Business Development Specialist

Campus / College Information :

Founded in 1856, University of Maryland, College Park is the state’s flagship institution. Our 1,250-acre College Park campus is just minutes away from Washington, D.

C., and the nexus of the nation’s legislative, executive, and judicial centers of power. This unique proximity to business and technology leaders, federal departments and agencies, and a myriad of research entities, embassies, think tanks, cultural centers, and non-profit organizations is simply unparalleled.

Synergistic opportunities for our faculty and students abound and are virtually limitless in the nation’s capital and surrounding areas.

The University is committed to attracting and retaining outstanding and diverse faculty and staff that will enhance our stature of preeminence in our three missions of teaching, scholarship, and full engagement in our community, the state of Maryland, and in the world. Background Checks

Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify you from employment.

Position Summary / Purpose of Position : Serves as the Business Development Specialist for the Maryland Business Opportunities Center (MBOC), the University of Maryland’s (UMD) central hub for supporting efforts across the state to start, grow, and sustain businesses owned by minorities, women, and other underserved communities .

The Business Development Specialist is responsible for building strong relationships with clients, SBDC Maryland, and statewide business resource providers.

The ideal candidate should be assertive, highly motivated, confident, analytical, and an excellent business consultant.

This position reports directly to the MBOC Director. The incumbent has independent judgment and latitude in the performance of duties.

The position will service businesses across the state to start, grow, and sustain small businesses owned by minorities, women, and other underserved business owners in underserved communities.

Must be a self-starter, able to interact and assist MBOC staff and University personnel. Works under minimal supervision.

Must be able to work with multiple deadlines and have problem-solving capabilities efficiently. Communicates in writing, through personal contact, and via the telephone.

Receives guests and dignitaries.

The MBOC is a highly dynamic and interactive work environment involving multi-disciplinary projects over varying and often tight schedules.

The position works closely with program clients self-generated, referred, or assigned by the MBOC Director. Interacts regularly with the MBOC Director and staff to ensure that information is exchanged, and projects are coordinated across the Maryland area.

Interacts closely with MBOC personnel and UMD staff working on assigned business development projects. May oversee student staff as needed.

Maintains a relationship and rapport with MBOC, SBDC, Apex Accelerator, VBOC, and UMD staff to ensure technical support is called upon as clients’ needs dictate.

Benefits Summary Top Benefits and Perks : Minimum Qualifications : Education :

Bachelor’s degree in business or related industry required.

Experience :

• 3-5 years of relevant small business experience. Experience must include working with new / existing / established businesses and performing various business development functions, including information research, researching financing alternatives, government program certification assistance, market research and analysis, feasibility studies, business plans, financial and operational analysis, etc.
• Experience and understanding of the small business network and economic development organizations targeting underserved and disadvantaged communities.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :

• Strong financial analysis skills with proven experience using software to conduct an in-depth financial analysis of small business concerns.
• Past performance using various written communication to market events and outreach using extensive relationships and networks in the small business ecosystem.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including outstanding communication skills, oral and written.

In addition, one must communicate courteously and effectively with high-level elected and appointed government officials and communicate verbally and in writing across cultures.

• Commitment to the mission of supporting small businesses, especially those in disadvantaged, underserved, and distressed economic areas.
• Skills to handle intensive and multi-disciplined responsibilities and manage them effectively.
• Ability to interact courteously with fellow staff members, University staff, and businesspeople of diverse and varied cultures.

Preferences : Preferences :

MBA degree.

Additional Certifications : Additional Information :

• Candidates must be able to provide proof of eligibility to work in the USA. No Visa sponsorship is offered for this position.
• This position will require minimal travel.
• Currently working assignment is between in-office and remotely environment until further notice.

Job Risks Not Applicable to This Position Physical Demands

• This position will require minimal travel to provide on-site visits with clients, outreach, training, and statewide / national conferences.
• Currently, work assignment is remotely but will be required at times to come into headquarter or remote offices to work per request of Program Director.
• An active valid driver’s license is required.
• The employee is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as : preparing and analyzing data and figures;

transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; and extensive reading.