MBAC is excited to announce the return of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Regional Director position to our office!

by | May 27, 2025 | Career Opportunity

We’re seeking a detail-oriented and driven professional to join our team as the SBDC Regional Director serving Lewis and Clark, Meagher, and Broadwater counties. This position will work closely with our lenders, entrepreneurs, and local businesses to provide expert guidance, foster economic growth, and support small business development throughout the region. Please stay posted for a full job description and details about applying for this exciting opportunity.
Interested applicants: please email your resume and cover letter to Rebekah Dupre ([email protected]). This position is open until filled.
MBAC is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

 

Job Title:
SBDC Regional Service Center Director

Salary:
$50k to $55k annually + benefits (medical, dental, life insurance, 3% retirement contribution)

Reports To:
Executive Director

FLSA Status:
Full-time, Exempt

Position Summary:

Montana Business Assistance Connection (MBAC), a federally recognized economic development district and certified regional development corporation, is seeking a passionate and ambitious individual to lead a new program. MBAC serves Lewis & Clark, Broadwater, and Meagher Counties.

The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Regional Director will play a key-role in catalyzing business development efforts across the MBAC region. This role involves delivering direct consulting, training services to entrepreneurs, and existing small business owners, managing day-to-day program functions, and working with other MBAC staff. The position is hosted by an economic development organization under contract with the Montana Department of Commerce and operates in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

Key Responsibilities:

  • Dedicate 60% of time to provide direct counseling and training services (based on 1,730 work hours per year) and at most 40% of time for other activities such as: administration, outreach, advocacy and professional development
  • Travel throughout the region for one to one counseling in financial analysis (e.g., ratios, cash flow, breakeven) to analyze business performance
  • Training, presentations and workshops: Develop and present small group training and workshops on various topics (as needed) throughout the region
  • Work with SBA, local resource partners (e.g. local chambers of commerce, downtown associations etc.) and other service providers to strengthen working relationships to better serve the local small business community
  • Collect data and other information to assist clients with business plans and financial forecasting
  • Report regularly and immediately into Neoserra (customer relationship management “CRM” software) the activities related to assisting clients.  This includes detailed session notes describing the counseling engagement according to ASBDC accreditation standards
  • Annually commit to and sign a Confidentiality Agreement and Code of Conduct form
  • Maintain effective and fluid communication with the lead center and State Director
  • Attend monthly SBDC Conference Calls, quarterly SBDC network meetings and any other meetings designated as mandatory by the Montana SBDC State Director
  • Assist the Executive Director and Controller with semi-annual and annual reporting
  • Maintain a professional development and continuing education plan, and if possible, attend the national ASBDC conference
  • Gain certification from the Association of Accredited Small Business Consultants (AASBC) within six months of employment

Partnership Enhancement & Brand Recognition:

  • Collaborate with SBA and other local service providers to strengthen partnerships
  • Develop marketing and promotional strategies with other like-minded entities to promote the MBAC region as a great place to live, work, and play
  • Assist the Executive Director & Community Development Department (as needed) with projects

Preferred Minimum Qualifications:

Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, or related field required
  • OR 3-5 years in lending, business consulting, public accounting, or business ownership
  • Other combinations of experience and education will be considered on a case-by-case basis. For example, experience in small business or economic development may be considered in lieu of formal education.

Core Competencies:

  • Business planning and development
  • Financial analysis and commercial lending
  • Market & industry trends
  • Accounting principles
  • Effective counseling and customer service
  • Market research and presentation skills

Supplemental Skills:

  • Administrative and HR management
  • Budgeting and financial oversight
  • Business valuation and ethics
  • Business succession and transition planning
  • International trade knowledge
  • Training development and time management

Knowledge & Abilities:

  • Expertise in business financing, loan programs, and business taxation
  • Ability to analyze and present financial data and develop sound business strategies/plans
  • Experience in managing diverse projects and achieving performance goals
  • Skilled in program design, data analysis, and reporting
  • Ability to manage portfolios of a variety of projects involving technical, administrative, management, and personnel support
  • Strong leadership, outreach, and communication skills
  • Ability to work with a wide range of clients and entities

Confidentiality Disclosure:

The offeree will be required to sign confidentiality, code of conduct, and conflict of interest agreements. No business consulting is permitted in which any financial gain is accrued by the director or any party that has a business or personal relationship with the director.