SBDC Principal Program Manager

It’s a great time to join the City of Boulder!

Application Deadline:

September 2, 2026

Compensation Details:

Full Pay Range

101,171.20 - 150,280.00

Generally, the hiring range is from the minimum up to 80% of the range.This is a full-time salaried position.

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Benefit Eligibility Group:

Non Union (30+ Hours)

Locate the Benefit Eligibility Group value on the Employee Benefit Eligibility document to identify the benefits offered for this job.

Job Description Summary:

Under limited direction, provides strategic leadership and business expertise, leads day-to-day operations, and fosters a welcoming, inclusive, client-oriented, and mission-driven team culture in a fast-paced, hands-on environment with high impact. In addition to overseeing Boulder Small Business Development Center (SBDC) operations, this position cultivates strong relationships with local, state, and national partners and facilitates collaboration and consistency among the center’s programs and across the statewide network in alignment with SBA, OEDIT, and city objectives and strategies.

Job Description:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES                 

• Directs and provides overall management of the Boulder SBDC, including management of center staff, advising services and programming for small businesses such as restaurants, retailers and other “Main Street” businesses; entrepreneurs and small business owners from all communities; and science and technology businesses and other highly scalable ventures.
• Leads strategic planning for the center and program areas. Oversees the development of program proposals, acquisition of sponsorship, grant, or other funding and implementation of programs under contractual agreements with program funders.
• Develops and manages annual budgets, projections and work plans for the center to ensure revenues align with expected expenses and established goals and objectives are achieved. Develops and implements fundraising strategies to supplement grant funding with revenue from other sources.
• Oversees center accounting functions to ensure all revenue and expenses are properly recorded, approves financial journal entries and monitors and analyzes cash flow. Prepares quarterly financial reports and reimbursement requests for grant payments and provides other reporting in compliance with state requirements and Small Business Administration (SBA) governance.
• Establishes work assignments and provides guidance, professional development, and work direction for center staff. Ensures that staff, consultants, and volunteers complete required training and comply with reporting, client confidentiality, and other program requirements.
• Oversees small business training and advising activities to best utilize resources and in coordination with the Colorado SBDC network and state office.
• Supervises Boulder SBDC staff. Oversees advisors and volunteers.
• Participates in client advising and business training programs, as needed.
• Collects data and prepares reports to measure the economic impact of the center’s services to ensure that small business needs and stakeholder goals are satisfactorily met.
• Builds strong and collaborative working relationships with local, state and national resource partners. Strategizes with city colleagues, the statewide SBDC network and SBA, and other partners to support economic vitality and identify and serve the needs of the local small business community including facilitating economic mobility, building economic resilience, and assisting with business recovery following natural disasters and other emergencies. Adapts services to respond to new opportunities and changes in small business needs.
• Manages compliance with all applicable Colorado SBDC Network and U.S. Small Business Administration policies and grantor requirements. Attends regular statewide network virtual and in-person meetings and annual national conference and participates in professional training and development programs to maintain updated knowledge of industry standards and best practices.
• Provides financial, operations, performance measurement, and other information to the director of the Colorado SBDC Network. Participates in periodic audits and accreditations of local center and state network.
• Assists state network director in the development and implementation of statewide initiatives to increase and improve services to the small business community. Manages statewide programs such as the Colorado SBDC TechSource program.
• Actively engages with the statewide SBDC network through meetings and committee involvement to support network-wide initiatives and improvements. Explores opportunities for collaborations between SBDC centers to better support programs and initiatives.
• Works with strategic partners, local media, and others to maintain and build awareness and favorable perceptions of the SBDC and services it provides.
• Represents the City at offsite workshops and statewide SBDC events.
• Performs related duties as required to meet the needs of the Boulder SBDC.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

• Ability to demonstrate a high standard of work quality and attention to detail.
• Ability to demonstrate excellent employee management and development skills.
• Ability to demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills, including experience and skill in public speaking. Ability to effectively communicate and interact with the public and clients, staff, consultants, and volunteers in a positive, respectful, and cooperative manner.
• Ability to demonstrate experience as an entrepreneur-focused leader with a passion for working with small businesses.
• Ability to demonstrate experience in financial management, grant fundraising and government grant compliance.
• Ability to demonstrate experience managing consultants and contracts.
• Ability to demonstrate history of providing high quality results relative to work plans, operations, and initiatives with a high level of customer service.
• Ability to demonstrate leadership in building a culture of continuous improvement and incorporating technology and innovation to improve programs and processes.
• Ability to demonstrate strength in planning and organization and to address multiple priorities with tight timelines, coordinate and delegate complex assignments, and take a hands-on role in program planning and implementation.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective and mutually beneficial working relationships with city employees, other agencies, and the public.
• Ability to foster a culture where customer service is a priority.
• Ability to manage complex projects and programs.
• Ability to take proper safety precautions, anticipate unsafe circumstances, and act accordingly to prevent accidents. Responsible for safety of self, others, materials, and equipment. Follow all safety regulations, policies, and procedures. Report all accidents and damage to city property.
• Knowledge of and ability to demonstrate experience and skills in management including personnel, finance, and operations.
• Knowledge of and experience in the areas of strategic planning, performance-based management objectives, partnership development, and policy development and implementation.
• Knowledge of and experience using the suite of Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams) and Adobe Acrobat software platforms.
• Skilled in and knowledge with consulting to help small businesses develop business plans and strategies, marketing and communication plans, financial plans, and technology resources.
• Must successfully pass a background check before first day of work and maintain acceptable screening.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to communicate fluently in in English and Spanish.
• Ability to demonstrate experience owning or managing a small business.
• Knowledge of applicable Colorado SBDC Network and U.S. Small Business Administration policies and grantor requirements.
• Knowledge of where to locate and how to develop business resources such as manufacturing technology assistance, government contracting and procurement, international market development, and regulatory compliance issues.
• Skilled in and experience working in an active, highly engaged community with a university.

MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (including business administration, economic development, entrepreneurship, or other related field); equivalent of eight (8) years of related experience may substitute for the education requirement only.
• Five (5) years of experience in progressively responsible positions in business or nonprofit management or small business ownership.
• Two (2) years of supervisory experience.
• Must hold and maintain a valid drivers' license.

SUPERVISION

Supervision Received:  Economic Vitality Manager

Supervision Exercised:  SBDC Program Manager, SBDC Senior Program Manager, SBDC Program Specialist

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS    

• Physical and Mental Effort: Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities that permit effective communication on the telephone, online, or in person. Sufficient vision or other powers of observation that permit the review, evaluation, and preparation of a variety of written documents and materials. Sufficient manual dexterity or alternative means that permits the operation of computers and other office equipment. Sufficient personal mobility to permit work in an office setting. Work may include extended periods of time viewing a monitor and operating a keyboard. Ability to work under stress from demanding deadlines, public contact, and changing priorities and conditions. Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.
• Work Environment Works primarily in a clean, comfortable environment. Works in a setting subject to continuous interruptions and background noises. Work generally scheduled on weekdays with occasional early morning, evening, or weekend hours for community outreach, events, and programs as needed. At least three (3) weekdays in the office required. Local travel required within Boulder County to client locations, satellite offices, consulting and event venues, and meetings with lenders, funders, and strategic partners, and for meetings in Denver and other Front Range locations. Periodic travel to other Colorado locations for statewide meetings and outside Colorado for annual national conference. Position may be required to work occasional nights and weekends to provide business disaster recovery assistance in coordination with the City of Boulder, State of Colorado, and SBA.
• Machines and Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including computers, telephones, calculators, and multi-function printers.

As part of the City of Boulder’s commitment to a future with equitable access to health, prosperity, and fulfillment that is not limited by a person’s race, ethnicity, age, gender, ability, religion, sexuality, or socioeconomic status, it is the city’s policy to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) for all individuals. The city does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law or policy.