Mat-Su Business Advisor

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

As the Mat-Su Business Advisor, you will provide expert guidance to entrepreneurs and small business owners by applying strong knowledge of business management principles, practices, and techniques. You will assist clients with financial planning, business development strategies, and operational improvement while helping them understand and comply with relevant federal, state, and local financial and tax regulations. In this role, you will build strong relationships with business owners and community organizations, develop and deliver workshops and presentations, and effectively communicate complex information both orally and in writing. You will utilize analytical and organizational skills to identify client needs, develop strategic growth plans, and track outcomes, including capturing return on investment metrics and producing comprehensive reports. The position also requires maintaining accurate and timely database records of client sessions and activities while using computerized tools such as G Suite applications, Microsoft Office, Excel, and GoToMeeting/Webinar to organize information, analyze data, and communicate effectively.

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 related field and two years relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Position Details:

This position is located at the SBDC Office in Wasilla, Alaska. This is a term-funded, full-time, exempt staff position complete with both a competitive salary and  full employee benefits package . UA provides a generous compensation 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 the  UA Staff Salary Schedule , Grade 79, based on education and experience.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until a successful candidate is identified. Review of application materials will begin immediately. Search and selection procedures will be closed when a sufficient and viable number of qualified candidates have been identified.

The University of Alaska (UA) reserves the right to require employees to work on-site at the UA facilities. Hybrid and remote work may be approved for employees based in Alaska at the University's discretion. Remote work for employees based outside the State of Alaska may be approved only in exceptional circumstances or when required by the position's job duties.

To view the full list of job responsibilities, please click HERE .

☎️If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact Patrick Sullivan at View email address on careers.alaska.edu.

*To be eligible for this position, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without restriction.  Applicants who now or may in the future require visa sponsorship to work in the United States are not eligible.

This position is a term-funded position and is reviewed annually for contract renewal at the University's discretion.

The University of Alaska (UA) is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the applicant screening process. If you need assistance in completing this application or during any phase of the interview process, please contact UA Human Resources by phone at View phone number on careers.alaska.edu.

The  University of Alaska () is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access Employer and Educational Institution.  The University is committed to a  policy of non-discrimination () against individuals on the basis of any legally protected status.

The successful applicant is required to complete a background check. Any offer of employment is contingent on the background check.

Your application for employment with the University of Alaska is subject to public disclosure under the Alaska Public Records Act.

All employees at the University of Alaska are expected to uphold the highest standards of ethics and professionalism when conducting or engaged in university business.

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Access to the reports is available at:

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