Data and Program Operation Specialist

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Position Title:

Data and Program Operation Specialist

Job Category:

Academic Staff

Employment Type:

Terminal (Fixed Term)

Job Profile:

Administrative Specialist

Job Duties:

This position supports the day-to-day management of operations and activities for the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), a unit-specific program of the College of Business Administration with clients and program participants primarily in a seven-county service area. It also supports the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation and other campus and college outreach activities. The SBDC provides small business owners counseling and education services with federal, state, and other funding support. The SBDC also represents the campus in regional economic development activities.

This position is responsible for professional programmatic work, including support for financial and grant management, data analysis and reporting, interactions with local businesses and stakeholders, day-to-day support of management of the departmental budget, and general office and administrative support for the SBDC. The position is a 45-65% appointment (may be negotiable, initial percent determined at time of appointment).* The position may be able to perform some work on a remote basis as may be agreed, consistent with program needs and remote work requirements. The position requires the exercise of independent judgment and critical thinking necessary to ensure long term strategic management and oversight of day-to-day operations including grant compliance, data management, financial activities, budget monitoring, event and training planning and implementation, administrative/office support, and information technology coordination. This position is a position of trust. It is not expected to be a position of trust with access to vulnerable populations.

The individual in this position:

• •Exercises significant degree of independence to assist in the management of extensive information system for SBDC client consulting and training services, and participates in statewide WSBDC planning and implementation of data systems;
• •Tracks programmatic trends to meet compliance requirements and develops quarterly and other reports and annual surveys as part of tracking SBDC outcomes;
• •Manages and supports workflow, budget and reporting functions, and data analysis of the federal grant program, other program funding, and college related support, freeing the director of the program from many administrative responsibilities, including record management, SBDC general office communications and activities, interface with clients and program participants, event outreach and travel planning activities, and scheduling/paying ad hoc counselors and instructors;
• •Participates in the strategic planning for growth and the implementation of changes;
• •Tracks new policies from funding sources as they relate to the office, ensuring compliance and efficiencies;
• •Maintains positive working relationships with other departments and offices; and
• •Participates in continuing professional development and training.

* This position is for an initial six-month appointment with potential to be renewed based on program needs and funding. Actual appointment could be adjusted to reflect program needs and funding

The person holding this position must be able to work accurately and independently with limited direction of the SBDC Director and be able to consistently and competently exercise good judgment and decision-making skills. This requires skills to manage activities documented in a complex, statewide information system, and diligence to ensure compliance with funding sources requirements and requests.

Some standing, lifting/moving (e.g., signage, supplies, equipment, furniture, etc.) and ability to operate equipment (e.g., computers, AV equipment, online and video communications such as Zoom, T eams, etc.) in connection with program activities (e.g., consulting, events, and training programs) is required.

Ability to work evenings, early mornings and/or weekends on rare occasions and travel on occasion in the region/state to attend programs/activities may be required. For this position, such travel and work is expected to be minimal.

The review of applications starts on September 23, 2026 . Applications received on or before September 23rd are prioritized and review will continue until the position(s) is/are filled. Initial interviews will be conducted virtually, with shortlisted candidates invited to campus.

UW-La Crosse does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term. If you have questions regarding this, please contact Human Resources at 608-785-8013.

Key Job Responsibilities:

Office Management.

• •Be responsible for general office activities (during scheduled office hours as arranged and agreed by the SBDC director). SBDC hours are usually 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday.
• •Support SBDC operations, comply with campus and university policies; support Workday, CRM, Zoho, Backstage, other registration systems, and Teams documentation systems and related activities, administrative support for time and effort reporting, travel arrangements, UWShop+ and other purchasing systems, invoice processing, expense reports, procurement card payments, etc.
• •Update and maintain office operations manual and office record retention using existing and new file systems and transition to other systems.
• •Support the hiring process for new personnel: manage the required procedure for recruitment; maintain the required records in file. Assist in training new personnel as to office operations and procedures as needed. Support the hiring and activities of student employees and other staff - assist in recruitment, selection and hiring process, and coordinate and conduct formal orientation sessions for new students. Update materials and train students and staff in general office functions and use of SBDC information management systems. Assist with management of student schedules and assignments, students’ time entries, student payroll, etc.
• •Support various WSBDC administrative center information requests, local arrangements for statewide and other meetings.
• •Assist with correspondence to local agencies, UWL departments and state offices (as needed). Assist in responding to public inquiries using various sources of information.
• •Market and promote outreach programs by various means. Participate in campus meetings and complete trainings to meet requirements and professional development goals.
• •Support Director with office management, events, and administrative activities as needed.
• •Manage educational materials and SBDC materials for use by clients, program participants, instructors, staff and counselors. Support Center access to resource repositories like Confluence and Zoho Learn.
• •Recommend, update, and/or place client and resource documents on UWL SBDC website.
• •Support special projects, clients, stakeholders, campus, community and economic outreach and other activities as directed. Support programs and initiatives, grants and funding support.
• •Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Support Grant Operations Management, Direct Program Support, and Financial and Budget Management. Manage extensive client electronic information system in compliance with federal and other grant requirements.

• •Oversee and manage accurate online reporting of all case details to ensure accuracy, timeliness and completion of records and reports; meet Wisconsin Small Business Development Center (WSBDC) report deadlines.
• •Assist in development and implementation of procedures for the preparation a