GUILFORD COUNTY GOVERNMENT
Empower Successful People to thrive in a Strong Community supported by Quality Government
Transparency & Communication | Equity & Inclusion | Accountability
Service & Outcomes Excellence | Our People Matter
Description
SPECIAL NOTE
This recruitment will be for two positions in the Small Business Specialist Job
GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES
The Small Business Specialist is responsible for supporting the growth, development, and sustainability of small businesses throughout Guilford County. This position provides technical assistance, outreach, certification guidance, program coordination, and business development resources to entrepreneurs and firms seeking to compete for contracting opportunities.
The Small Business Specialist serves as a key liaison between the County, business community, partner organizations, and stakeholders to advance economic inclusion, supplier diversity, and entrepreneurship initiatives aligned with Guilford County’s strategic priorities.
DISTINGUISING FEATURES OF THE CLASS
This position requires knowledge of small business development practices, procurement readiness, community engagement, and relationship management. Work involves advising businesses on certification pathways, access to capital resources, contracting opportunities, and capacity-building programs. The employee must exercise sound judgment, professionalism, and initiative while managing multiple projects and partnerships. Work usually requires considerable public contact and a high level of independence.
Work may require evening and weekend work assignments for some community outreach events/ activity. Work performed under the general supervision of the department’s Deputy Director.
Examples of Duties
Duties And Responsibilities
Essential duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Provides direct assistance to small businesses regarding start-up, expansion, operations, and growth strategies.
- Collaborates with County departments and the diverse business community to communicate, educate, and engage stakeholders in meeting Policy objectives around certification and registration of business enterprises
- Identify and implement projects that support capacity building, identification of emerging industries, and cultivation and promotion of small businesses.
- Track multiple project activities against milestones and timelines and develop a communication protocol for reporting project progress.
- Educates businesses on County procurement processes, vendor registration, and contracting opportunities.
- Assist firms with certification applications and compliance requirements.
- Provides strategic recommendations, along with specific actions, to increase certifications, vendor registrations, and spending opportunities.
- Coordinates workshops, seminars, networking events, and training programs for entrepreneurs and small businesses.
- Conducts outreach to underserved business communities to increase participation in County opportunities.
- Develops and maintains relationships with chambers of commerce, business associations, lenders, resource providers, and community partners.
- Tracks client interactions, program participation, and performance metrics using databases and reporting tools.
- Prepares reports, presentations, correspondence, and recommendations for leadership.
- Supports implementation of supplier diversity and inclusion initiatives.
- Research grants, funding opportunities, and best practices related to entrepreneurship and economic development.
- Assists with special projects and strategic initiatives as assigned.
- Ability to execute a project from idea to deliverable.
- Ability to perform KPI and data trend analysis.
- Ability to creatively adapt to various situations and environmental changes.
- Represents the Department at meetings, workshops, and seminars, among others.
- Other duties as assigned.
RECRUITMENT STANDARDS
Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities
- Knowledge of small business development, entrepreneurship ecosystems, and economic inclusion strategies.
- Knowledge of procurement practices and supplier diversity programs preferred.
- Ability to build effective relationships with diverse stakeholders.
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
- Ability to organize projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.
- Ability to analyze data and prepare reports.
- Strong customer service and problem-solving skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and business management software systems.
Typical Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's Degree with an emphasis in Business or Public Administration or related field and two years of experience in the inclusions, purchasing, economic development or other related field; or an Associate's Degree with four (4) years of experience in the inclusions, purchasing, economic development, or other related field.
Supplemental Information
Physical Demands and Work Conditions
Work is sedentary. Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to do the work. However, there may be some walking, standing, bending, carrying light items such as papers, books, driving an automobile, outside work for site visitation, or use of a PC to accomplish work objectives. No specific physical demands are required. Mental demands and normal stress regarding achieving work deadlines are present.
May Require Driving
This position may require driving for this position, whether driving a county-owned or personal vehicle, to conduct county business, such as but not limited to attending conferences, meetings, outreach events, or any other county-related functions. Motor Vehicle Reports may be verified for a valid driver’s license and that the driving record is compatible with the county’s driving criteria. If a personal vehicle is operated for county business, proper insurance is maintained as per Guilford County’s vehicle use policy.
Guilford County is committed to providing Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) to employees and applicants for employment regardless of color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation or political affiliation. The County is committed to complying with all applicable federal, state and local laws that pertain to employment, and to providing a work environment that is free from discrimination of any kind. If you need an auxiliary aide, make the request forty-eight (48) hours in advance of the time the accommodation is needed by calling 336-641-3324.
We are excited about the opportunity of having you as a prospective new employee!
You probably already know our county is a wonderful county to live in, but did you know it is also a wonderful place to work?
Below are a few of the reasons why we love working for Guilford County.
We offer Health Insurance (
UnitedHealthCare) to all benefitted employees working a minimum of 20 hours per week. The shared cost of the premium is based on scheduled/budgeted hours. If you are a full-time employee working 40 hours a week you can expect to pay less than $35 a month for medical coverage, dental coverage for $4 a month and vision coverage for $5 a month. That's less than $45 a month for medical, dental & vision coverage; that's unheard of.
Telehealth UHC Virtual Visits are available to you with no copay or out of pocket expense.
We are excited to inform you Guilford County has an
Employee Wellness Center (24/7 access) with strength training equipment, cardio machines and a group exercise room with virtual or in person coaching from our Wellness Specialist!
Employee Assistance Program, 100% funded by the county. A superb benefit for you and your family absolutely free. Confidential help with personal or work-related issues.
13 paid holidays, 12 sick days, and 12 vacation days a year. That's 37 paid days a year, totaling almost 2 months of paid time off.
Employer contributes
5% into your 401(k) - no match required.
Enrollment in the
State Retirement Plan by contributing 6%.
Longevity pay beginning at five years of service.
We provide a $10,000
Life and AD&D benefit to eligible employees.
Flexible spending accounts (FSA) allow you to set aside tax-free dollars for health care and dependent care.
Voluntary Life, AD&D, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability.
01
Please select the highest level of education you have completed
All education and certifications must be listed in the Education section of the employment application. Transcripts may be required to verify educational qualifications.
- No formal education
- Some High School, No Diploma/GED
- High School Diploma or GED
- Associate's Degree (AA, AS)
- Bachelor’s Degree (BA, BS)
- Master’s Degree (MA, MS, MBA, etc.)
- Professional degree (JD, MD, DVM, etc.)
- Doctoral Degree (PhD, EdD, etc.)
02
Do you have a valid NC Driver's License, or the ability to obtain one?
03
Do you have an associate’s degree or higher in Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field?
For evaluation purposes, all education, including degrees and certifications, must be documented in the Education section of the application. Education referenced only on a résumé will not meet this requirement. Official transcripts will be required to verify educational credentials
- Yes
- No
- I do not have a degree.
04
How many years of experience do you have working within inclusions, purchasing, economic development or a related field?
All experience must be documented in the Work History section of the application. Failure to do so may result in the application being considered incomplete.
- No experience
- Less than 2 years of experience
- 2 years of experience, but less than 4 years of experience
- 4 years of experience, but less than 6 years of experience
- 6 years of experience, but less than 8 years of experience
- 8 years of experience, but less than 10 years of experience
- 10 or more years of experience
05
Please clearly describe your professional accounting experience in inclusions, purchasing, economic development or a related field.
Your response must include the agency name(s), job title(s), dates of employment, and a brief summary of your primary duties and level of responsibility. Experience referenced only on a résumé will not be considered. All experience must be documented in the Work History section of the application. Failure to do so may result in the application being considered incomplete
06
Guilford County requires employees to reside within a two-hour driving radius of Guilford County. Do you currently meet this residency requirement, or are you willing and able to relocate to meet it if selected? Important: Failure to meet or agree to meet the residency requirement may result in disqualification from further consideration.
- I currently reside within a two-hour driving radius of Guilford County
- I am willing and able to relocate to meet the two-hour residency requirement
- No
07
I understand that all Required Competencies, Work history and Credentials and Education must appear on the application in the Education and Work Experience sections of the application form to receive consideration during the selection process.
Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing the application, "See Attached Resume or an Embedded Text Resume" will be considered incomplete and will not be processed.
08
I understand that an official copy of my college transcript will be required upon conditional offer of employment.
