Consultant

Job Description Summary & Additional Information Organizational Summary Statement: The Consultant supports entrepreneurs in starting, growing, and strengthening their businesses within the Anne Arundel County community. This role provides one‑on‑one guidance to both new and existing business owners in the areas of business planning, strategy, operations, marketing, financial management, and accessing capital. The Consultant also plays a key role in enhancing the county’s small‑business ecosystem by supporting business growth initiatives and collaborating with local economic‑development partners. This position reports directly to the Program Director of the Corridor Region and requires independent judgment, strong analytical skills, and the ability to manage a diverse client portfolio with significant autonomy. Essential Duties & Responsibilities 70% Provide individualized consulting to entrepreneurs and small‑business owners on business planning, strategy development, operations, marketing, and financial management. Conduct in‑depth financial analysis of small‑business clients, including cash‑flow evaluation, financial projections, and funding readiness. Assist clients in identifying and securing appropriate sources of capital, including loans, grants, and investment opportunities. Support the development and growth of the local small‑business ecosystem by collaborating with economic‑development organizations, chambers of commerce, lenders, and community partners. 20% Deliver workshops, training sessions, and outreach activities to educate entrepreneurs on key business topics. Maintain accurate and timely client records, progress notes, and report metrics in accordance with program requirements. Stay informed about local, state, and federal resources available to small businesses. 10% Represent the SBDC at community events, partner meetings, and business‑development activities. Perform other duties as assigned by the Program Director. Preferences Preference for candidates who hold a bachelor’s degree in business from an accredited college or university or possess related industry experience. Work experience may be substituted on a year‑for‑year basis for up to four (4) years of the required education. Knowledge of consulting strategies, small‑business operations, and entrepreneurial best practices. Strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to present complex information clearly. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook). Ability to multitask, prioritize assignments, and manage a diverse client workload. Ability to implement strategic plans and guide clients through business‑development processes. Financial analysis skills, including experience evaluating financial statements and developing projections. Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with clients from diverse backgrounds. Strong problem‑solving abilities and sound professional judgment. Physical Demands The position requires prolonged periods of computer‑based work, including typing, data entry, virtual counseling, and report preparation. Telework is a part of the role, but the consultant must also report to the office periodically for in‑person meetings, client sessions, or administrative needs. A valid driver’s license is required, as the role involves frequent travel within the local community and surrounding regions to conduct on‑site counseling sessions, visit small businesses, and participate in outreach activities. The consultant must also be able to travel throughout the state and occasionally out of state to attend professional development statewide SBDC conferences, and national conferences. Required Application Materials Resume, Cover Letter, Reference Best Consideration Date 07/31/2026 Posting Close Date 07/31/2025 Open Until Filled Yes Minimum Qualifications Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Experience: Three (3) years of professional consulting experience. Other: Additional work experience as defined above may be substituted on a year for year basis for up to four (4) years of the required education. Knowledge of consulting strategies. Skill in oral and written communication. Skill in the use of Microsoft Office products. Ability to multitask and prioritize assignments. Ability to implement strategy. Job Risks Not Applicable to This Position Department VPR-UMCAPS-MD Small Business Development Ctr Worker Sub-Type Staff Contractual (C2) (Fixed Term) Salary Range $65,880 - $79,056 Benefits Summary For more information on Staff Contractual CII benefits, select this link . Background Checks Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding disclosable background check information. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed. Employment Eligibility The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization. Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment. EEO Statement The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University’s Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy. Title IX Non-Discrimination Notice Resources Learn how military skills translate to civilian opportunities with O*Net Online Search The University of Maryland, College Park is the state's flagship university and one of the nation's preeminent public research universities. A global leader in research, entrepreneurship and innovation, the university is home to more than 40,700 students, 14,000 faculty and staff, and 388,000 alumni all dedicated to the pursuit of Fearless Ideas. Located just outside Washington, D.C., we discover and share new knowledge every day through our renowned research enterprise and programs in academics, the arts and athletics. And we are committed to social entrepreneurship as the nation’s first “DoGood” campus. If you need assistance completing the application process, please contact us at one of the below options: Email: View email address on click.appcast.io Phone: View phone number on click.appcast.io Maryland Relay: Dial 711 This contact information cannot be used to inquire about application status. #J-18808-Ljbffr UM01 University of Maryland College Park (UMCP)