POSITION IDENTIFICATION
TITLE Senior Program Manager, Strategic Initiatives - CBED
CLASSIFICATION NUMBER 2549
GRADE 45
CLASSIFICATION Exempt
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: Director, Business Support and Training and Director, Missouri Small Business Development Center
GENERAL FUNCTION
The Senior Program Manager, Strategic Initiatives leads the development of effective strategies and implements innovative programs to advance the mission and priorities of efactory and the Missouri Small Business Development Center at Missouri State University. This position provides data analysis in support of decision-making and strategy formulation to effectively deliver programs and special projects. Additionally, this position facilitates professional development sessions, supervises staff and student employees, provides business consultation services, and conducts business and economic research to support the division's mission and objectives.
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education: A Bachelor's degree in business or a related field is required. A Master’s degree in Business Administration or a related field is preferred. An equivalent combination of years of experience and education may be considered for substitution of educational requirements.
Experience: A minimum of five years of professional experience is required in progressively responsible positions that include experience in business consultation, marketing, finance, and management. Experience with strategic planning and/or process improvement is preferred. Successful experience in operating and managing a business and/or owning a small business is preferred.
Skills: Strong oral and written communication skills including public speaking and presentation abilities are required. Excellent interpersonal skills, organizational management skills, and problem-solving abilities are required. Flexibility, resiliency, and the ability to operate with minimal daily guidance are required.
Effort: Occasionally required to lift and carry materials and equipment weighing up to 25 pounds.
Other: The scope of the position requires regular travel throughout Missouri and requires occasional evening and weekend work. Overnight, out-of-town travel may be required. A valid driver’s license and automobile insurance meeting university requirements is required.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Develops and implements strategic initiatives to advance the department’s mission and objectives, including process improvement efforts, enhanced service delivery, and coordinated marketing and communication strategies that promote efactory and Missouri SBDC programs.2. Identifies opportunities for innovation, develops strategic plans, and implements solutions that drive organizational growth and effectiveness. Establishes metrics to measure success and creates communication plans to effectively reach target audiences.
3. Coordinates special programs for students and businesses. Tracks program metrics and adjusts strategies to meet or exceed program goals.
4. Manages and supervises assigned staff and student employees. Provides mentorship, assigns projects, evaluates performance, and guides professional development. Assists the Director in coordinating team activities and facilitating collaboration.
5. Designs and facilitates training programs for internal staff and external clients, covering topics such as process improvement, strategic planning, team building, leadership development, and marketing. Stays current with industry trends and best practices to ensure continuous improvement of training and development programs.
6. Gathers, analyzes, and interprets data to inform strategic decision-making. Develops reporting mechanisms to track program effectiveness and economic impact. Identifies trends and patterns to guide future initiatives.
7. Provides one-on-one consultation services to small businesses on a wide range of topics including marketing, finance, management, and strategic planning to promote growth, expansion, innovation, and management improvement.
8. Conducts research on business and economic trends, industry developments, and market conditions to support program objectives.
9. Maintains professional competence and expands the knowledge base and ability of the Small Business Development Center to serve the business and industry community through involvement in professional organizations and attendance at professional development conferences, workshops, and seminars at the state, regional, and national level.
10. Represents the organization at conferences, panels, and public forums, sharing insights and best practices in small business strategic initiatives and development, innovation, and economic growth.
11. Works collaboratively across university departments and external organizations to align business support services with broader institutional and community goals.
12. Contributes to the overall success of the Division of Community and Global Partnerships by performing all other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
SUPERVISION
The Senior Program Manager, Strategic Initiatives supervises regular, part-time staff and/or student employees.
OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES
JULY 2025
