| Detailed Description: |
This is a full-time temporary, benefit-based position with an anticipated end date of December 31, 2026. This position is funded by an SBA grant and will be renewed annually upon continued grant funding.
The Director of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, and fiscal management of all SBDC activities. The SBDC, housed within the Knauss School of Business, serves entrepreneurs and small businesses across San Diego and Imperial Counties through consulting, training, and access to resources that foster innovation and growth. While administratively located in the Knauss Center for Business Education, the SBDC’s programs and partnerships support all USD schools, departments, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and the broader community.
The Director serves on the Knauss School Leadership Team and collaborates closely with the San Diego & Imperial SBDC Network Lead Office at Southwestern Community College District, as well as other network centers, university stakeholders, and external partners to advance the mission of supporting small business development, entrepreneurship, and economic impact in the region.
This position is responsible for ensuring full compliance with federal, state, and university grant policies and procedures, including the oversight of multiple funding sources, financial management, performance tracking, and timely submission of required reports. The Director develops and manages budgets, ensures proper expenditure of funds, and maintains accountability for programmatic and fiscal performance standards outlined in grant agreements.
Additionally, the Director leads the SBDC’s fundraising and grant development efforts to expand program capacity and sustainability, fosters relationships across the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem, and represents USD and the SBDC at regional and national levels. This position requires active engagement in the business and entrepreneurial community, with occasional evening, weekend, and travel commitments.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Manages and oversees all aspects of SBDC operations by:
- Create relationships locally, regionally, and nationally with fundraising sources such as angel investors, angel funds, and venture capital funds
- Hiring and managing staff and contractors to deliver services and support the functions of the SBDC.
- Managing client intake, assignments, and progress toward key performance indicators.
- Overseeing and coordinating marketing and social media activities.
- Developing programmatic offerings based on needs analysis of existing clients and target clients in San Diego and Imperial Counties.
- Developing and executing continuous improvement and accountability measures to
ensure offerings continue to evolve to serve the changing needs of innovation-based
businesses.
- Overseeing and strategically managing all SBDC funding sources, including grants and
restricted funds, to ensure compliance with all terms, allowable costs, budget restrictions, and reporting deadlines.
- Coordinating with the Office of Sponsored Programs and the Knauss Finance and
Administration Team to ensure alignment with University and grant policies as they
relate to independent contractors, external agreements, and expenditure policies.
- Overseeing monthly financial reviews and ensuring timely processing, reconciliation, and submission of accurate financial reports.
- Provides high-level business advising and technical assistance to a portfolio of small
business clients, applying specialized knowledge in business planning, financing, and
growth strategy to support client success and contribute to performance metrics.
- Develops, implements, and monitors data collection systems to evaluate program
effectiveness, measure client outcomes, and inform strategic decision-making.
- Uses assessment results to improve service delivery and ensure continuous program
improvement.
- Creating and managing the budget, approving expenditures, and ensuring reimbursements and overall financial compliance with both SBDC and USD policies.
- Conducts periodic reviews of grant-funded activities to verify adherence to grant scopes
of work, match requirements, and performance metrics, taking corrective action as
needed.
- Serves as a member of the Knauss School Leadership Team
Leads the SBDC's grant writing and fundraising efforts by:
- Actively searching for grants and developing grant proposals in collaboration with the
Office of Sponsored Programs to increase the number of clients served and the quality of services provided.
- Working with the Knauss Leadership Team and University Advancement to pursue
additional funds through corporations, organizations, and individual donors.
- Sourcing grants and writing grant proposals to increase the number of clients served and the quality of services provided.
- Prepares detailed grant budgets, justifications, and narratives in compliance with federal, state, and local funding agency requirements.
- Coordinates post-award administration of all grants, ensuring accurate financial tracking, documentation of matching funds, and timely submission of required programmatic and fiscal reports.
- In coordination, as needed, with the Assistant Dean of Marketing and Recruitment,
designs and implements community outreach strategies to expand awareness of SBDC
services, strengthen partnerships with economic development agencies, chambers of
commerce, and community-based organizations, and ensure accessibility of programs
across all demographic and geographic segments.
Coordinates with the SDIV SBDC Network and internal (USD) and external
(partner organizations, funders) stakeholders by:
- Collaborating with the SDI SBDC Lead Office and regional Center Directors to
coordinate services, enhance resources, and ensure compliance with SBDC and funder
guidelines.
- Participates in statewide and regional SBDC compliance reviews and ensures that all
required grant documentation is maintained in auditable form.
- Working with the Knauss School of Business Finance and Administration team on topics
related to finance and human resources
- Represents the SBDC at local, regional, and statewide events; delivers presentations to
community, business, and government groups to promote SBDC programs and outcomes; serves as a public spokesperson on behalf of USD and the SBDC as appropriate.
Manages reporting requirements and represents USD and the SBDC by:
- Overseeing the preparation and submission of all required programmatic and fiscal
reports to funders and stakeholders, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timeliness in
accordance with federal, state, and institutional guidelines.
- Coordinate with the Knauss School Finance and Administration Team and Grants
Accounting in finalizing financial reports as required by grantors
- Maintains historical records and documentation to support all grant-related submissions
and audits.
- Representing the SBDC and USD with the media as needed.
Other duties as assigned.
Background check: Successful completion of a pre-employment background check.
Degree Verification Requirement: Persons offered employment in this position will be required to provide official education transcripts for degree verification purposes.
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