Position OverviewThe Kansas Small Business Development Center at the University of Kansas (Kansas SBDC at KU) provides management/technical assistance, resource referrals/business information, and training to small business owners, potential business owners, and managers to enhance the success of small business ventures through innovation, expansion, and increased productivity.
The SBDC seeks a Graduate Assistant (GA) to conduct research and prepare reports to support client's business needs, including market research, financial analysis, and strategy planning. The GA will be part of the program consulting team and will report to the Regional Director of Kansas SBDC. This position is located off campus at the Kansas SBDC, at 718 New Hampshire Street, Lawrence, KS. The 20 hours per week position is benefits eligible.
Refer to policy library for details regarding Graduate Assistant benefits. Position is contingent on funding.
Throughout their employment, student employees will maintain and manifest positive actions that align with and support the Code of Conduct for the School of Business.Job DescriptionAreas of responsibility include but are not limited to client counseling, project work, and process development and general support.
60% Client Counseling and Project Work- Provide consultations with small business clients and with SBDC Advisor oversight in areas which include business planning, finance, marketing, and management.
- Assist with client intake process and needs assessment.
- Develop actionable plans and follow-up materials for clients.
- Conduct research and prepare reports to support client business needs, including market research, financial analysis, and strategic planning support.
- Collaborate on special projects related to business development and client success.
40% Process Development and Support - Develop and refine internal processes to improve efficiency and service delivery.
- Create or update resources, tools, and templates for client use.
- Attend team meetings and contribute to brainstorming sessions
- Share in completing general office functions including greeting/assisting in-person visitors; responding to phone, email, or mail inquiries; managing material and technological resources; and completing/updating documents, databases, and processes as appropriate.
- Assist with marketing efforts, including creating content for social media, newsletters, and promotional materials.
- Develop strategies to increase SBDC visibility and engagement.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Regional Director.
Required Qualifications
- Effective written and verbal communication abilities as shown in applications materials.
- Experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) as shown in applications materials.
- Strong organizational and time management skills as shown in applications materials.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment as shown in applications materials.
Preferred Qualifications
- Enrolled in a MBA, MPA, or related graduate field.
- Interest or experience in entrepreneurship or small business development.
- Knowledge of social media platforms and basic marketing strategies as shown in application materials.
- Experience with research and analysis, particularly market and financial analysis as shown in application materials.
- Familiarity with project management tools or methodologies as shown in application materials.
Position RequirementsDuring the semester term of the appointment, the student hourly must be enrolled in no fewer than 6 credit hours. For summer periods the student hourly must: (1) have been enrolled in no less than 6 hours in the past spring semester or (2) be pre-enrolled in the upcoming fall semester in no less than 6 hours or (3) be enrolled in summer session or (4) be admitted to study in the upcoming fall semester. Student Hourlies may be undergraduate or graduate students. (Exceptions granted for GRA/GTA/GA appointments DO NOT apply to Student Hourly appointments).Employment Conditions(1) Student employees are
not eligible for remote work arrangements unless an exception is approved by the unit leadership and HR.
(2) This is an hourly/non-exempt position. A student employee cannot hold an hourly/non-exempt position and a salaried/exempt graduate or undergraduate position (GRA/GTA/GA/RUA/RGA) concurrently.Additional Candidate InstructionsSubmit online application, upload resume, and upload cover letter outlining your interest in the position.
To ensure consideration apply by the application review date 5/27/2025. Contact Information to ApplicantsKristina Mease
Advertised Salary Range$16.00 per hour.Anticipated Start DateMonday August 18, 2025 Apply to Job