Find & Apply For Program Manager Jobs in Leland, North Carolina

The Small Business Center Program Specialist performs a variety of administrative, technical, client-support, and business counseling duties for the Small Business Center (SBC). The position provides direct assistance to aspiring entrepreneurs, startups, and existing small business owners by helping assess business needs, providing one-on-one counseling and technical assistance, connecting clients with appropriate resources, and supporting clients as they work toward starting, managing, and growing their businesses. The position prepares for seminars and special events; assists with budget updates and monthly reports; and serves as a liaison between the SBC and College faculty/staff, community partners, Chambers of Commerce, other Small Business Center Directors, and outside resource agencies. The position updates and maintains the SBC North Carolina Identity Management (NCID) database, client records, and calendar of events. The Small Business Center Program Specialist also assists with the oversight and operation of CINErG and the Business & Industry Incubator as directed by the SBC Director. Provide professional customer service and direct assistance to current and prospective SBC clients, including aspiring entrepreneurs, startups, and established business owners. Provide one-on-one business counseling and technical assistance to entrepreneurs and small business owners on foundational business topics, including business startup considerations, business planning, marketing, customer development, business operations, available funding resources, and other areas within the employee's knowledge and expertise. Meet with clients to identify business needs, challenges, and goals; assist clients in developing appropriate next steps; provide relevant information and resources; and make referrals to the SBC Director, subject-matter experts, lenders, economic development partners, and other business resource organizations when appropriate. Conduct follow-up with counseling clients to assess progress, identify additional needs, provide continued support, and encourage participation in relevant SBC seminars, counseling services, and other business-development resources. Maintain accurate and confidential records of client counseling sessions, referrals, outcomes, and follow-up activities in accordance with College and North Carolina Community College System requirements. Respond to letters and general correspondence of a routine nature; prepare regular and confidential documents, including correspondence, agendas, reports, forms, certificates, contracts, and memoranda; prepare copies and distribute information as appropriate. Answer telephone calls and respond to requests for information from the general public, students, faculty/staff, entrepreneurs, and business owners. Schedule client appointments, convey messages, and provide information on entrepreneurship, small-business resources, SBC counseling, seminars, and programs. Create marketing flyers, brochures, and other promotional materials for SBC seminars and programs using appropriate logos, wording, and registration information. Upload and remove marketing materials promptly; submit support tickets to the Marketing Department for upcoming College website SBC events; and maintain current SBC activities and meetings on the marquee board. Work as an integral member of the Workforce Development and Continuing Education team and collaborate with College departments and external partners to support entrepreneurship and economic development initiatives. Coordinate special seminars, training sessions, workshops, and other SBC programs; prepare information packets and marketing materials; submit instructors' service agreements to the SBC Director; prepare rosters and sign-in sheets; and collate and print materials as needed. Set up SBC training rooms for scheduled seminars and events; collect and process class registration forms and rosters; assist instructors and participants; and represent the SBC in the absence of the Director as assigned. Establish and maintain class files with registration forms, attendance sheets, and other required documentation in accordance with established College and North Carolina Community College System requirements. Verify information for accuracy and make corrections as necessary. Assist with activities associated with CINErG and the Business & Industry Incubator, including communication with tenants and prospective tenants, scheduling, events, client support, documentation, and other operational responsibilities as assigned by the SBC Director. Prepare requisitions and coordinate the pickup and delivery of food and other items required for Advisory Meetings, Success Team meetings, Multi-Chamber Networking events, seminars, and other activities as requested by the SBC Director. Provide occasional front-desk coverage as needed. Participate in workshops, seminars, conferences, and other professional development activities to remain knowledgeable about entrepreneurship, small business resources, business trends, and available community resources. Serve on assigned committees and special projects. Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the SBC Director. Three to five years of experience working in a professional office, business, entrepreneurship, economic development, customer service, or related environment. Demonstrated knowledge of basic business principles and the ability to communicate effectively with aspiring entrepreneurs and existing small business owners. Ability to provide professional one-on-one client assistance, identify client needs, maintain confidentiality, document counseling activities, and make appropriate referrals. Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills with the ability to work effectively with individuals from varying business backgrounds and levels of entrepreneurial experience. Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to learn and utilize client-management, registration, database, and other College systems. Ability to organize and prioritize multiple responsibilities, work independently, exercise sound judgment, and maintain accurate records. Must be physically able to operate a variety of automated office equipment; lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move up to 30 pounds; and sit or stand for extended periods.