Small Business Development Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

The Director of the Small Business Development Center provides strategic, administrative, fiscal, and operational leadership for the Tennessee Small Business Development Center (TSBDC) at Dyersburg State Community College. The Director will deliver no-cost, confidential business consulting, training, and resource navigation services to entrepreneurs and existing businesses throughout the assigned service area. The Director develops partnerships, secures resources, manages personnel, and evaluates program outcomes to advance the TSBDC mission, College priorities, and regional economic development. The Director reports to the Vice President of External Affairs.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Plan, implement, and evaluate programs and services consistent with the goals and objectives of the TSBDC as outlined in the Agreement for Hosting a TSBDC Service Center.
• Refers to the TSBDC Strategic Plan to direct accomplishments.
• Provide day-to-day operational leadership, establish procedures, and ensure effective, consistent, and customer-focused service delivery.
• Develop internal and external resources to accomplish program objectives, including actively seeking additional funding resources, economic development partners, and local professional organizations.
• Develop and manage the Center’s annual operating budget, monitor expenditures, prepare budget projections, and maintain appropriate fiscal documentation.
• Provide direct advice and training, or refer clients to appropriate sources as necessary.
• Identify, pursue, and steward funding opportunities, including grants, sponsorships, and other allowable public or private resources.
• Recruit, hire, supervise, schedule, coach, and evaluate consultants, administrative staff, contractors, and other assigned personnel.
• Supervise center personnel, both consultants and administrative.
• Assure daily inputs (641,1062 and 888) reports into the Center IC database as required by the TSBDC program;
• Establish linkages with other service centers or small businesses that may provide additional resources;
• Provide timely and accurate reports to the Lead Center per the TSBDC contract, as determined.
• Analyze scorecards, dashboards, and performance reports; use findings, client feedback, and community needs assessments to strengthen programs and support continuous improvement.
• Develop and execute marketing and outreach strategies that expand awareness and accessibility of TSBDC services across the assigned territory.
• Cultivate productive relationships with chambers of commerce, SCORE, financial institutions, economic-development organizations, governmental entities, professional associations, and higher-education partners.
• Coordinate with the TSBDC Lead Center and other service centers to share resources, address emerging needs, and support consistent network operations.
• Support grant reviews, audits, accreditation activities, program monitoring, and other compliance responsibilities as assigned.
• Perform other duties and participate in College, TSBDC, and community activities as assigned.

Working Conditions

Work is performed primarily in standard office and in community settings. Regular computer use, virtual meetings, public speaking, and contact with clients and partners are required. Travel within the service territory and occasional evening or weekend activities may be necessary. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals to perform essential functions.

Required Qualifications:

• Demonstrate ability to analyze small business problems and suggest alternative actions.
• Possess knowledge of small business functions, including planning, accounting, resource management, and general computer business applications.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, presentation, facilitation, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to establish collaborative relationships with business, government, nonprofit, and economic-development partners.
• Proficiency with standard business technology, database systems, productivity applications, and virtual collaboration tools

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s Degree required from a regionally accredited institution;
• Three (3) years of small business management, workforce development/training, or business consulting experience;
• Budget and program management experience;
• Strong marketing and sales orientation;
• Excellent communication skills, including public speaking;
• Must successfully complete five (5) business counselor training modules.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree from a regionally accredited institution.
• Experience directing an SBDC, entrepreneurial-support program, or grant-funded community-service operation.
• Experience with federal, state, or institutional grant compliance, reporting, and audit preparation.
• Established relationships with regional business, government, nonprofit, or economic-development organizations.
• Demonstrated success in developing programs, securing resources, and achieving measurable outcomes for entrepreneurs or small businesses.

Salary range: $49,763-$62,259

Dyersburg State offers a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to the following:

• Vacation and Sick Leave
• 14 paid holidays
• Medical, dental, vision and life insurance
• Retirement plans
• Optional 401K and 403B Deferred Compensation Plans
• Educational benefits for the employee and their spouse and dependents
• State Employee Discount Program with over 900 merchants

Special Instructions to Applicants:

To be considered for this position applicant must submit an application, a resume, cover letter, and transcripts if applicable.   Unofficial transcripts are acceptable for the application process; but official transcripts are required upon hire. You also must provide the contact information for a minimum of three (3) professional references.

Your skills, abilities, qualifications, and years of experience will be evaluated using only what is recorded on your application.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

A completed satisfactory background check will be required before hire.

Dyersburg State Community College is a TBR and AA/EEO employer and does not discriminate against students, employees, or applicants for admission or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, age, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or any other legally protected class with respect to all employment, programs and activities.