Mat-Su Business Advisor
University of Alaska, Juneau, AK, United States
The Alaska Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is seeking an experienced and enthusiastic Business Advisor to join the Mat‑Su Center in Wasilla, serving entrepreneurs throughout the Matanuska‑Susitna Borough. In this role, you will work one‑on‑one with small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs, providing expert guidance on business planning, finance, marketing, and operations. This is a unique opportunity for a seasoned professional who is passionate about supporting small businesses, strengthening the local economy, and helping entrepreneurs launch, grow, and succeed.
Responsibilities
Provide expert guidance on business planning, finance, marketing, and operations.
Assist clients with financial planning, business development strategies, and operational improvement.
Help clients understand and comply with relevant federal, state, and local financial and tax regulations.
Build strong relationships with business owners and community organizations.
Develop and deliver workshops and presentations.
Communicate complex information orally and in writing.
Identify client needs, develop strategic growth plans, and track outcomes, including capturing ROI metrics and producing comprehensive reports.
Maintain accurate and timely database records using tools such as G Suite, Microsoft Office, Excel, and GoToMeeting/Webinar.
To thrive in this role, the ideal candidate will bring strong experience in small business ownership or senior management, with at least five years of responsibility for financial oversight, personnel management, and core operations. The candidate should have knowledge of business development, financial accounting, and advising or mentoring entrepreneurs, along with familiarity with Alaska’s economic environment and the Mat‑Su region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Experience working with or understanding the SBDC or SBA, as well as the banking and finance sector—including capital access, lending, angel and venture funding, and international trade—is highly beneficial. The role also values expertise in small business marketing, digital tools such as SEO and basic web development, human resources and labor requirements, and financial software such as QuickBooks or Xero. Strong relationship‑building skills with community leaders, lenders, and business partners are important, along with experience developing workshops, training programs, or educational materials for entrepreneurs. Familiarity with AI tools such as ChatGPT to support business operations and advising is advantageous. Bilingual abilities and a master’s degree in business or a related field are preferred.
Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in a related field and two years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
Position Details This is a term‑funded, full‑time, exempt staff position located at the SBDC Office in Wasilla, Alaska. The position is compensated with a competitive salary and a full employee benefits package that includes retirement options, annual leave, 12 paid holidays per year, tuition waivers for employees and family members, and affordable medical, dental and vision care coverage. New hires will be placed on UA Staff Salary Schedule, Grade 79, based on education and experience.
Application Information Applications will be accepted for first review on March 23, 2026. Please submit your application by 11:55 PM, Alaska Standard Time on March 22, 2026.
If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact Patrick Sullivan at pjsullivan@alaska.edu.
Legal/EEO UA is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access Employer and provides reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the applicant screening process. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without restriction. The successful applicant is required to complete a background check; the offer of employment is contingent on that check. Your application is subject to public disclosure under the Alaska Public Records Act. All employees are expected to uphold the highest standards of ethics and professionalism.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Responsibilities
Provide expert guidance on business planning, finance, marketing, and operations.
Assist clients with financial planning, business development strategies, and operational improvement.
Help clients understand and comply with relevant federal, state, and local financial and tax regulations.
Build strong relationships with business owners and community organizations.
Develop and deliver workshops and presentations.
Communicate complex information orally and in writing.
Identify client needs, develop strategic growth plans, and track outcomes, including capturing ROI metrics and producing comprehensive reports.
Maintain accurate and timely database records using tools such as G Suite, Microsoft Office, Excel, and GoToMeeting/Webinar.
To thrive in this role, the ideal candidate will bring strong experience in small business ownership or senior management, with at least five years of responsibility for financial oversight, personnel management, and core operations. The candidate should have knowledge of business development, financial accounting, and advising or mentoring entrepreneurs, along with familiarity with Alaska’s economic environment and the Mat‑Su region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Experience working with or understanding the SBDC or SBA, as well as the banking and finance sector—including capital access, lending, angel and venture funding, and international trade—is highly beneficial. The role also values expertise in small business marketing, digital tools such as SEO and basic web development, human resources and labor requirements, and financial software such as QuickBooks or Xero. Strong relationship‑building skills with community leaders, lenders, and business partners are important, along with experience developing workshops, training programs, or educational materials for entrepreneurs. Familiarity with AI tools such as ChatGPT to support business operations and advising is advantageous. Bilingual abilities and a master’s degree in business or a related field are preferred.
Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in a related field and two years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
Position Details This is a term‑funded, full‑time, exempt staff position located at the SBDC Office in Wasilla, Alaska. The position is compensated with a competitive salary and a full employee benefits package that includes retirement options, annual leave, 12 paid holidays per year, tuition waivers for employees and family members, and affordable medical, dental and vision care coverage. New hires will be placed on UA Staff Salary Schedule, Grade 79, based on education and experience.
Application Information Applications will be accepted for first review on March 23, 2026. Please submit your application by 11:55 PM, Alaska Standard Time on March 22, 2026.
If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact Patrick Sullivan at pjsullivan@alaska.edu.
Legal/EEO UA is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access Employer and provides reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the applicant screening process. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without restriction. The successful applicant is required to complete a background check; the offer of employment is contingent on that check. Your application is subject to public disclosure under the Alaska Public Records Act. All employees are expected to uphold the highest standards of ethics and professionalism.
#J-18808-Ljbffr