Montana Career Opportunity – Small Business Development Center Director- Kalispell

Founded in 1904, the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce is a voluntary membership organization of business and professional men and women who have joined together for the purpose of promoting the civic, commercial and industrial progress of the community. The Kalispell Chamber is a leading provider of economic, community, and workforce development solutions for Northwest Montana. The members of the Chamber employ over half of the workforce in Flathead County, MT.

Small Business Development Center Director

Reports To: President/CEO

Position Summary:

This position is responsible for directing and providing counseling on all small business operations at the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce including: business planning, marketing, management, financing, personnel, accounting, and other areas, but with special emphasis on small business financing in the three-county area of Northwest Montana. This position is also responsible for development and implementation of training events and workshops, promotion of SBDC services, and communication with community and economic development organizations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Duties include, but are not limited to the following:

Typical:

1. Provide one-on-one business counseling and business plan guidance.

2. Perform business assessments and recommend plans of action.

3. Develop and implement workshops and conferences.

4. Participate in marketing and outreach to the region in satellite offices.

5. Perform other duties as assigned.

Periodic:

1. Attend professional development workshops related to small business development.

2. Prepare quarterly program reports.

3. Attend regional and national SBDC meetings

Minimum Qualifications:

· Education: Bachelor’s degree, preferably in business or economics. A master of business administration or economic degree is preferred.

· Experience: Experience in small business or in an economic development organization in lieu of education may be considered.

· Required Experience: Three years of professional experience in business management, business or economic development, banking or finance, or accounting.

· Self-motivated, must possess an ability to self-manage, exhibit exceptional client service attitude, have strong people skills, and take a proactive, positive approach in resolving business issues.

· Proficiency in workplace technology, preferably with the Microsoft suite of products (Word, Excel, Outlook, Explorer, HTML), and database applications.

· Ability to align work with strategic goals.

· A valid Montana driver’s license.

Compensation:

The SBDC Director position pays $35,000-$37,500 per year. This is a full time position. Benefits include medical insurance, vacation and sick leave, and SAR/SEP retirement program.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is occasionally required to sit and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and ability to adjust focus.

Application Process:

1. Cover Letter

2. Resume

3. Answer two of the following three questions, not to exceed one page of 8.5 x 11 paper, single-spaced, in 12-point font.

A. Discuss a business problem you have solved.

B. How have you self-managed your time to meet work-place goals?

C. Describe your most rewarding professional experience.

4. Completed application packets are to be sent to the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce, 15 Depot Park, Kalispell, MT 59901.

5. Deadline: Open until filled. To ensure consideration, please apply by September 30, 2008