Staff Careers

The Sr. Consultant and Director, SBDC and APEX Accelerator provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the UAH Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and APEX Accelerator programs, delivering comprehensive business counseling, government contracting assistance, and economic development services to small businesses and entrepreneurs throughout the region.

Key Responsibilities Include

• Provide leadership, strategic planning, and operational oversight for the UAH Small Business Development Center and APEX Accelerator programs, serving as the primary spokesperson with stakeholders, partners, and funding agencies

• Recruit, hire, train, and supervise staff, providing ongoing professional development and mentoring to ensure staff excellence in counseling, training, and client service delivery

• Develop and implement strategic initiatives to expand program reach, enhance service delivery, and maximize client impact

• Monitor program performance, conduct regular staff meetings, and implement continuous improvement processes to enhance service quality and effectiveness

• Coordinate with the Alabama SBDC Network at the University of Alabama to ensure alignment with statewide objectives and standards

• Promote a culture of collaboration with staff and stakeholders within the SBDC and APEX Accelerator, among partners within the state network, and with other resource providers in the community

Client Counseling & Technical Assistance

• Provide direct, high-quality technical assistance and consulting services to small business owners and entrepreneurs through face-to-face meetings, phone, email, and web-conferencing

• Analyze business situations and provide expert recommendations on business plans, market feasibility, financial viability, operations management, and legal structures for commercial and government contracting clients

• Deliver comprehensive counseling on startup planning, growth strategies, financial management, marketing, operational excellence, and critical business decisions including expansion, succession planning, and exit strategies

• Assist clients with developing successful strategic plans for government contracting at federal, state, and local levels, including guidance through registrations (SAM, DSBS, SBA certifications), eligibility assessments, and certification programs

• Provide assistance in responding to RFPs, RFQs, and IFBs with competitive proposals and bid preparation strategies

• Conduct research and provide market intelligence to help small businesses identify opportunities in both commercial markets and government contracting sectors

• Conduct in-depth business assessments and develop customized action plans to address client challenges, growth opportunities, and government contracting readiness

• Facilitate access to capital by assisting clients with financial projections, loan packaging, and connections to lending institutions

• Educate clients on federal procurement regulations, compliance requirements, and best practices for contract performance and business operations

• Connect clients with prime contractors, teaming partners, subcontracting opportunities, and strategic business resources

• Track client outcomes in both commercial business development and government contracting, providing ongoing support throughout business growth and contract lifecycles

•  Engage UAH students with client projects including market research, business plan development, financial analysis, social media planning, and HR compliance

Marketing, Outreach & Partnership Development

• Develop and execute comprehensive marketing and outreach strategies to promote SBDC and APEX programs, creating public awareness and establishing effective client referral systems with key stakeholders

• Serve as a small business resource through professional relationships and active participation with chambers of commerce, economic development boards, industrial development authorities, business incubators, and business associations

• Cultivate strategic partnerships with financial institutions, government agencies, and professionals serving entrepreneurs and small businesses to facilitate client access to resources and contracting opportunities

• Develop and deliver topic-specific presentations and training programs using a variety of delivery methods to diverse audiences

• Represent the programs at regional and statewide conferences, networking events, and business forums

Contract, Grant, and Compliance Management

• Develop proposals and secure funding to support and expand SBDC and APEX services

• Oversee implementation and management of grants and contracts in compliance with federal, state, and university requirements

•  Collaborate with program partners including the Alabama SBDC Network and APEX Alabama, and coordinate effectively with the UAH Office of Sponsored Projects, Contracts and Grants Accounting, the College of Business, and other university offices

• Ensure compliance with guidelines and regulations established by federal contracts, the University of Alabama, Alabama SBDC policies and procedures, and APEX Accelerator program standards

Financial Management, Data & Reporting

• Oversee and administer program budgets providing fiscally responsible management in accordance with program and university policies

• Develop and manage funding resources to sustain and enhance service delivery

• Collect, maintain, and analyze client satisfaction data and milestone data to inform program improvements and measure program impact

• Ensure program participation data is accurately collected, maintained, and reported to federal, state, and university funding partners

• Prepare comprehensive financial, programmatic, and statistical reports for state and federal funding sources and university administration

• Implement data management systems to track client engagement, service delivery, and economic impact metrics

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in business or a closely related field; or a bachelor’s degree in business with 8-10 years of business or government acquisitions experience.
• 5-7 years of experience in private sector business, including 2 years in a managerial capacity; or 5-7 years in a government acquisitions role.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Competent in the use of technology (e.g., MS Office Suite, web conferencing, databases) and cybersecurity tactics
• Ability to use business research tools
• Ability to foster a collaborative and cooperative work environment
• Excellent professionalism in meeting deadlines, organization, and maintaining good relationships with staff and other stakeholders or partners
• US citizenship is required

• Master's degree in a business discipline from an AACSB accredited institution preferred
• Government contracting experience preferred
• Success in developing proposals and receiving awards for grants or contracts preferred
• 2+ years of experience in advising small businesses or start-ups preferred

$83,000 -$85,022