POSITION IDENTIFICATION
TITLE Senior Program Manager, Business Support - CBED
CLASSIFICATION NUMBER 2575
GRADE 45
CLASSIFICATION Exempt
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: Director, Business Support and Training and Director, Missouri Small Business Development
Center
GENERAL FUNCTION
The Senior Program Manager, Business Support is responsible for delivering high-quality consulting services to entrepreneurs and small businesses across a wide range of business topics, including growth strategy, financial management, capital access, and innovation. This position coordinates and executes major grant programs and department initiatives helping to ensure alignment with funding requirements, program goals and deliverables. The position also plays a key role in developing and delivering business training programs and contributing to internal process improvements that increase operational effectiveness. The Senior Program Manager, Business Support works closely with stakeholders, University partners, and community organizations to expand the reach and impact of efactory and the Missouri SBDC.
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 in business consulting or advising, program or grant coordination, and a working knowledge of small business development is required. Experience with federal or state grant programs and community outreach or engagement initiatives is preferred.
Skills: Strong oral and written communication skills; excellent interpersonal, project management, and organizational abilities; and proficiency in business analysis and reporting are required. The ability to manage multiple initiatives, engage diverse stakeholders, and operate independently in a fast-paced, client-focused environment is essential.
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 Missouri driver’s license and automobile insurance meeting university requirements is required.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Provides advanced one-on-one consulting services to entrepreneurs and small businesses on a wide range of topics including business planning, financial forecasting, succession planning, strategic growth, innovation, technology commercialization, marketing, and access to funding.
2. Oversees the implementation and tracking of grant programs and initiatives by coordinating activities, monitoring timelines and deliverables, and supporting compliance with program goals and reporting requirements.
3. Develops and delivers training programs and workshops tailored to meet the specific needs of the region’s business community. These programs may address capital readiness, innovation, market development, business planning, and other technical assistance topics identified through outreach and engagement efforts.
4. Establishes and maintains strong relationships with stakeholders and partners, including faculty, economic development organizations, capital providers, chambers of commerce, government agencies and other business support organizations.
5. Contributes to the ongoing improvement of internal processes by identifying operational challenges, recommending, and implementing improvements, and assisting with data collection and analysis used for budget planning, decision-making, and reporting purposes.
6. Assists in supervising student employees, including onboarding, assigning work, and evaluating performance.
7. Represents the organization at conferences, panels, and public forums, sharing insights and best practices in small business development, innovation, and economic growth.
8. Works collaboratively across university departments and external organizations to align business support services with broader institutional and community goals.
9. Maintains professional competence through ongoing professional development, which may include attending training, participating in state and national conferences, and staying informed of changes in the small business, economic development, and funding landscapes.
10. Contributes to the overall success of the Division of Community and Global Partnerships by performing other duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION
The Senior Program Manager, Business Support supervises regular, part-time staff and/or student employees.
OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES
REVISED JULY 2025
