Business Development Specialist - Valdez Institute for Economic Development

The University of Texas at San Antonio (UT San Antonio) is a nationally recognized, top-tier public research university that unites the power of higher education, biomedical discovery and healthcare within one visionary institution. As the third-largest research university in Texas and a Carnegie R1-designated institution, UT San Antonio is a model of access and excellence — advancing knowledge, social mobility and public health across South Texas and beyond. UT San Antonio serves approximately 42,000 students in 320 academic programs spanning science, engineering, medicine, health, liberal arts, AI, cybersecurity, business, education and more. With 17,000 faculty and staff, UT San Antonio has also been recognized as a Top Employer in Texas by Forbes Magazine. Learn more online, on UT San Antonio Today or on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube or LinkedIn.

Salary Range: Up to $58,900 annualized, commensurate with education, experience, and qualifications.

Job Type: Full Time

Posting Close Date: Applications will be accepted through 11:59 PM CDT on the listed close date. At the discretion of the hiring department, this posting may close once a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received.

Required Application Materials:

• Resume is required
• Cover Letter is preferred

Job Summary

The Business Development Specialist provides management and technical assistance and information services to small businesses and supports the operation of the Region 5 Small Business Transportation Technical Assistance Center (SBTTAC). The position provides counseling on small business operations with special emphasis on transportation procurement and contracting readiness, financing and bonding, market opportunity alignment, and business development. The role conducts client assessments and counseling, assists in the development and implementation of training events and workshops, promotes SBTTAC services, networks with transportation agencies, prime contractors, financial institutions, technical-assistance organizations, and other business-support partners, and maintains client and activity data in designated program systems. The position supports virtual and in-person service delivery to small businesses throughout Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.

This grant-funded position is contingent upon the availability of program funding and continued programmatic need.

Core Responsibilities

Provides counseling and training to small business clients, including needs and readiness assessments, individualized recommendations, case management, coordination with other resources, and follow-up. These responsibilities generally include the following:

1. Provides financing and bonding readiness assistance and connects clients with appropriate lenders, CDFIs, sureties, USDOT/SBA resources, and other capital programs.
2. Assists clients with government contracting and transportation procurement readiness, including solicitations, registrations, certifications, prequalification, and prime/subcontracting pathways.
3. Researches transportation-market and procurement opportunities and aligns qualified clients with opportunities based on capabilities, readiness, location, certifications, and capacity.
4. Assists in the development and implementation of transportation-focused workshops, webinars, conferences, and outreach activities, including participation as a presenter or facilitator.
5. Maintains an active caseload and complete, accurate, timely client, counseling, referral, activity, and outcome information in designated CRM.
6. Monitors client progress and outcomes, including financing, procurement actions, readiness milestones, and contracting activity, and assists in preparation of program reports.
7. Builds productive relationships with small businesses, transportation organizations, government agencies, prime contractors, financial institutions, and technical-assistance providers across Region 5.
8. Participates in public and private sector meetings and events on behalf of SBTTAC and supports regional service delivery through virtual engagement and targeted travel.
9. Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Finance, or business related field.
• At departments discretion, Master's degree in Business Administration, Finance, or a business related field may be substituted for the work experience on a one for one basis.
• One (1) year of related work experience.
• This position may require the ability to maintain the security and integrity of UT San Antonio and its infrastructure per Texas EO-GA-48.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Finance, or a business related field.
• One (1) to three (3) years of experience assisting small businesses.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Financing & Bonding Readiness
• Loan Packaging
• Government Contracting & Procurement
• Client Assessment
• Project/Program Management
• Training & Facilitation
• CRM/Data Management
• Analytical Skills

   

Working Conditions

• Office Environment. Ability to travel to and from meetings, training sessions or other business-related events. After hours and weekend work is required on an occasional basis.

Physical Demands

• Sedentary work; sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary, if walking and standing are required, only occasionally. Exerts up to 10 lbs. of force occasionally.

This position will work both on campus and remotely in Texas (San Antonio or surrounding area). Travel and parking expenses are the employee's responsibility.

This position is contingent upon a successful background check. Verification of a valid driver's license and Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) may be completed as applicable. Applicants selected must be able to show proof of eligibility to work in the United States by time of hire.

Equal Employment Opportunity

As an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer, it is the policy of The University of Texas at San Antonio to promote and ensure equal employment opportunity for all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or genetic information, and veteran status. The University is committed to the Affirmative Action Program in compliance with all government requirements to ensure nondiscrimination.