Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center is seeking a Program Manager to lead the San Mateo Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in partnership with Humboldt State University. The manager will oversee a team of staff and consultants, drive the development of business advising and training, administer grants and contracts, and engage with the public. They will also represent the program in economic development and business communities, fostering partnerships and advocating for small business interests.
About Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center
Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center transforms lives and communities through entrepreneurship. Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center's mission is to empower and increase the entrepreneurial capacities of socially and economically diverse individuals, thereby strengthening communities through the creation of sustainable new businesses, new jobs, and financial self-sufficiency.
Qualifications & Skills
Bachelor’s degree or comparable combination of at least 5-10 years of experience in small business ownership, economic development, and/or senior management.
Passion for entrepreneurship and economic development, particularly within and for socioeconomically diverse communities.
Experience building and maintaining strong relationships with elected officials and senior leadership within governments and non-profit organizations.
Understanding of small business financing and access to capital, including the role of CDFIs in community financial development
Experience in nonprofit organization and government grant program management, delivering program excellence on time and within budget.
Understanding of government grant reporting requirements and grant budget management is highly preferred.
Ability to prepare clear, concise, and timely reports and correspondence.
Excellent organization skills and detail orientation; Ability to address multiple priorities and program deliverables simultaneously.
Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate a compelling and inspired sense of purpose.
Comfort working in a small, highly communicative, collaborative, fast-paced, and mission-driven organization. Ability to manage and inspire staff and to work well in a team.
Good judgment in safeguarding confidential or sensitive information and adhering to high standards of confidentiality and honesty in all client interactions.
A strong commitment to providing excellent and inclusive service and promoting the mission of Renaissance and the San Mateo SBDC.
Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.
Experience and comfort with Google Platform, Zoom, client databases, and government reporting portals.
Ability to travel throughout San Mateo County for client outreach, program marketing, building partnerships with fellow organizations, and celebrating client successes at their places of business.
responsibilities and tasks
Plan, develop, implement, manage, and evaluate the delivery of services to small businesses and entrepreneurs in the San Mateo SBDC service area.
Ensure execution of the annual performance objectives for San Mateo SBDC.
Create and manage relationships with partners and stakeholders in business, the community, and government. Be available for outreach and relationship management opportunities that fall outside of traditional business hours.
Supervise, train, and evaluate the performance of assigned staff and independent contractors serving as SBDC business advisors.
Maintain stakeholder engagement with business and economic development partners, community organizations, and other resource providers to promote SBDC services.
Recruit advisor talent to meet the small business needs of our communities; develop and implement new programs that are responsive to the changing needs of small businesses in the region.
Develop and implement an inclusive outreach plan for the San Mateo SBDC that reaches all eligible clients. Develop the language and cultural capacity of SBDC services to serve a diverse range of small business owners.
Manage the Center budget and resource allocation in compliance with state and federal contract requirements and in collaboration with the SBDC Director and Finance team.
Negotiate agreements between SBDC and local partner entities.
Attend regional SBDC meetings and partner events as the main representative of the San Mateo SBDC (once a quarter)
Communicate regularly and submit reports as required to the NorCal SBDC Lead Center.
Effectively manage employee performance by consistently providing constructive feedback, taking a collaborative approach to employee development, and administering necessary training, including evaluations and performance improvement plans. Hold the team accountable and meet the organization’s core values and performance standards.
Communicate and coordinate staff training on changes or updates to San Mateo SBDC policies or procedures. Develop training material that is responsive to staff and advisor needs.
COmpensation and Benefits
This is a full-time, exempt position. Competitive salary ($85-104K based on experience) and generous benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401K, paid time off, holidays, and a great group of colleagues and clients.
To Apply
Please send a cover letter and resume to jobs@rencenter.org, attn: Nora Razon, San Mateo County Program Director, noting “SBDC Program Manager” as the subject line of your email. Please make no telephone calls or personal inquiries.
