State Director of Small Business Development Center

The University of Southern Maine (USM) invites applications for the position of State Director, Maine Small Business Development Centers (Maine SBDC). The State Director serves as the chief executive officer of the Maine SBDC program and network, providing strategic leadership for a statewide organization dedicated to supporting Maine's small businesses and strengthening the state's economy.

Housed within the USM School of Business, the Maine SBDC provides business advising, training, research, and other resources to small businesses throughout Maine. The State Director is responsible for the development, implementation, success, and impact of the program, working closely with funding partners, government and economic development organizations, business and community leaders, and the University of Southern Maine.

The State Director leads a multi-faceted, multi-location organization and is responsible for maximizing the economic impact of the Maine SBDC through initiatives that support business creation and growth, job creation and retention, capital formation, technology commercialization, and other economic development outcomes. The position also promotes collaboration between the Maine SBDC and USM's leadership, faculty, students, and School of Business.

What You’ll Do:

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for the statewide Maine SBDC program and network.
• Develop and implement short- and long-term goals and plans that strengthen business advising, training, research, and services for Maine's small businesses.
• Promote the Maine SBDC as a visible and valued contributor to Maine's economic development strategy.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with public and private organizations, government agencies, business and trade organizations, economic development organizations, capital access institutions, and other stakeholders.
• Advocate for program funding and negotiate performance objectives, contracts, and agreements with funding partners, host organizations, and service providers.
• Identify and pursue additional funding opportunities, including grants, contracts, and other revenue sources, to support the sustainability of the Maine SBDC.
• Partner with USM's Research Service Center to ensure accurate and timely grant and contract submissions.
• Develop and manage the Maine SBDC's annual budget in collaboration with the Director of Finance & Grant Management, ensuring fiscal responsibility and compliance with funding and University of Maine System requirements.
• Provide leadership and oversight for the State Office, USM Centers, and contracted host organizations operating Maine SBDC service centers.
• Ensure a high level of customer and client satisfaction and promote continuous quality improvement throughout the organization.
• Support continued SBDC accreditation and adherence to program standards and requirements.
• Provide leadership in the use of information technology and other technologies that enhance advising, training, and services for small businesses.
• Foster an entrepreneurial culture among Maine SBDC directors, advisors, and staff.
• Establish and maintain relationships with appointed and elected leaders and other key stakeholders to advance shared economic development goals.
• Measure program outcomes and return on investment and use results to inform planning and decision-making.
• Support professional development opportunities that strengthen the skills and effectiveness of Maine SBDC advisors and staff.
• Coordinate business and economic research initiatives that benefit Maine's economy.
• Promote USM and the School of Business through the Maine SBDC's statewide outreach, research, and public-service activities.

Leadership and Management

The State Director directly supervises the Associate State Director of Operations, Director of Finance & Grant Management, and Administrative and Data Manager, including responsibility for hiring, goal-setting, and performance evaluation.

The position also provides indirect leadership for other Maine SBDC staff and contractual management and oversight of Center Directors and staff working through performance-based contracts. The State Director is responsible for ensuring that contracted centers meet established milestones, activities, and procedural requirements while maintaining a safe and respectful working environment.

Budget & Financial Responsibility

The State Director develops and negotiates the Maine SBDC budget and related funding narratives in collaboration with the Maine Commission on Small Business and Entrepreneurship and in accordance with applicable federal laws and regulations.

The position supervises program income and expenditures and has primary authority for allocating funds within the Maine SBDC program network. The annual program budget generally ranges from $2 million to $3 million, depending on available funding.

Pay and Benefits

This position offers an annual salary of $120,000.00, along with a comprehensive benefits package, including generous paid time off (13 holidays, vacation, and sick leave), health, dental, and vision insurance, life and disability coverage, tuition benefits for employees and eligible dependents, and a 403(b) retirement plan with 10% employer contribution. See the Benefits Information Summary for details.

Work Schedule and Location

This is a full-time position based in Portland. The position works across a statewide network of Maine SBDC centers, partners, and stakeholders and requires extensive collaboration with public and private organizations throughout Maine.

About the University of Southern Maine

The University of Southern Maine is a vibrant academic community located in the greater Portland, Maine area, including campuses in Portland, Gorham, Lewiston, and online. USM is part of the University of Maine System and offers a comprehensive array of undergraduate and graduate programs, emphasizing hands-on learning, community engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration. With a highly engaged student-centered learning environment, USM is a steward of higher education, helping drive the economic, cultural, and civic life in the communities where our campuses are located and beyond. USM is committed to providing expanded access to high-quality education that elevates economic opportunity and contributes significantly to the vitality of a diverse society. To learn more about USM, visit About Our University.

The University of Southern Maine fosters a welcoming and supportive campus environment that respects and appreciates varied perspectives, enhancing teaching, learning, personal growth, and overall institutional achievement. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds who share our dedication to academic excellence and the enrichment of our community.

We are dedicated to our Service Promise, Student Focused Every Day and seek a team member who embraces this commitment and upholds our core values of Respect & Care, Integrity, Equity, and Responsiveness.

Required Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Business Administration or a directly related field.
• At least seven years of senior management experience.
• At least three years of direct financial management accountability within a significant business, economic development, or governmental organization.
• Demonstrated knowledge of business needs, service delivery systems, and operations sufficient to plan, develop, and administer programs that effectively serve small businesses.
• Demonstrated leadership and management skills.
• Demonstrated experience in resource development and securing funding.
• Proven experience with fiscal and budget administration.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement collaborative or joint-venture activities, including contracting services and securing contributed services and/or funding.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated technology and IT experience and the ability to use technology to enhance organizational effectiveness and services to small businesses.
• Ability to balance multiple priorities and effectively manage the needs of diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated entrepreneurial skills.
• Commitment to fostering a respectful and supportive workplace environment.

To apply, click on the ‘Apply Now’ button below or visit our USM Careers Page and submit the following:

• Cover letter
• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Finalist candidates will be asked to provide a list of names and contact information for three references.

For full consideration please submit all required materials by October 4, 2026.

We are not able to consider applicants who require Visa sponsorship support.

Appropriate background screening will be conducted for the successful candidate.

The University of Maine System (the System) is an equal opportunity institution committed to fostering a nondiscriminatory environment and complying with all applicable nondiscrimination laws. Consistent with State and Federal law, the System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability (physical or mental), genetic information, pregnancy, or veteran or military status in any aspect of its education, programs and activities, and employment. The System provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. If you believe you have experienced discrimination or harassment, you are encouraged to contact the System Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services at 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, Orono, ME 04469-5713, by calling 207.581.1226, or via TTY at 711 (Maine Relay System). For more information about Title IX or to file a complaint, please contact the UMS Title IX Coordinator.

Clery Act:

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, or Clery Act, mandates that all Title IV institutions, such as the University, prepare, publish, and distribute an Annual Security Report (ASR), and provide notice of the availability of the ASR to all prospective employees. This report consists of two basic parts: disclosure of the University’s crime statistics for the past three calendar years; and disclosures regarding the University’s current campus security policies. View the University’s Annual Security Report (PDF). If you wish to have a paper copy of the ASR or need to have a copy of the ASR in an accessible format, the University will provide such a copy upon request. Please contact our Public Safety Office at 207.780.5211.