State Director - Maine Small Business Development Center at University of Maine System in Portland, OR

Job description

The University of Southern Maine (USM) invites applications for the position of State Director, Maine Small Business Development Centers (Maine SBDC) . The State Director serves as the chief executive officer of the Maine SBDC program and network, providing strategic leadership for a statewide organization dedicated to supporting Maine's small businesses and strengthening the state's economy. Housed within the USM School of Business, the Maine SBDC provides business advising, training, research, and other resources to small businesses throughout Maine. The State Director is responsible for the development, implementation, success, and impact of the program, working closely with funding partners, government and economic development organizations, business and community leaders, and the University of Southern Maine. The State Director leads a multi-faceted, multi-location organization and is responsible for maximizing the economic impact of the Maine SBDC through initiatives that support business creation and growth, job creation and retention, capital formation, technology commercialization, and other economic development outcomes. The position also promotes collaboration between the Maine SBDC and USM's leadership, faculty, students, and School of Business. What You’ll Do: Provide strategic and operational leadership for the statewide Maine SBDC program and network. Develop and implement short- and long-term goals and plans that strengthen business advising, training, research, and services for Maine's small businesses. Promote the Maine SBDC as a visible and valued contributor to Maine's economic development strategy. Build and maintain strong partnerships with public and private organizations, government agencies, business and trade organizations, economic development organizations, capital access institutions, and other stakeholders. Advocate for program funding and negotiate performance objectives, contracts, and agreements with funding partners, host organizations, and service providers. Identify and pursue additional funding opportunities, including grants, contracts, and other revenue sources, to support the sustainability of the Maine SBDC. Partner with USM's Research Service Center to ensure accurate and timely grant and contract submissions. Develop and manage the Maine SBDC's annual budget in collaboration with the Director of Finance & Grant Management, ensuring fiscal responsibility and compliance with funding and University of Maine System requirements. Provide leadership and oversight for the State Office, USM Centers, and contracted host organizations operating Maine SBDC service centers. Ensure a high level of customer and client satisfaction and promote continuous quality improvement throughout the organization. Support continued SBDC accreditation and adherence to program standards and requirements. Provide leadership in the use of information technology and other technologies that enhance advising, training, and services for small businesses. Foster an entrepreneurial culture among Maine SBDC directors, advisors, and staff. Establish and maintain relationships with appointed and elected leaders and other key stakeholders to advance shared economic development goals. Measure program outcomes and return on investment and use results to inform planning and decision-making. Support professional development opportunities that strengthen the skills and effectiveness of Maine SBDC advisors and staff. Coordinate business and economic research initiatives that benefit Maine's economy. Promote USM and the School of Business through the Maine SBDC's statewide outreach, research, and public-service activities. Leadership and Management The State Director directly supervises the Associate State Director of Operations, Director of Finance & Grant Management, and Administrative and Data Manager, including responsibility for hiring, goal-setting, and performance evaluation. The position also provides indirect leadership fo