University of San Diego
Director of the Small Business Development Center
University of San Diego, California, Missouri, United States, 65018
Director of the Small Business Development Center
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Posting #:
5397 Position Status:
Full-time temporary Location:
San Diego Position Type:
Administrator, School of Business
Position Title & Department Director of the Small Business Development Center; Knauss School of Business
Department Description The Knauss School of Business at USD embraces a stewardship approach to business education. Stewardship requires businesses to protect and care for society in pursuit of a greater good. The Knauss School community of faculty, staff, students and graduates, embrace stewardship by applying values-driven, free-enterprise skills to improve businesses, industries, and the lives of people in our community and around the world. We provide academically rigorous, relevant and values-based education and research. Degree programs in the Knauss School of Business are AACSB accredited, with the undergraduate and MBA programs being highly ranked both domestically and internationally. www.sandiego.edu/business/about/
University Description The University of San Diego, an engaged and contemporary Catholic institution, was founded by the Diocese of San Diego and the Society of the Sacred Heart in 1949. Governed by an independent board of trustees since 1972, USD remains committed to a liberal arts education grounded in the Catholic intellectual tradition and the pursuit of truth, goodness and beauty. Inspired by this centuries old tradition of Catholic higher education, the University welcomes people of all faith traditions and any, or no, religious background. The future success of USD relies on the contributions of those who seek to foster the development of engaged global citizens and an earnest confrontation of humanity’s urgent challenges.
Detailed Description This is a full‑time temporary, benefit-based position with an anticipated end date of December 31, 2026. This position is funded by an SBA grant and will be renewed annually upon continued grant funding.
The Director of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, and fiscal management of all SBDC activities. The SBDC, housed within the Knauss School of Business, serves entrepreneurs and small businesses across San Diego and Imperial Counties through consulting, training, and access to resources that foster innovation and growth. While administratively located in the Knauss Center for Business Education, the SBDC’s programs and partnerships support all USD schools, departments, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and the broader community.
The Director serves on the Knauss School Leadership Team and collaborates closely with the San Diego & Imperial SBDC Network Lead Office at Southwestern Community College District, as well as other network centers, university stakeholders, and external partners to advance the mission of supporting small business development, entrepreneurship, and economic impact in the region.
This position is responsible for ensuring full compliance with federal, state, and university grant policies and procedures, including the oversight of multiple funding sources, financial management, performance tracking, and timely submission of required reports. The Director develops and manages budgets, ensures proper expenditure of funds, and maintains accountability for programmatic and fiscal performance standards outlined in grant agreements.
Additionally, the Director leads the SBDC’s fundraising and grant development efforts to expand program capacity and sustainability, fosters relationships across the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem, and represents USD and the SBDC at regional and national levels. This position requires active engagement in the business and entrepreneurial community, with occasional evening, weekend, and travel commitments.
Duties and Responsibilities
Manage and oversee all aspects of SBDC operations by creating relationships locally, regionally, and nationally with fundraising sources such as angel investors, angel funds, and venture capital funds.
Hire and manage staff and contractors to deliver services and support the functions of the SBDC.
Manage client intake, assignments, and progress toward key performance indicators.
Oversee and coordinate marketing and social media activities.
Develop programmatic offerings based on needs analysis of existing clients and target clients in San Diego and Imperial Counties.
Develop and execute continuous improvement and accountability measures to ensure offerings continue to evolve to serve the changing needs of innovation-based businesses.
Oversee and strategically manage all SBDC funding sources, including grants and restricted funds, to ensure compliance with all terms, allowable costs, budget restrictions, and reporting deadlines.
Coordinate with the Office of Sponsored Programs and the Knauss Finance and Administration Team to ensure alignment with University and grant policies as they relate to independent contractors, external agreements, and expenditure policies.
Oversee monthly financial reviews and ensure timely processing, reconciliation, and submission of accurate financial reports.
Provide high-level business advising and technical assistance to a portfolio of small business clients, applying specialized knowledge in business planning, financing, and growth strategy to support client success and contribution to performance metrics.
Develop, implement, and monitor data collection systems to evaluate program effectiveness, measure client outcomes, and inform strategic decision-making.
Use assessment results to improve service delivery and ensure continuous program improvement.
Create and manage the budget, approve expenditures, and ensure reimbursements and overall financial compliance with both SBDC and USD policies.
Conduct periodic reviews of grant-funded activities to verify adherence to grant scopes of work, match requirements, and performance metrics, taking corrective action as needed.
Serve as a member of the Knauss School Leadership Team.
Grant Writing and Fundraising Leadership
Actively search for grants and develop grant proposals in collaboration with the Office of Sponsored Programs to increase the number of clients served and the quality of services provided.
Work with the Knauss Leadership Team and University Advancement to pursue additional funds through corporations, organizations, and individual donors.
Sourcing grants and writing grant proposals to increase the number of clients served and the quality of services provided.
Prepare detailed grant budgets, justifications, and narratives in compliance with federal, state, and local agency requirements.
Coordinate post-award administration of all grants, ensuring accurate financial tracking, documentation of matching funds, and timely submission of required programmatic and fiscal reports.
In coordination, as needed, with the Assistant Dean of Marketing and Recruitment, design and implement community outreach strategies to expand awareness of SBDC services, strengthen partnerships with economic development agencies, chambers of commerce, and community-based organizations, and ensure accessibility of programs across all demographic and geographic segments.
Collaboration and Representation
Collaborate with the SDIV SBDC Lead Office and regional Center Directors to coordinate services, enhance resources, and ensure compliance with SBDC and funder guidelines.
Participate in statewide and regional SBDC compliance reviews and ensure that all required grant documentation is maintained in auditable form.
Work with the Knauss School of Business Finance and Administration team on finance and human resources topics.
Represent the SBDC at local, regional, and statewide events; deliver presentations to community, business, and government groups to promote SBDC programs and outcomes; serve as a public spokesperson on behalf of USD and the SBDC as appropriate.
Reporting and Financial Management
Oversee the preparation and submission of all required programmatic and fiscal reports to funders and stakeholders, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timeliness in accordance with federal, state, and institutional guidelines.
Coordinate with the Knauss School Finance and Administration Team and Grants Accounting to finalize financial reports as required by grantors.
Maintain historical records and documentation to support all grant-related submissions and audits.
Represent the SBDC and USD with the media as needed.
Other Duties Other duties as assigned.
Background Check Successful completion of a pre-employment background check.
Degree Verification Requirement Persons offered employment in this position will be required to provide official education transcripts for degree verification purposes.
Job Requirements Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in a related field from an accredited college or university
5 years of experience leading innovation and entrepreneurship programs
Preferred Qualifications
Master's degree in a related field from an accredited college or university
5+ years leading innovation and entrepreneurship programs within a higher-education setting
Performance Expectations – Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Working knowledge of innovation and entrepreneurship programs and demonstrated ability to manage operations and human resources of a center.
Experience serving diverse and underrepresented small business communities.
Experience working with community-based economic development or technical assistance programs.
Experience working with the Small Business Development Center network.
Experience raising private investment capital from angel investors and venture capital funds.
Experience in business start-ups.
Experience managing teams of senior professionals in a business environment.
Experience with non-dilutive funding sources and programs including SBIR/STTR.
Professional network and ability to access resources.
Cooperates effectively as a team member with internal departments and external partners.
Assumes responsibility, deals effectively with problems, and exercises independent judgement when making decisions.
Familiarity with digital marketing and utilization of technology to advance organizational goals.
Presenting materials and training personnel.
Clearly articulating policies and procedures.
Using independent judgment to take appropriate action on inquiries.
Entrepreneurial mindset, self-motivated, and efficient.
Establishing relationships with company founders, executives, industry experts, mentors, investors, and ecosystem partners.
Ability and willingness to represent USD in the most positive manner.
Ability to motivate and manage a highly talented team.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, programs, and demands.
Cultivating relationships in related industries and ecosystem.
Fundraising experience, sales skills, and relationship building expertise.
Budget, managerial, and operations skills.
Working with diverse personalities and backgrounds.
Being flexible and versatile in coping with evolving work situations.
Being able to handle the stress of last‑minute deadlines and changes.
Compensation and Benefits $8,333.33 – $11,250 per month; Excellent Benefits. The University of San Diego offers a very competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, a retirement contribution, and access to on-campus fitness centers.
Application Process Resume and Cover Letter Required. Click the 'Apply Now' button to complete your online application. Please upload a cover letter and resume to your application profile for the hiring managers’ review.
Hours 37.5 hours per week. The Knauss School of Business offers a compressed work schedule (9/75) and a hybrid option for employees who can complete some work remotely.
Application Dates Advertised: October 31, 2025 Pacific Daylight Time Applications close: November 18, 2025 Pacific Standard Time
Legal Information The University of San Diego is a smoking and tobacco-free campus. For more information, visit www.sandiego.edu/smokefree. Notice of Availability: In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (the Clery Act), the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available at www.sandiego.edu/safety/documents/annualreport.pdf.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Posting #:
5397 Position Status:
Full-time temporary Location:
San Diego Position Type:
Administrator, School of Business
Position Title & Department Director of the Small Business Development Center; Knauss School of Business
Department Description The Knauss School of Business at USD embraces a stewardship approach to business education. Stewardship requires businesses to protect and care for society in pursuit of a greater good. The Knauss School community of faculty, staff, students and graduates, embrace stewardship by applying values-driven, free-enterprise skills to improve businesses, industries, and the lives of people in our community and around the world. We provide academically rigorous, relevant and values-based education and research. Degree programs in the Knauss School of Business are AACSB accredited, with the undergraduate and MBA programs being highly ranked both domestically and internationally. www.sandiego.edu/business/about/
University Description The University of San Diego, an engaged and contemporary Catholic institution, was founded by the Diocese of San Diego and the Society of the Sacred Heart in 1949. Governed by an independent board of trustees since 1972, USD remains committed to a liberal arts education grounded in the Catholic intellectual tradition and the pursuit of truth, goodness and beauty. Inspired by this centuries old tradition of Catholic higher education, the University welcomes people of all faith traditions and any, or no, religious background. The future success of USD relies on the contributions of those who seek to foster the development of engaged global citizens and an earnest confrontation of humanity’s urgent challenges.
Detailed Description This is a full‑time temporary, benefit-based position with an anticipated end date of December 31, 2026. This position is funded by an SBA grant and will be renewed annually upon continued grant funding.
The Director of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, and fiscal management of all SBDC activities. The SBDC, housed within the Knauss School of Business, serves entrepreneurs and small businesses across San Diego and Imperial Counties through consulting, training, and access to resources that foster innovation and growth. While administratively located in the Knauss Center for Business Education, the SBDC’s programs and partnerships support all USD schools, departments, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and the broader community.
The Director serves on the Knauss School Leadership Team and collaborates closely with the San Diego & Imperial SBDC Network Lead Office at Southwestern Community College District, as well as other network centers, university stakeholders, and external partners to advance the mission of supporting small business development, entrepreneurship, and economic impact in the region.
This position is responsible for ensuring full compliance with federal, state, and university grant policies and procedures, including the oversight of multiple funding sources, financial management, performance tracking, and timely submission of required reports. The Director develops and manages budgets, ensures proper expenditure of funds, and maintains accountability for programmatic and fiscal performance standards outlined in grant agreements.
Additionally, the Director leads the SBDC’s fundraising and grant development efforts to expand program capacity and sustainability, fosters relationships across the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem, and represents USD and the SBDC at regional and national levels. This position requires active engagement in the business and entrepreneurial community, with occasional evening, weekend, and travel commitments.
Duties and Responsibilities
Manage and oversee all aspects of SBDC operations by creating relationships locally, regionally, and nationally with fundraising sources such as angel investors, angel funds, and venture capital funds.
Hire and manage staff and contractors to deliver services and support the functions of the SBDC.
Manage client intake, assignments, and progress toward key performance indicators.
Oversee and coordinate marketing and social media activities.
Develop programmatic offerings based on needs analysis of existing clients and target clients in San Diego and Imperial Counties.
Develop and execute continuous improvement and accountability measures to ensure offerings continue to evolve to serve the changing needs of innovation-based businesses.
Oversee and strategically manage all SBDC funding sources, including grants and restricted funds, to ensure compliance with all terms, allowable costs, budget restrictions, and reporting deadlines.
Coordinate with the Office of Sponsored Programs and the Knauss Finance and Administration Team to ensure alignment with University and grant policies as they relate to independent contractors, external agreements, and expenditure policies.
Oversee monthly financial reviews and ensure timely processing, reconciliation, and submission of accurate financial reports.
Provide high-level business advising and technical assistance to a portfolio of small business clients, applying specialized knowledge in business planning, financing, and growth strategy to support client success and contribution to performance metrics.
Develop, implement, and monitor data collection systems to evaluate program effectiveness, measure client outcomes, and inform strategic decision-making.
Use assessment results to improve service delivery and ensure continuous program improvement.
Create and manage the budget, approve expenditures, and ensure reimbursements and overall financial compliance with both SBDC and USD policies.
Conduct periodic reviews of grant-funded activities to verify adherence to grant scopes of work, match requirements, and performance metrics, taking corrective action as needed.
Serve as a member of the Knauss School Leadership Team.
Grant Writing and Fundraising Leadership
Actively search for grants and develop grant proposals in collaboration with the Office of Sponsored Programs to increase the number of clients served and the quality of services provided.
Work with the Knauss Leadership Team and University Advancement to pursue additional funds through corporations, organizations, and individual donors.
Sourcing grants and writing grant proposals to increase the number of clients served and the quality of services provided.
Prepare detailed grant budgets, justifications, and narratives in compliance with federal, state, and local agency requirements.
Coordinate post-award administration of all grants, ensuring accurate financial tracking, documentation of matching funds, and timely submission of required programmatic and fiscal reports.
In coordination, as needed, with the Assistant Dean of Marketing and Recruitment, design and implement community outreach strategies to expand awareness of SBDC services, strengthen partnerships with economic development agencies, chambers of commerce, and community-based organizations, and ensure accessibility of programs across all demographic and geographic segments.
Collaboration and Representation
Collaborate with the SDIV SBDC Lead Office and regional Center Directors to coordinate services, enhance resources, and ensure compliance with SBDC and funder guidelines.
Participate in statewide and regional SBDC compliance reviews and ensure that all required grant documentation is maintained in auditable form.
Work with the Knauss School of Business Finance and Administration team on finance and human resources topics.
Represent the SBDC at local, regional, and statewide events; deliver presentations to community, business, and government groups to promote SBDC programs and outcomes; serve as a public spokesperson on behalf of USD and the SBDC as appropriate.
Reporting and Financial Management
Oversee the preparation and submission of all required programmatic and fiscal reports to funders and stakeholders, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timeliness in accordance with federal, state, and institutional guidelines.
Coordinate with the Knauss School Finance and Administration Team and Grants Accounting to finalize financial reports as required by grantors.
Maintain historical records and documentation to support all grant-related submissions and audits.
Represent the SBDC and USD with the media as needed.
Other Duties Other duties as assigned.
Background Check Successful completion of a pre-employment background check.
Degree Verification Requirement Persons offered employment in this position will be required to provide official education transcripts for degree verification purposes.
Job Requirements Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in a related field from an accredited college or university
5 years of experience leading innovation and entrepreneurship programs
Preferred Qualifications
Master's degree in a related field from an accredited college or university
5+ years leading innovation and entrepreneurship programs within a higher-education setting
Performance Expectations – Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Working knowledge of innovation and entrepreneurship programs and demonstrated ability to manage operations and human resources of a center.
Experience serving diverse and underrepresented small business communities.
Experience working with community-based economic development or technical assistance programs.
Experience working with the Small Business Development Center network.
Experience raising private investment capital from angel investors and venture capital funds.
Experience in business start-ups.
Experience managing teams of senior professionals in a business environment.
Experience with non-dilutive funding sources and programs including SBIR/STTR.
Professional network and ability to access resources.
Cooperates effectively as a team member with internal departments and external partners.
Assumes responsibility, deals effectively with problems, and exercises independent judgement when making decisions.
Familiarity with digital marketing and utilization of technology to advance organizational goals.
Presenting materials and training personnel.
Clearly articulating policies and procedures.
Using independent judgment to take appropriate action on inquiries.
Entrepreneurial mindset, self-motivated, and efficient.
Establishing relationships with company founders, executives, industry experts, mentors, investors, and ecosystem partners.
Ability and willingness to represent USD in the most positive manner.
Ability to motivate and manage a highly talented team.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, programs, and demands.
Cultivating relationships in related industries and ecosystem.
Fundraising experience, sales skills, and relationship building expertise.
Budget, managerial, and operations skills.
Working with diverse personalities and backgrounds.
Being flexible and versatile in coping with evolving work situations.
Being able to handle the stress of last‑minute deadlines and changes.
Compensation and Benefits $8,333.33 – $11,250 per month; Excellent Benefits. The University of San Diego offers a very competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, a retirement contribution, and access to on-campus fitness centers.
Application Process Resume and Cover Letter Required. Click the 'Apply Now' button to complete your online application. Please upload a cover letter and resume to your application profile for the hiring managers’ review.
Hours 37.5 hours per week. The Knauss School of Business offers a compressed work schedule (9/75) and a hybrid option for employees who can complete some work remotely.
Application Dates Advertised: October 31, 2025 Pacific Daylight Time Applications close: November 18, 2025 Pacific Standard Time
Legal Information The University of San Diego is a smoking and tobacco-free campus. For more information, visit www.sandiego.edu/smokefree. Notice of Availability: In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (the Clery Act), the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available at www.sandiego.edu/safety/documents/annualreport.pdf.
#J-18808-Ljbffr