SBDC Network Coordinator

Position Overview

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is seeking to hire a purpose-driven, initiative-taking individual interested in acting as a representative of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network to promote Illinois small business development to serve as a SBDC Network Coordinator for the Small Business Office within the Office of Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Technology (OEIT). The Small Business Office supports entrepreneurs through providing information, confidential professional business guidance, training and other resources to start-up and existing small businesses. The position would be responsible for reviewing and monitoring compliance of Illinois SBDCs. We invite qualified applicants to apply for the position of OEIT's SBDC Network Coordinator and help DCEO to continue to provide top-notch customer service to Illinois’ small businesses.

Essential Functions

• Performs semi-annual program site reviews and monitoring of Small Business Development Center Network centers.
• Reviews and evaluates Small Business Development Center Network monthly reports.
• Provides guidance, advice, and assistance to representatives of the Small Business Development Center Network regarding grant applications.
• Prepares and delivers outreach presentations, conferences, and workshops to organizations, business groups, chambers of commerce.
• Utilizes Small Business Development Center Network digital tracking system for the ongoing monitoring of Center information.
• Identifies specific problems and recommends solutions regarding Network Center grant agreements and related information including all correspondence with grantees, field staff and other essential parties.
• Recommends means of improving efficiency and productivity of Center processes to the DCEO/SBDCN management staff.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to the completion of four (4) years of college with concentration in one or more of the following fields:  industrial development, business administration, economic geography, marketing, economics, or related field; appropriate business experience may be substituted for college on a year-for-year basis. 
• Requires two (2) years professional experience in the field of industrial and/or community economic development.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prefer four (4) years of professional experience in a public or private organization.
• Prefers two (2) years of experience in providing one-on-one technical assistance with federal and state grant programs.
• Prefers thorough knowledge of general business principles and practices applied in the organization and management of industrial enterprises.
• Prefers ability to speak effectively before groups.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires appropriate, valid driver’s license.
• Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate.
• Requires completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history.

The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

About the Agency

The mission of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is to create equitable economic opportunities across the State of Illinois. By attracting and supporting major job creators, investing in communities, strengthening Illinois’ world-class workforce, fostering innovation, and ushering in the new clean energy economy, DCEO works to fortify Illinois’ reputation as a global economic powerhouse while ensuring Illinois is the best state to live, work and do business.