Business Consultant - Cumberland County

Posted: 11/16/2025

Consulting Services

Position Summary Information

General Description/Position Purpose	Join a vibrant and purpose-driven community at Shippensburg University, located in the scenic Cumberland Valley and spread across a beautiful 210-acre campus with over 40 buildings. We offer a dynamic academic environment with 45 undergraduate, 22 graduate, and 2 doctoral programs. At Shippensburg, our mission is more than words—we are committed to inclusive collaboration, fostering a strong sense of belonging, and celebrating the achievements that drive positive change in our communities. Be part of a team that values innovation, impact, and shared success Shippensburg University offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees! Effective first day of employment: low-cost medical insurance plus free dental, vision, hearing, and prescription coverage. Choose from two generous retirement plans : Alternative Retirement Plan (ARP):5% employee contribution, 9.29% employer contribution, Immediate vesting State Employees’ Retirement System (SERS): 8.25% employee contribution, 2.25% employer contribution + pension calculation, 10-year vesting requirement 100% tuition waivers for you and your eligible dependents upon completion of probationary period! Generous paid time off, employer-paid life insurance, and so much more! See full details in link below (for SCUPA employees) Full Benefits Summary (PDF) General Statement of Position The Shippensburg University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) supports economic development across South Central Pennsylvania by providing high-quality consulting, training, and educational resources to entrepreneurs and small business owners. The SBDC serves a five-county region that includes Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, and York Counties, promoting small business growth, expansion, and innovation. The Business Consultant will primarily serve clients, partners, and stakeholders in Cumberland County, delivering comprehensive consulting and advisory services to entrepreneurs and small businesses at all stages of development — from pre-venture and start-up through established operations. The consultant ensures that all engagements align with the policies and best practices of the Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers (PASBDC) network. Key Roles and Responsibilities: Educate and advise clients on how to start and operate successful business ventures through following network consulting policies and procedures. Provide one-one-one advice and consulting to be provided include: business plan development, financial analysis and planning; marketing research and assistance; business management and operations; marketing; human resources; legal issues; business disruption services and affordable care act fundamentals Develop educational materials and present educational programs as appropriate Outreach to educate clients, partners and stakeholders on SBDC services and impact · Contribute to knowledge creation and dissemination through communicating with peers and participating in network activities Specific Areas of Responsibility: Provide consulting and advisory services to entrepreneurs and small business owners across all stages of business development, including pre-venture, start-up, and growth. Assist clients with business planning, financial analysis, marketing strategies, management practices, operations, and compliance in alignment with PASBDC standards and procedures. Conduct client assessments and interviews, identify challenges, and develop actionable recommendations to support business success. Deliver and develop educational programs, workshops, and materials that address the needs of the small business community. Manage a regional client caseload, ensuring timely consultations and accurate recordkeeping of all client interactions and outcomes in Neoserra. Utilize computer systems, online databases, and analytical tools to prepare reports and support business decision-making for clients. Coordinate client referrals to SBDC specialty programs (e.g., International Trade, Technology Commercialization, Environmental Management, Agriculture, AI, SEO Analysis) and external partner organizations. Support clients in accessing lending and financing opportunities, including assistance with loan packaging, proposals, and financial documentation. Represent Shippensburg University SBDC professionally within the University, the PASBDC network, and community and regional organizations. Participate in outreach and advocacy efforts, including developing client success stories and coordinating support letters for legislators. Maintain continuous professional development through training, publications, and participation in relevant business and professional organizations. Collaborate with the Director and SBDC team to enhance operational effectiveness, develop strategic plans, and support the creation of marketing and outreach materials. Report directly to the SBDC Director, in consultation with the Consulting Manager, and perform other related duties as assigned. The full job description and responsibilities will be made available to candidates during the interview process.
Minimum Qualifications	Bachelor’s degree in business management, Marketing, Accounting, Finance, Economics or related field. Work experience of five or more years in business management or business consulting can compensate for educational degree requirements. Significant knowledge of entrepreneurship, small business management and operations, accounting and financial analysis, marketing, market research, human resource management, financing, legal issues Strong interpersonal, communication, problem-solving, and listening skills Two years of work experience in a relevant field Knowledge of financial lending procedures Ability to manage large client portfolio, strong organizational and time management skills Ability to network effectively with partners and stakeholders Proficient digital technology skills and ability to use CRM to enter data and generate reports Ability to travel
Preferred Qualifications	Master’s degree preferred Small Business ownership/experience preferred

General Description/Position Purpose

Join a vibrant and purpose-driven community at Shippensburg University, located in the scenic Cumberland Valley and spread across a beautiful 210-acre campus with over 40 buildings. We offer a dynamic academic environment with 45 undergraduate, 22 graduate, and 2 doctoral programs. At Shippensburg, our mission is more than words—we are committed to inclusive collaboration, fostering a strong sense of belonging, and celebrating the achievements that drive positive change in our communities. Be part of a team that values innovation, impact, and shared success

Shippensburg University offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees!

Effective first day of employment: low-cost medical insurance plus free dental, vision, hearing, and prescription coverage.
Choose from two generous retirement plans :
- Alternative Retirement Plan (ARP):5% employee contribution, 9.29% employer contribution, Immediate vesting
- State Employees’ Retirement System (SERS): 8.25% employee contribution, 2.25% employer contribution + pension calculation, 10-year vesting requirement
100% tuition waivers for you and your eligible dependents upon completion of probationary period!
Generous paid time off, employer-paid life insurance, and so much more!

See full details in link below (for SCUPA employees)

Full Benefits Summary (PDF)

General Statement of Position

The Shippensburg University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) supports economic development across South Central Pennsylvania by providing high-quality consulting, training, and educational resources to entrepreneurs and small business owners. The SBDC serves a five-county region that includes Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, and York Counties, promoting small business growth, expansion, and innovation.

The Business Consultant will primarily serve clients, partners, and stakeholders in Cumberland County, delivering comprehensive consulting and advisory services to entrepreneurs and small businesses at all stages of development — from pre-venture and start-up through established operations. The consultant ensures that all engagements align with the policies and best practices of the Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers (PASBDC) network.

Key Roles and Responsibilities:

Educate and advise clients on how to start and operate successful business ventures through following network consulting policies and procedures.
Provide one-one-one advice and consulting to be provided include: business plan development, financial analysis and planning; marketing research and assistance; business management and operations; marketing; human resources; legal issues; business disruption services and affordable care act fundamentals
Develop educational materials and present educational programs as appropriate
Outreach to educate clients, partners and stakeholders on SBDC services and impact · Contribute to knowledge creation and dissemination through communicating with peers and participating in network activities

Specific Areas of Responsibility:

Provide consulting and advisory services to entrepreneurs and small business owners across all stages of business development, including pre-venture, start-up, and growth.
Assist clients with business planning, financial analysis, marketing strategies, management practices, operations, and compliance in alignment with PASBDC standards and procedures.
Conduct client assessments and interviews, identify challenges, and develop actionable recommendations to support business success.
Deliver and develop educational programs, workshops, and materials that address the needs of the small business community.
Manage a regional client caseload, ensuring timely consultations and accurate recordkeeping of all client interactions and outcomes in Neoserra.
Utilize computer systems, online databases, and analytical tools to prepare reports and support business decision-making for clients.
Coordinate client referrals to SBDC specialty programs (e.g., International Trade, Technology Commercialization, Environmental Management, Agriculture, AI, SEO Analysis) and external partner organizations.
Support clients in accessing lending and financing opportunities, including assistance with loan packaging, proposals, and financial documentation.
Represent Shippensburg University SBDC professionally within the University, the PASBDC network, and community and regional organizations.
Participate in outreach and advocacy efforts, including developing client success stories and coordinating support letters for legislators.
Maintain continuous professional development through training, publications, and participation in relevant business and professional organizations.
Collaborate with the Director and SBDC team to enhance operational effectiveness, develop strategic plans, and support the creation of marketing and outreach materials.
Report directly to the SBDC Director, in consultation with the Consulting Manager, and perform other related duties as assigned.

The full job description and responsibilities will be made available to candidates during the interview process.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in business management, Marketing, Accounting, Finance, Economics or related field.
Work experience of five or more years in business management or business consulting can compensate for educational degree requirements.
Significant knowledge of entrepreneurship, small business management and operations, accounting and financial analysis, marketing, market research, human resource management, financing, legal issues
Strong interpersonal, communication, problem-solving, and listening skills
Two years of work experience in a relevant field
Knowledge of financial lending procedures
Ability to manage large client portfolio, strong organizational and time management skills
Ability to network effectively with partners and stakeholders
Proficient digital technology skills and ability to use CRM to enter data and generate reports
Ability to travel

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree preferred
Small Business ownership/experience preferred

Posting Detail Information

Open Date	11/04/2025
Close Date
Open Until Filled	No
Special Instructions Summary	For full consideration candidates should apply online at https://jobs.ship.edu with acceptance of materials continuing until the position is filled. Materials submitted in any other formats including paper documents, will not be considered. All applications and inquiries will remain confidential.
Additional Information	Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania is an Equal Opportunity Employer and, in compliance with federal and state laws and university policy, is committed to providing equal educational and employment opportunities for all persons without regards to age, color, national origin, race, religion, disability, veteran status, or sex. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. All university employees are required to comply with university policies, state and federal laws/statutes prohibiting any type of Discrimination, Harassment or Retaliation.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

* Do you possess a bachelor's or master's degree in Business Management, Marketing, Accounting, Finance, Economics or related field?
- YES
- NO
* Do you have work experience of five (5) or more years in business management or business consulting?
- YES
- NO
* Do you have two (2) years of work experience in a relevant field?
- YES
- NO
* How did you hear about this employment opportunity?
- Employer website
- Indeed
- CareerLink
- HigherEd Job
- LinkedIn
- Advertisement/Publication
- Personal Referral
* What interests you about working at Shippensburg University?
- Benefits
- Salary
- Tuition Waiver
- Working in Higher Education
- Closer to Home

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

Resume
Cover Letter / Letter of Application
Unofficial Transcripts 1

Optional Documents

Unofficial Transcripts 2