About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Summary

The Senior Business Advisor will offer technical assistance in the areas of marketing, finance, personnel, and other management areas as needed. The senior business advisor will work closely with small business owners throughout Berkshire County providing management assistance services. The senior business advisor may be called upon to assist in any other functions including advocacy, and promotional activities. The position will work directly with the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center (MSBDC) Regional Director in planning a strategy for the region including extensive outreach and collaboration with other small business service providers to continually enhance service delivery.

Essential Functions

• Provide management counseling to small businesses in various areas of management problems such as financial, marketing and accounting.
• Assist clients in the preparation of business plans.
• Assist and participate in any MSBDC functions.
• Develop working relationships with public and private financial agencies.
• Consult in outreach centers throughout the Berkshire County Massachusetts area.
• Consult with small businesses at their place of business.
• Assist the Regional Director to build relationships and fulfill the strategy for service delivery in the region.

Other Functions

• Assist in duties as requested by the MSBDC Berkshire Office Regional Director.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Bachelor’s Degree.
• Minimum of four (4) years of direct working experience in managing or consulting with small business.
• Strong ability in financial analysis, communication and writing.
• Knowledge about public and private funding sources for small business.
• Knowledge of debt and equity financing.
• Knowledge of computer spreadsheets and financial packages.
• Knowledge of conventional commercial lending practices and criteria along with a familiarity of unconventional funding sources and government agencies.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Master’s Degree in business.
• Experience working with universities, colleges, economic development groups, chambers, and non-profits in the region.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Typical office environment.

Additional Details

• This is a part-time, term limited position.
• Renewal of position is contingent upon funding.
• This position is located in the MSBDC Berkshire Regional Office in Pittsfield, MA.

Work Schedule

• Tuesday - Thursday, 6.25 hours/day.
• This position has the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule, which is defined by the University as an arrangement where an employee’s work is regularly performed at a location other than the campus workspace for a portion of the week. As this position falls within the Professional Staff Union, it is subject to the terms and conditions of the Professional Staff Union collective bargaining agreement.

Salary Information

Level 27

PSU Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume, cover letter and contact information for three (3) professional references. The search will remain open until filled.

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, or genetic information in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of the UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.