Temporary University Specialist [Business Advising Specialist]

Connecticut Small Business Development Center, School of Business

The Connecticut Advanced Manufacturing Center at UConn, funded by the Minority Business Development Agency and operated by the Connecticut Small Business Development Center, seeks a dynamic professional to join our team to create and execute strategies to support diverse owners of manufacturing businesses located in the United States through specialized training and advising on topics to support growth and process optimization.

The position will report to the State Director and Associate State Director at the Connecticut Small Business Development Center.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and deliver specialized training webinars and workshops on topics to assist manufacturers. Arrange for subject matter expert presenters from various programs in and outside of Connecticut such as Forge, UConn Manufacturing programs, Manufacturing Extension Programs in other states, and others, on topics such as financing, continuous improvement, continuity planning, cybersecurity, intellectual property, and exporting.
• Create and utilize an outreach plan to attract participants which includes direct mail, working through service organizations, and other tactics to reach U.S. manufacturing businesses owned or controlled by individuals who meet the definition of socially or economically disadvantaged individual according to 15 U.S.C. Section 9501(15)(A).
• Working directly with business owners, providing advice and other support on a range of topics including continuous operational improvement, growth financing, continuity planning, cybersecurity strategies, and marketing strategies.
• Engage and develop relationships with regional and national organizations to enable referrals of minority businesses for help on topics such as innovation, finance, growth, and other goals.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Supply Chain, or a related field.
2. Minimum of three years of business experience.
3. Excellent communication skills internally and externally, with all levels of organizations.
4. Ability to prioritize, multi-task, and coordinate workload and work under pressure to meet deadlines.
5. Must demonstrate passion and commitment to the advancement, advocacy, and development of businesses owned or controlled by individuals who meet the definition of socially or economically disadvantaged individuals according to 15 U.S.C. Section 9501(15)(A).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Previous experience in providing business services.
2. Previous Experience in Supplier Diversity or working with small diverse businesses
3. Experience building and maintaining relationships, inspire respect and trust, and demonstrate empathy.
4. Experience advising, consulting, or providing professional services to small businesses.
5. Experience developing and delivering business-related training workshops or programs.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a temporary, 35 hours per week, position. The schedule will be Monday through Friday, with a hybrid work schedule as agreed upon with the candidate and the State Director. The position will be based at the Connecticut Small Business Development Center, East Hartford CT, or another Connecticut Small Business Development Center location as agreed upon with the candidate and the State Director.

TO APPLY

Please submit a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references to: busndean@business.uconn.edu. Please reference search HR24-97 in your application.

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. 

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.

(HR24-97)