Basic Function and Responsibility:

The Senior Manager of  the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Oakton College oversees the operations of the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Oakton College, which is designed to provide assistance to entrepreneurs and small business owners in our region. The senior manager is responsible for managing the center's budget, staff, and programming to meet the needs of the local business community.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities:

• Plan, coordinate, and manage programs, services, and activities consistent with the goals and  objectives of the SBDC.
• Provide direct business advising and training to clients, including, but not limited to, business  formation, financial analysis, needs assessments, market projections, how to access capital,  developing a business plan, strategic planning, and more.
• Write grant proposals, develop, and administer budgets, maintain fiscal oversight, and prepare  reports to achieve goals and objectives in compliance with the terms and conditions of  applicable agreements and policies and procedures.
• Develop and present training (workshops and webinars) on a variety of topics, including how to  start a business in Illinois, writing a business plan, how to register with SAM and GATA, and programs of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), DCEO, and local units of  government.
• Perform outreach and maintain collaborative relationships with local financial institutions,  relevant services providers, the local business community, and local business associations, as  well as local, state, and federal agencies.
• Work to further develop the small business ecosystem in the area with an emphasis on  businesses in Illinois that identify as underserved including minority, rural, veteran, and women owned businesses.
• Supervise, train, and evaluate the performance of assigned staff and independent contractors  serving as SBDC business advisors.
• Provide leadership in the community around small business development and help to build,  sustain, and expand partnerships.
• Create and maintain client and activity records to ensure accuracy and required reporting  information; includes management of Neoserra, the CMS system used by DCEO. Work in close coordination with the Illinois SBDC network, including leadership and other SBDCs throughout the state.
•  Work in close coordination with local units of government and other organizations to manage  small business programs.
• Maintain professional standards as a Small Business Advisor by participating in professional  development activities.
• Champion the SBDC brand in cooperation with the Illinois Small Business Development Center network and America's Small Business Development Center network.
• Travel as needed for meetings and engagement with clients and partners and/or to attend  events and conferences.
• In coordination with the Academic Affairs' Senior Administration,communicate with officials of federal, state  or local government agencies as well as community stakeholders, and  business leaders in order to achieve the goals of the SBDC.
• Ensure the SBDC is responsive to the  target sectors and priority areas of Oakton College.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

 Supervision Received:

Administrative supervision received from the Dean of Workforce Partnerships and Innovation.

Supervision Exercised:

Functional supervision is exercised over SBDC staff.

Qualifications and Working Conditions:

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited university/college in business is required.
• At least two - five years of experience in small business management, economic development, consulting and/or other management experience is required.
• Excellent written, verbal, communication, and presentation skills are required.
• Must be able to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to organize, budget, plan, and implement multiple projects and deadlines.
• Must be able to respond quickly and accurately to changing project conditions in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven strong customer service skills and ability to work with diverse constituencies is required.
• Strong time management skills and dedication to providing prompt responses and follow-up to  clients.
• Must have a valid Illinois driver's license.
• Experience collaborating with multiple organizations is required.
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality is must
• Must be available to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends when required by the department's needs.
• Must be able to obtain the Certified Business Development Advisor credential within the first 60 days of  employment sponsored by Oakton College
• Preferred Skills
• Creativity and resourcefulness in developing and implementing projects.
• Effective at removing barriers and establishing trust - can identify challenges and provide  solutions.
• Passion and curiosity for business and entrepreneurship, and a willingness to develop new  programs and resources
• Local community and/or regional knowledge
• Prior experience owning and/or managing a small business
• Prior experience working for an SBDC program, a non-profit, and/or grant/contract program
• Prior direct business consulting, training, or teaching experience.

Physical Demands

Light lifting up to 10 lbs. and light carrying up to 10 lbs. Ability to reach above shoulder. Periods of time spent sitting, standing, walking, kneeling, bending and stooping. Mobility to move from building to building on both-Campus (Des Plaines and Skokie) and to visit off-Campus entities. Work is performed in a general office environment and is sedentary in nature. Little or no exposure to adverse working conditions.

The Illinois Small Business Development Center at Oakton College is funded through a cooperative agreement between the U.S. Small Business Administration, Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO), and Oakton College. While the continuation of this position is foreseen for years to come, all SBDC positions are contingent on continued grant funding.

Supervision Received:

Administrative supervision received from the Dean of Workforce Partnerships and Innovation.

Supervision Exercised:

Functional supervision is exercised over SBDC staff.

SALARY:  $81,265

HOURS:  Monday - Friday 8:15 am - 5:00 pm 

This is a temporary grant position and continued employment, is based on the successful renewal of the grant. 

Based on the needs of the college and with Administrator approval, some positions at the college may have hybrid schedule options available after 30 working days.  .

Oakton is accessible by public transportation. 

Apply Online

About Oakton Community College

For 50 years, Oakton Community College has been the setting where thousands begin or continue their college or career studies. Educating people of all ages, from all walks of life and from more than 40 nations, Oakton focuses on improving the quality of life for everyone who enters its doors.

Connections working at Oakton Community College