State Director - Small Business Development Center

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Why Choose Us? 

At the University of Wyoming, we value our employees and invest in their success.  Our comprehensive benefits package is designed to support your health, financial security, and work-life balance.  Benefits include: 

• Generous Retirement Contributions: The State contributes over 15% of your gross salary.  With your mandatory employee contribution, the total contribution toward your retirement plan exceeds 19%.
• Exceptional Health & Prescription Coverage: Enjoy access to medical, dental, and vision insurance with competitive employer contributions, which include 4 deductible options to suit your needs.
• Paid Time Off: Benefit from ample vacation, sick leave, paid holidays, and paid winter closure.
• Tuition Waiver: Employees and eligible dependents can take advantage of tuition waivers, supporting continuous education and professional growth.
• Wellness and Employee Assistance Programs: Stay healthy with wellness initiatives, counseling services, and mental health resources. 

At the University of Wyoming, we are committed to creating a supportive and enriching workplace. To learn more about what we offer, please refer to UW’s Benefits Summary. 

JOB TITLE:  

State Director, SBDC

JOB PURPOSE:   

Provide executive leadership, vision, visibility, strategic direction, and relationship management for the Wyoming Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network, a statewide program funded through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), the Wyoming Business Council (WBC), and hosted by the University of Wyoming (UW). Direct the delivery of no-cost, confidential business advising, training services, and resources to Wyoming entrepreneurs and small business owners, manage a network of regional center directors and staff, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional program requirements. Responsible for effective operation of the SBDC unit including program development and execution, preparation of funding proposals, diligent financial development and oversight, reporting responsibilities at the federal, state, and university levels, personnel management and leadership development. Develop the strategic vision and direction for the future, while maintaining effective communication with stakeholders. Lead and maintain the national accreditation requirements for the Wyoming SBDC Network programs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Provide vision and leadership for the network in alignment with the strategic plan, stakeholder requirements and priorities, and available funding.
• Develop, implement, and oversee network policies and procedures to ensure compliance with institutional, federal, and state guidelines.
• Evaluate programs in conjunction with the Associate State Director, Program Managers, and network staff.
• Initiate, prepare, and oversee the submission of annual Funding Opportunity proposals to SBA, DoD, and the state (WBC).
• Maintain state-match (via WBC) funding for the SBDC, APEX Accelerator, Federal and State Technology (FAST) programs.
• Clearly communicate annual direction and performance expectations to network staff during regularly scheduled meetings. 
• Ensure that systems and processes are in place to meet reporting requirements and accreditation standards. 
• Set and communicate organizational values and ethical behavior standards. 
• Maintain compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Evaluate trends that may impact programs and respond to changes in the network’s operating environment.
• Lead external relations for all SBDC programs.
• Establish and maintain working relationships with public and private sector organizations in support of the network. 
• Oversee effective management of a cohesive brand for all SBDC programs.
• Manage stakeholder standards for program and financial reviews.
• Develop and oversee all program budgets and monitor spending trends.
• Ensure compliance with all funding stakeholders’ requirements.
• Provide direction and leadership in design and implementation of systems to evaluate program and network performance.
• Contribute to the ASBDC association as part of the state directors’ leadership team.

COMPETENCIES: 

• Service Orientation
• Influence
• Initiative
• Integrity
• Stress Tolerance
• Sensitivity
• Adaptability 
• Collaboration

 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

EDUCATION: Master’s degree (MBA, MPA, or other related field)

EXPERIENCE: Minimum 5 years leadership/management experience 

Certifications, registrations, licensures and other requirements for this position: 

• Business Advisor Certification (or ability to obtain within 1 year of hire)
• PMP Certification or demonstrated equivalent experience.

• Valid driver's license with a motor vehicle record (MVR) compliant with the Driving for University Business SAP. 

 Experience Evaluation

Experience requirements are evaluated on a full-time equivalent (FTE) basis. Relevant part-time experience will be prorated based on hours worked. For example, two years working an average of 20 hours per week is equivalent to approximately one year of full-time experience.

Applicants must include the average hours worked per week for all current and previous positions. Failure to provide this information may affect the evaluation of qualifications.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Experience with and understanding of the U.S. Small Business Administration, Small Business Development Centers (SDBCs) and other SBA programs
• Demonstrated business ownership or senior management role in a for- or non-profit entity
• Demonstrated experience evaluating programs, progress, and performance
• Demonstrated experience developing and executing strategic plans that align organizational goals, funding requirements, and stakeholder priorities and metrics within a complex, multi-stakeholder environment. 
• Master's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field, plus 3-6 years of progressive leadership experience; an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. 

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS:

Complete the online application.  The department additionally requests candidates upload the following document(s) for a complete application: 

1. Cover letter 
2. Resume or C.V. 
3. Contact information for four work-related references (references will only be contacted if you are selected as a finalist for the position). 

WORK LOCATION: 

On-campus: This position provides vital support to campus customers, and the successful candidate must be available to work and perform essential job functions on campus, understanding our location is at 7,220 feet above sea level. 

WORK AUTHORIZATION REQUIREMENTS: 

HIRING STATEMENT/EEO:   

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation to apply for a position, please contact us at 307-766-2377 or email [email protected]. 

ABOUT LARAMIE: 

The University of Wyoming is located in Laramie, a charming town of 30,000 residents nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountain West. The state of Wyoming continues to invest in its only 4-year university, helping to make it a leader in academics, research, and outreach with state-of-the-art facilities and strong community ties. We invite you to learn more about Laramie by visiting the About Laramie website. 

Located in a high mountain valley near the Colorado border, Laramie offers both outstanding recreational opportunities and close proximity to Colorado’s Front Range and the metropolitan Denver area. Laramie’s beautiful mountain landscape offers outdoor enjoyment in all seasons, with over 300 days of sunshine annually. For more information about the region, please visit http://visitlaramie.org/ 

Posted Salary Range: 125,508-141,204 Dependent on experience