification pathways.
Bilingual or multilingual abilities an asset.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the University Community.

Ability and willingness to contribute actively to the mission of the University and to respect the Spiritan Catholic identity of Duquesne University.  The mission is implemented through a commitment to academic excellence, a spirit of service, moral and spiritual values, sensitivity to world concerns, and an ecumenical campus community.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

Applicants are asked to submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references.

Duquesne University was founded in 1878 by its sponsoring religious community, the Congregation of the Holy Spirit.  Duquesne University is Catholic in mission and ecumenical in spirit.  Motivated by its Catholic identity, Duquesne values equality of opportunity both as an educational institution and as an employer.