The State Director is the single point of contact between the University of West Florida and the U.S. Small Business Administration, responsible for annual strategic planning, development and management of programs and services offered by the Florida Small Business Development Center and the development of resources required to operate those programs and services. The director provides programmatic and financial oversight to the statewide operations of Florida's Network of eleven regional subcontracting State, Public, and Private Colleges and Universities participating as host institutions for an additional 28 SBDCs across the State of Florida, with an annual Network budget of approximately $12 million and a certified consulting core of 116 professionals. The program operates under an annual Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Minimum Qualifications:
Master's degree in an appropriate area of specialization and six years of appropriate experience; or a bachelor's degree in an appropriate area of specialization and eight years of appropriate experience.
Additional Required Qualifications:
Proven leadership in administration, management, finance, consulting, budgeting, government, training, and business.
Proven leader that can develop a comprehensive vision with broad-based buy-in and delegate appropriately.
Strong financial and budgeting experience.
Experience working with state and federal agencies regarding economic/business development.
Experience leading a collaborative accreditation effort and effective program reviews.
Experience securing and managing federal grants.
Strong business background, including an understanding of the facets of entrepreneurship and owning a business such as business plans, marketing plans, financial opportunities, legal structure, disaster preparedness, patents, tax requirements, etc.
Proven organizational and strategic planning skills. Strong marketing skills to promote visibility and awareness of the SBDC program.
Preferred Qualifications:
Owned a small business or has managed multiple sub-contract operations with diverse geographic and demographic territories.
Experience working with an advisory board.
Experience working with academic units and processes.
Knowledge of the Spanish language.
Also requires a criminal background check and valid driver's license.