Small Business Center Director

At Sandhills Community College, we are committed to the health and well-being of our employees, their families, and children across North Carolina. Recently, we became a Family Forward NC Certified Employer. Family Forward NC Employer Certifications, issued by the North Carolina Early Childhood Foundation’s (NCECF) Family Forward NC initiative, designate employers that offer policies and practices that support the health and well-being of working families and children.

Summary

The Director of the Small Business Center (SBC) is responsible for the total operation of the Small Business Center. Responsibilities include actively engaging with Moore and Hoke County communities, embedding themselves within community activities, identifying local small business needs, and providing strategic support to ensure businesses thrive. This position requires proactive partnership development and the maintenance of strong relationships with community stakeholders, local leaders, and agencies to create impactful workforce solutions. As a key member of the Workforce Development and Corporate Partnerships team, this role also requires strong internal collaboration and strategic communication with teammates to align efforts and deliver high-level, integrated workforce solutions. Additionally, the role involves coordinating and implementing seminars, continuing education classes, and outreach activities, while consistently promoting the SBC’s resources.

Essential Functions

Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Provide confidential, personalized consultation to prospective and existing small business owners regarding business structure, business plans, financial analysis, capital access, and marketing.
• Proactively engage and embed within Moore and Hoke Counties to understand the specific and diverse needs of the local communities.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with key stakeholders, including local business leaders, government agencies, educational institutions, chambers of commerce, and nonprofit organizations.
• Develop and maintain visibility and accessibility through regular participation in community events, forums, and meetings.
• Monitor small business trends and proactively initiate activities to ensure the SBC remains responsive to evolving community and economic needs.
• Plan, schedule, and evaluate seminars and workshops, ensuring quality training that equips entrepreneurs and small business owners for success.
• Perform administrative tasks related to SBC management and operational effectiveness.
• Promote the SBC through community presentations, public speaking engagements, and targeted marketing campaigns.
• Serve actively on college, local, and state committees, advocating for small business and entrepreneurial support.
• Attend and represent the SBC at professional development conferences, networking events, and stakeholder meetings.
• Maintain compliance with college policies and procedures, recruit trainers, and manage instructional staff for seminars and classes.
• Prepare, manage, and monitor the SBC operational budget and report on accomplishments accurately and timely.
• Work collaboratively both internally within the College and externally, positively contributing to community and institutional objectives.
• Organize and ensure the Small Business Center Advisory Board is actively engaged, and proactively guiding the operations of the SBC based on community needs of the small business community in compliance with all state and federal guidelines.
• Ensure SBC program goals align with the vision of Workforce Development & Corporate Partnerships and the strategic plan of the College.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Ability to foster meaningful relationships and partnerships at multiple community levels.
• Strong public relations, communication, and presentation skills.
• Ability to assess, research, and analyze local business trends and data.
• Skilled in developing strategic initiatives aligned with community needs and organizational goals.
• Proficiency in managing multiple projects with varying deadlines and requirements.
• Knowledgeable in small business development, economic principles, budgeting, financial reporting, and counseling techniques.
• Demonstrates a positive, team-oriented mindset by actively contributing to team goals, communicating effectively, and supporting colleagues to drive shared success.
  
  

Other Requirements

Must complete SBC director credentialing program within three years of hire and maintain professional competency with ongoing training as required.

Additional Responsibilities

Other duties may be assigned as deemed appropriate and/or necessary by [President | VP | Dean | Department Chair/Supervisor

• Other duties as assigned.
• Serve on campus-wide committees as assigned, requested, and/or needed.
  
  

Qualifications

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor's Degree in Entrepreneurship, Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• Professional Experience:
• Five or more years of business experience in ownership or executive management, OR an advanced degree in a relevant field.
• Demonstrated experience in community engagement, partnership development, and business counseling.
• Language: Strong ability in reading, analyzing, and interpreting business information; excellent writing skills for reports, correspondence, and curricula; and ability to effectively present and respond to inquiries. Spanish language proficiency preferred.
• Mathematical Skills: Ability to perform basic calculations, decimals, and percentages.
• Reasoning Ability: Independent judgment in developing problem-solving techniques and motivational strategies.
• Computer Skills: Complete proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and comfortable use AI tools.
  

Experience

• Proven understanding of small business management, startup resources, and collaborative partnerships.
• Excellent communication, public speaking, and interpersonal skills.
• Five years minimum experience in small business support, corporate roles, industry, or entrepreneurship.
• At least two years of administrative and supervisory responsibilities.
• Three years progressive leadership in business-related environments required.
• Experience in business planning, accounting software, and administering business training programs.
  
  

Sandhills Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, ethnic or national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or parental status, religion, age, ancestry, mental or physical disability, military status or veteran status.

We’re proud to be a Family Forward NC Certified Employer. We’re also proud members of the Moore and Hoke county communities, and we recognize that the more family-friendly workplaces we have here, the better for children and families.

We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including the North Carolina State Health Plan, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, short and long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.

To learn more details, visit our benefits page: Employee Benefits