Business Growth Consultant

SUMMARY

Business Growth Consultants of the Michigan Small Business Development Center (SBDC) work collaboratively with high-value, private-sector businesses to become employment and economic leaders within Michigan. They demonstrate specific and relevant areas of expertise and experience within various functions including business development, finance, marketing, HR and organizational development, and operations. The Growth Team is responsible for coaching business owners and their leadership teams through periods of stagnation, plateaus, and rapid growth by using proven programs, consulting tools, and research.

PRIMARY DUTIES

• Provide confidential one-on-one consulting services to clients of the Michigan SBDC, including:
  • Analyzing business problems, developing solutions, and providing access to resources.
  • Conducting demographic and market research as needed to assist clients.
  • Helping clients develop business plans, sales & marketing strategies, cash flow forecasts, and similar projects as required.
  • Educating clients on financing options and credit practices appropriate to their stage of business development.
• Help clients grow sales and improve margins through effective marketing. Sharing experience in digital marketing strategy and execution, SEO, social media, website optimization, and staying abreast of emerging technology/platforms is essential. The ability to help clients establish, maintain, and deliver analytic insight reporting for marketing management is required.
• Build and maintain a substantial portfolio of high-potential clients.
• Stay abreast of federal, state, and regional economic development initiatives and support programs. Help clients best utilize these programs as well as strategic private sector partners.
• Represent the SBDC and support initiation, growth, and maintenance of stakeholder relationships.
• Maintain timely documentation as required by the SBDC and its funding sources.
• Stay abreast of the portfolio of SBDC network initiatives and programming, collaborate with management and staff to advance the portfolio, and implement and educate clients on relevant programming and serve clients.
• Facilitate business workshops on topics relevant to the client base.
• Performs other duties as required/assigned by the manager.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Bachelor’s degree in Business or equivalent field.
• Prior experience in growing, multi-faceted businesses.
• Prior leadership of functional areas, preferably in marketing strategy and execution.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the industries driving the Michigan economy.
• Strong presentation and communication skills.

PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Master of Business Administration or related field.

CANDIDATE MUST ALIGN WITH THE GROWTH TEAM’S VALUES

Servant Leadership

• Demonstrate integrity in all we do.
• Operate to uphold the common mission of the SBDC.
• Do the right “thing.”
• Focus on the well-being of the people and community to which they belong.

Deep & Consistent Relationships

• Partner effectively with clients, networks, partners, hosts, and the Growth Team.
• Be client-centric.
• Involved in many levels and functions within the client’s business.

Advanced Thinking

• Be forward-thinking in their approach to business challenges.
• Develop creative solutions to consistent issues.
• Be curious.
• Maintain a professional demeanor.
• Subject Matter Experts.

Extreme Ownership

• Accountable for their actions.
• No excuses.
• Owns their problems and actively seeks solutions.

Joy & Fun

• Getting a deep sense of satisfaction and enjoyment from client engagements.

WORKING CONDITIONS: The Business Growth Consultant will work remotely and support the state of Michigan yet will need to travel to client sites and team meetings when required.

SALARY: Commensurate with experience.

DEPARTMENT/DIVISION: MI-SBDC/SCB

CAMPUS: Pew (Grand Rapids) – position is remote with occasional travel.

HOW TO APPLY: Apply online at jobs.gvsu.edu and select "Apply now". Please include a cover letter and resume. The online application will allow you to attach these documents electronically. On the application, you will be required to provide the names, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses of three professional references. Applicants selected for interviews may be required to submit official transcripts prior to the interview. If you need assistance, call Human Resources at 616-331-2215.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Tuesday, July 25, 2023