Associate Director

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage an active portfolio of entrepreneurs and small business clients.
• Deliver one-on-one advising and technical assistance in startup planning, business strategy, financial analysis, capital readiness, growth planning, operational improvement, and resource navigation.
• Record client activity, outcomes, and success metrics in the NeoSerra database with accuracy.
• Build and sustain a collaborative, high-performing advising team of staff and independent contractors focused on client success, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Support advisor onboarding, coaching, and professional development initiatives.
• Coordinate advisor meetings, referrals, and knowledge-sharing activities.
• Serve as a resource for advisors on high-impact and complex engagements as needed.
• Promote service quality standards and consistent client experiences across the advising team.
• Monitor center performance and lead initiatives to improve client engagement, advising utilization, capital infusion, and economic impact outcomes.
• Develop and maintain relationships with lenders, chambers of commerce, municipalities, economic development organizations, educational institutions, and community stakeholders to raise awareness of SBDC services and generate referrals.
• Identify collaborations, sponsorships, funding sources, and strategies to expand service delivery.
• Conduct outreach, networking, presentations, and community engagement activities to raise East Bay SBDC awareness and services.
• Represent the East Bay SBDC at community meetings, workshops, conferences, networking events, and stakeholder forums.
• Assist the Area Director in implementing annual work plans and operational priorities.
• Participate in strategic planning, regional meetings, and special projects.
• Collaborate with NorCal SBDC leadership, regional programs, and peer centers to support regional initiatives and organizational priorities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Economics, Finance, Economic Development, Management, Public Administration, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Five+ years of progressively responsible management of staff and/or contractor teams.
• Strong working knowledge of the economic development landscape in Contra Costa and Alameda counties.
• Ability and willingness to participate in evening and weekend events as needed.
• Ability and willingness to travel throughout Northern California, including occasional overnight trips.

Technologies

• NeoSerra database
• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Google Workspace
• CRM systems

Benefits

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Solid understanding of entrepreneurship, small business growth, lending, and the challenges in diverse, evolving markets.
• Proven success in generating new business opportunities, cultivating referral networks, and increasing community visibility.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to build rapport with business owners, executives, elected officials, community leaders, and other senior stakeholders.
• Track record of developing and maintaining strategic relationships with lenders, economic development organizations, community partners, and referral networks.
• Public speaking and presentation competence, with experience representing an organization at community events and stakeholder engagements.
• Experience in leading, coaching, and developing professional staff, advisors, consultants, or cross-functional teams.
• Excellent organizational, project management, and performance management capabilities, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and drive results.
• Proficiency with AI, Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, CRM systems, and related productivity tools.
• Ability to prepare clear, concise, and professional reports, presentations, and communications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of and experience with AI, including help for others to integrate AI into their work.
• Experience supervising professional staff, managing advisor teams, or leading programs with measurable performance objectives.
• Background in business advising, consulting, lending, entrepreneurial support, or technical assistance for small businesses.
• Proven success building partnerships with local governments, chambers of commerce, lenders, educational institutions, nonprofits, or economic development agencies.
• Experience within an SBDC network or as a small business owner.

Application Procedure

• Qualified applicants should submit the following items via email to [email protected]:
• Cover letter
• Résumé
• Three professional reference contacts
• Cal Poly Humboldt SPF Employee Information Form for Applicants
• The position will remain open until filled. Apply before 5pm on July 30, 2026 to be included in the first round of application reviews.