Job Information
Washington State University Business Advisor - Yakima in Yakima, Washington
Business Advisor - Yakima
Available Title(s):
1196-NNADMINPRO - Business Management Counselor, 1196-YNADMINPRO - Business Management Counselor
Business Title:
Business Advisor - Yakima
Employee Type:
Admin. Professional
Time Type:
Full time
Position Term:
12 Month
Position Details:
The Opportunity:
The primary focus of the https://wsbdc.org/https://wsbdc.org/ program is business development education through individual and small group advising. The SBDC is a network of entrepreneurially minded professional Business Advisors with significant experience in small business who enjoy the intrinsic value of helping business owners/managers developing or improving their business knowledge and skills to effectively manage the operations of their business.
In confidential, one-on-one relationships, and in adherence to the conduct policies of the SBDC program, you will educate, mentor, and advise clients in all areas of growing a business. You will work independently in a community-located SBDC center, yet frequently collaborate with Business Advisors across the state who request assistance on behalf of a client with need for specific expertise. You must develop and maintain a referral network within your local service areas to ensure you maintain a robust client caseload capable of delivering significant economic impacts to the local community and the state.
In addition to the instruction/advising component of the position, you will perform significant outreach activities to engage the community through regular contact with Chambers of Commerce, Economic Development Councils, service clubs, community organizations, and legislators in conjunction with the Lead Office staff. You must also build relationships with various and diverse stakeholders to advocate support of the SBDC program, including elected officials, funding partners, businesses, and community leaders.
New Business Advisors in the SBDC network will need to successfully complete a certification program to become fully certified as a Business Advisor. Certification is designed to allow the new Business Advisor to demonstrate their comprehensive knowledge and abilities to be successful in guiding clients toward their goals while taking advantage of learning from experienced advisors sharing best practices, tools, and processes they use to assist their clients.
This position is located in Yakima, WA.
Required Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in business or related field and four (4) years of experience in business ownership, business management, and/or program development. A Master's degree in a related field may be substituted for up to one (1) year of the required experience. Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis. These positions may require additional licenses or certifications.
• Robust computer skills including demonstrated proficiency with Word, PowerPoint, email, and Excel applications.
• Within six (6) months of hire, complete or be making satisfactory progress toward completion as determined by the SBDC's Certification and Professional Development Committee, the Washington SBDC certification. Upon successful completion, the candidate will be designated a Certified Business Advisor (CBA) and will be expected to pursue on-going professional development and continuing education to maintain their certification.
Preferred Qualifications:
&nb