Position Information

Posting Number 20112933

Position Title Business Advisor

FTE 1.0

Position Type Staff

Department Small Business Development Center

Position Summary Information

Job Summary/Basic Function

About This Role:

The position of business advisor provides comprehensive business consulting services to small business owners or prospective owners on a wide range of topics including but not limited to business plan, finance, accounting, compliance, customer service and community engagement. The advisor assists clients in analyzing business strengths and weaknesses and develops strategies for improvement. The advisor remains informed on changes in laws and regulations related to small business in various areas of specialization and helps develop and conduct training seminars and presentations on a variety of topics. This position will be required to document all client sessions in the center database according to the guidelines provided by the Texas Gulf Coast SBDC Network and attend professional development classes as required.

What You’ll Do – Position Responsibilities

• Work with clients in person or via web meeting to assist with their business

needs. Assist client in creating business plans and projections and other forms

required by lenders. Help clients with marketing ideas and increasing revenue

streams. Inform and assist clients in business formation and the hiring process.

Provide expert advice on a variety of business-related topics to contribute to

client success.

• Document interactions with clients in the CIC database using the format

provided and following established guidelines. Send required email follow ups to

clients, and as directed by the SBDC director.

• Develop, plan, and present training sessions to groups of clients and other

attendees. Provide consulting assistance to clients.

• Research market information, state and federal regulations, and other necessary

information for clients and provide recommendation for client success.

• Attend scheduled Lamar University SBDC staff meetings and Texas Gulf Coast

Region SBDC staff and training meetings.

• Attend and participate in Lamar University and local business community events,

trade shows, expositions, ribbon cuttings, etc. Represents the SBDC on local

economic and community development committees to help further business

interests in Southeast Texas.

Key Competencies:

• An ability to prioritize and manage multiple time-sensitive issues and meet deadlines

• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Excel, and PowerPoint

• An ability to process complex information for decision-making and problem solving. •

• Experience with budget preparation, fiscal management, knowledge of finance, accounting, budgeting, and cost control procedures.

• An ability to organize, analyze and interpret financial data with attention to detail under pressure is essential.

• An understanding and strong interest in elevating customer service.

Physical Requirements:

• With or without accommodation: Will frequently be required to perform desk-based computer tasks, use telephone, speak clearly and listening comprehension. Applicant will also be

required to travel and visit community organizations (i.e., Rotary, Chambers of Commerce, Economic Development Corporations, Non-Profits, etc.).

Job Conditions:

• This position may require occasional evening and/or weekends to meet university and departmental needs.

Who We Are:

Lamar University is an accessible global university for life-long learners with a passion for broad-based community engagement. As a vital contributor to the socioeconomic wellbeing and resilience of the Gulf Coast region, our expertise is recognized locally and beyond. Lamar University is home to more than 17,000 students and is among the fastest growing Texas colleges and universities. LU is a member of The Texas State University System, which is the first higher education system of Texas and maintains the lowest average tuition and fees of any university system in Texas. With more than 100-degree options and a community that cares, Lamar students are always proud to be Cardinals.

Lamar University is committed to fostering a culture where students, faculty and staff of all backgrounds can learn, work, and serve.

Benefits:

• Health, dental & vision insurance

• Life insurance

• State of Texas Retirement plans

• Tuition covered at 100% for employees, spouses and/or eligible dependent.

• Paid time off – vacation, sick, and holidays.

To see more information about the available benefits, please visit: Insurance – Lamar University (https://www.lamar.edu/faculty-staff/human-resources/insurance.html)

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration or other business-related field and five years of job-related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• A thorough understanding of both theoretical and practical aspects of operating a business.

• Experience in the financial operations of business, including an ability to read and analyze balance sheets, profit & loss statements, and other financial instruments.

• Ability to communicate with people from various backgrounds effectively.

  EEO Statement

Lamar University is An Equal Opportunity Employer

Veteran's Preference Statement

Lamar University is proud to provide employment preference to veteran applicants in accordance with Texas 805 Government Code, Section 657.003.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree

• Significant knowledge of business management and operations.

• Experience in interacting with various constituencies within an institution of higher education and in the larger community.

• Experience in presenting in front of groups • Excellent communication skills orally and in writing.

  Security Sensitive Statement

This position is security-sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of the Texas Education Code §51.215, which authorizes the employer to obtain criminal history record information.

Salary $46,827-$60,875

Work Hours

Application Information

Posting Date 10/22/2024

Close Date 12/20/2024

Open Until Filled No

Special Instructions