Job Description

Highline College Economic Development programs is intent on meeting the business and technical assistance needs of the underrepresented communities in our service area. StartZone and SBDC work collaboratively to deliver these services. As Program Manager and Business Management Counselor (*) for underrepresented communities and in collaboration with Center Director, this position has responsibility for program coordination of StartZone activities including; management and co-leadership of the day to day operations, represent the program to target communities and campus organizations, marketing or assisting with marketing to target groups, delivery of technical assistance to clients directly and through assisting Microenterprise Development Specialist / Outreach Specialist, program coordination and assist with management of grant proposals, budgets, funding and quarterly reporting to stakeholders. These responsibilities break down into 5 primary areas.

This is a full-time, exempt, grant funded position. Monthly salary dependent on experience.
This position offers a hybrid work schedule, but is not available as a fully remote opportunity.

Please be advised beginning October 18, 2021 of the Washington State employees requirement to be fully vaccinated from COVID-19 as a condition of employment. Additional details located in the Supplemental Information section.

Essential Tasks
Reporting directly to the Center Director, this position will:

Business Management Counseling: (55%)

• Provide technical assistance to clients for the formation, stabilization and expansion of small businesses; counsel clients on aspects of business development such as business plans, management, marketing plans, organizational structure, financial analysis and loan packaging;
• Deliver practical tools, products and services to help participants, especially those from underrepresented communities, start small businesses and keep them growing, including workshops, practical worksheets, templates and other tools;
• Advise and co-advise with staff to assist in delivering Technical Assistance to StartZone and SBDC clients;
• Collaborate with community partners and College programs in identifying and conducting market-driven training, and assist in recruiting attendees for small business-related training programs;
• Participate in the area’s economic development peer community through attendance at regional or local meetings, committees or similar events to highlight the program;
• Develop, implement and maintain referral capability and positive working relationships with representatives from other businesses, agencies and organizations;
• Track client progress in online contact management system (within 7 days of TA) and complete required reporting for internal and external stakeholders;
• Assist with the develop of public relations materials documenting program successes.

Marketing and Community Engagement (20%)

• Promote Highline College and StartZone/SBDC on campus, in local and regional communities, to reach StartZone target populations (under represented communities);
• Specific focus to engage businesses of immigrant, minority communities and people of color;
• Develop and sustain relationships with; community social and service agencies, banks, accountants, attorneys, referral sources from other businesses and potential program partnerships;
• Engage and represent StartZone and SBDC to funders and partners, Chambers of Commerce, Economic Development Councils, service clubs and community organizations;
• Participate and contribute to outreach, community relationships and program marketing efforts in collaboration with Outreach Specialists;
• Develop and prepare public relations materials documenting program successes;
• Develop and implement strategies to connect the StartZone/SBDC with potential clients.

Operations Administration and Reporting (10%)

• Participate in weekly Highline Economic Development meetings and SBDC meetings;
• Create, manage and submit reports for stakeholders and grantors;
• In collaboration with Center Director, supervise daily operations of StartZone program and staff;
• Ensure activities operate within Highline College and other funding agency guidelines;
• Assist in grant proposals, budget management and funding.

Supervision (10%)

• In partnership with Center Director, monitor work of Micro Enterprise Development Specialist and Outreach Specialist to assure they are reaching targets and fulfilling the goals and objectives of StartZone;
• Supervise and assist Micro Enterprise Development Specialist and Outreach Specialist in developing outreach and marketing plans for reaching target populations. Each Specialist has one or more target markets;
• Assure consistency and targeted messaging and service to StartZone clients;
• Participate in weekly Highline Economic Development meetings and SBDC meetings to facilitate and monitor progress of Micro Enterprise Development Specialist and Outreach Specialist and assure they are meeting individual and team goals;
• Assist in coaching/training staff in the development of advising skills for servicing clients.

Professional Development (5%)

• Participates in continuing education opportunities to enhance knowledge of business development and related fields;
• Participates in conferences and continuing education opportunities to enhance leadership, management and organizational knowledge and skills.

Ability to:

• Obtain (or possession of) Washington Small Business Development Center (WSBDC) Business Advisor certification*;
• Communicate clearly (verbal and written);
• Communicate complex business concepts and information in English;
• Work in a multicultural environment;
• Work a flexible schedule with hours to meet department and client needs.

Required Skills & Abilities

• Demonstrated proficiency in financial analysis – especially as related to small businesses;
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse populations, including multicultural experience and cross-cultural communication skills;
• Proficient use of Microsoft Office Suite including Excel, Word, Outlook and PowerPoint;
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications
In order to be considered for this position candidates must meet all required qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in business or related field and (4) years’ experience in business ownership, business management and/or program development;
• OR
• A Masters degree in a related field may and (3) years’ experience in business ownership, business management and/or program development .

• Successful applicant must obtain certification from the Washington SBDC as a Certified Business Advisor within six months of start date and maintain certification thereafter. The SBDC for Southwest King County will facilitate this process with the successful candidate. No financial cost of the certification process is borne by the CBA.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated local economic development, community, and business relationships;
• Experience in advising small businesses;
• Five (5) or more years of small business ownership and/or management;
• Experience developing and/or teaching management workshops;
• A professional-level understanding of financial statements for small businesses;
• Strong financial analysis skills;
• Experience with private-sector marketing programs;
• Demonstrated experience working with diverse populations including staff and customers/clients;
• Ability to converse in Spanish or other foreign languages.

Supplemental Information

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.

Conditions of Employment
Highline College does require COVID-19 vaccinations for all students, staff and faculty –– with waivers for specific exemptions –– for those who physically attend courses, operations, or other in-person activities. This decision was made in accordance with higher education proclamation 20-12.4. A candidate will not be asked to report their vaccination status unless they are hired by the college. If a candidate chosen for hiring is not fully vaccinated from COVID-19 and plans to submit a medical or religious exemption to this employment condition, the hiring process will be suspended until a decision has been made regarding any exemption application which is submitted. A candidate will not be allowed to do any work for Highline College or be onboarded as a new employee during the time period when the exemption is being considered. The request for an exemption does not guarantee approval.

THE COLLEGE
Highline College prides itself on its commitment to diversity and equity, its institutional culture of collegiality and innovation, its globalization of curricula and its inclusion of the community in its programming. Founded in 1961, Highline College is situated in a diverse community just 15minutes south of Seattle. The college annually serves more than 16,500 students –– a student population of over 70% students of color, representing 35 nations and more than 100 languages. The college embraces equity, inclusion and social justice, with core goals of student attainment, diversity, community Engagement and sustainability. The student body at Highline College is made up of Transfer students, Running Start students, Professional- Technical students, International students, Comprehensive Transition Program for students with intellectual disabilities, Adult Basic Education and English Language Learners. In addition, we offer six bachelor of applied science, four-year degrees.

MISSION AND VISION
As an essential part of our mission and vision, diversity, equity and inclusion are promoted and fostered in all aspects of college life.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Your online application must include the following to be considered complete:
1. A detailed resume that addresses the MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS of the position;
2. A letter of application/cover letter (two-page maximum, recommended) that addresses your ability to meet the QUALIFICATIONS, and KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES for the
position;
3. A one-page response to the Supplemental Question.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• National Criminal Background Check may be required.

APPLICATIONS MUST BE FILED ONLINE AT:
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/highline

NEED APPLICATION HELP?
Should you have any difficulties uploading your documents or navigating the application process, please contact NEOGOV Technical Support at 1-855-524- 5627, Monday - Friday 6:00 AM to 6:00PM Pacific Time.

HIGHLINE COLLEGE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Highline College is an equal opportunity employer. The College is committed to enhancing the diversity of our faculty and staff, as well as our student population. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientations, and gender identity diversity. We strongly encourage applicants to apply without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legal protected status.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS
The College complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Applicants needing accommodations in the application process in an alternative format may contact the Human Resources office at (206) 592-3812. Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing may dial 711 to place a call through Washington Relay, the state's free telecommunication access service.

TITLE IX POLICY
Highline College complies with Title IX regulations. For details on our policies, see our website https://humanresources.highline.edu/faculty-and-staff/policies/title-ix/

The College appointing authorities reserve the right and may exercise the option to make an employment decision prior to the conclusion of the recruitment process.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $64,044.00 - $81,075.00 per year

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