Economic Development Assistant Jobs in Bixby, OK

***This is a 100% Grant Funded Position***

Status:  Full-Time / Exempt
Shift:  Days 
Description:
Responsible for developing, coordinating, and delivering training and coaching programs that help new and aspiring entrepreneurs launch and grow successful small businesses. This role supports clients through all stages of entrepreneurship, from idea development to full business operations, while advancing Tulsa Tech's mission to strengthen workforce and economic development. As a position sponsored by the Oklahoma SBDC network, the coordinator also provides confidential, one-on-one small business advising consistent with SBDC service standards and reporting requirements and works in partnership with the SBDC State Office to extend counseling and training services to the region.
Essential Functions:

1. Develop and deliver entrepreneurship education, workshops, and certificate programs that align with workforce and economic development priorities.
2. Design curriculum and learning experiences that address key business competencies such as business planning, financial literacy, marketing, operations, and leadership.
3. Integrate practical, real-world applications, including case studies, simulations, and project-based learning.
4. Evaluate program effectiveness and continuously improve instructional content and delivery methods.
5. Provide one-on-one and small group coaching to aspiring and existing entrepreneurs, guiding them through all phases of business development from idea validation and market research to business launch, growth, and hiring.
6. Assist clients with developing business plans, securing financing, establishing legal structures, and understanding operational requirements.
7. Maintain a diverse client portfolio consistent with SBDC program standards, including startups and pre-venture clients as well as existing businesses positioned for growth, and provide financial analysis for clients (e.g., cash flow management, business ratios) as part of counseling engagements.
8. Manage client records, counseling sessions, and program data in the required SBDC client management/reporting system, ensuring accuracy and timely submission in compliance with SBA and SBDC State Office requirements.
9. Develop and maintain relationships with area lenders and funding partners to help clients access capital and financing.
10. Connect participants to campus resources, mentors, and external partners such as the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), APEX, chambers of commerce, and financial institutions.
11. Cultivate partnerships with local businesses, economic development organizations, and industry professionals to enhance entrepreneurship training opportunities.
12. Represent Tulsa Tech and the SBDC at community events, business expos, and partner meetings to promote entrepreneurship programs and services; conduct outreach and promotional activities in alignment with SBDC branding guidelines and in consultation with the State Office. Evening or weekend hours may be required.
13. Collaborate with faculty and staff across departments to integrate entrepreneurship education into technical programs and career pathways.
14. Maintain accurate records of program participation, coaching sessions, and client outcomes; prepare reports on program performance, success stories, and impact metrics for internal stakeholders, funding partners, and the SBDC State Office as required.
15. Assist with grant proposals, compliance reporting, and resource development related to small business and entrepreneurship initiatives.
16. Sign and comply annually with the SBDC Code of Professional Conduct and Conflict of Interest and Ethics Policy; conduct all client work with strict confidentiality. Travel throughout the assigned service region, and occasionally statewide, to attend or deliver training at conferences, meetings, or workshops; some work outside normal business hours may be required based on workload.
17. Perform all other duties as may be assigned by supervisor.  

Job Requirements:

• Three (3) years' experience as an entrepreneur or small business mentor/coach. (OR)
• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Entrepreneurship, Economic Development, Education, or a related field (Master's degree preferred) AND one (1) year of experience in small business development, entrepreneurship training, or business consulting.
• Knowledge of small business operations, financing, and regulatory compliance, including the ability to read and analyze financial statements (cash flow, business ratios) for client counseling purposes.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, business planning software, online learning tools, and client management/reporting databases.
• Experience in adult education or technical training environments preferred.
• Bilingual (English and Spanish) preferred.
• As an SBDC-sponsored position, must be eligible to sign and annually renew the SBDC Code of Professional Conduct and Conflict of Interest and Ethics Policy, and must be able to maintain strict confidentiality of client information.
• Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board may find appropriate and acceptable. 

Education:
High School Diploma or equivalent.
Salary Schedule:  
SPMS
Hiring Range:
$59,263 to $75,651 dependent on experience, plus additional $9,900 annual compensation for salary-in-lieu of dependent benefit coverage.
Benefits:  
Employee Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability, Sick Leave, Vacation, Personal Leave, Pension Plan, 457 Savings Plan, and 25 paid holidays  

Physical Demands:

This is an overview intended for compliance with the ADA it is not an exhaustive list of the duties to be performed. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions of a specific position.

Regular Requirements: Stand for extended periods; sit for extended periods; twist at the neck and trunk; bend at the waist; stoop, kneel, crouch; lift/move up to 20 pounds; handle objects and tools with hands; repetitive use of fingers and hands.

Occasional Requirements: Reach with hands and arms overhead, above shoulder and horizontally; lift/move up to 40 pounds. Must be able to travel or work extended hours, as needed.

Visual Requirements: Close, color, peripheral, depth perception, ability to adjust focus.

Hearing/Speaking Requirements: Adequate to exchange information.
Closing Date:
For maximum consideration, receipt of application material is August 31st.  However, the position will remain open until filled.
Note:  Tulsa Tech is an Equal Opportunity Employer