District Director

District Director

This position provides senior-level leadership and operational oversight for a designated group of the SBTDC's 11 Regional Service Centers across North Carolina. Hosted by constituent institutions within the University of North Carolina system, these centers collectively support more than 12,000 business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs each year through business advising, education, training, and technical assistance. With two openings available, this role offers the opportunity to help shape statewide small business support initiatives while guiding high-performing regional teams and strengthening partnerships across university and external stakeholder networks.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Serve as the programmatic supervisor for Regional Center Directors and participate in the recruitment and selection of center directors and other professional-level staff.
• Manage hiring processes for newly funded specialty program staff positions.
• Maintain consistency in job descriptions and staffing structures across Regional Centers.
• Conduct annual performance reviews for Regional Centers and complete assigned EPS performance appraisals.
• Manage Careers Page content and coordinate statewide position postings with host campuses for assigned Regional Centers.
• Recommend policies, procedures, and systems that support staff professional development and enhance Regional Center operations, effectiveness, and performance.
• Assist in developing and maintaining relationships with constituent institutions, external organizations, and public and private partners that support SBTDC operations and growth.
• Support accreditation activities through ASBDC.
• Serve as a member of the SBTDC senior management team in support of the Assistant Vice Chancellor and State Director.
• Participate in monthly budget management meetings and assist with planning quarterly Senior Management Leadership Forums.

Success in this role requires strong leadership, organizational, and relationship-building skills, along with the ability to collaborate effectively across multiple campuses and stakeholder groups. The ideal candidate demonstrates professionalism, sound judgment, adaptability, and a commitment to supporting teams and advancing the mission of the SBTDC through effective communication and strategic partnership development.

Other Responsibilities: Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Minimum Education and Experience: Master's degree in business, economics, engineering, or manufacturing technology, or at least 10 years of banking, accounting, business operation management, business consulting, business ownership, or other directly relevant experience. Candidates with prior experience managing people, budget, and other assets are required.
• Other Required Qualifications: Demonstrated ability to organize and manage multiple projects. Exceptional analytical and problem-solving abilities. Strong written and oral communication skills. Ability to relate to people of varied backgrounds and capable of working effectively with both the academic and business communities. Knowledge of University or State Human Resources Systems.
• Preferred Qualifications: Familiarity with the economic development infrastructure of North Carolina. Prior extension service or private sector multi-site business service delivery experience. Previous SBTDC or SBDC management experience.
• Required License(s) or Certification(s): A North Carolina driver's license must be maintained throughout employment.