The Role
Serve as a liaison connecting ISBDC, IEDC, stakeholders, and peer groups to strengthen Indiana's entrepreneurial ecosystem. Develop strategies, manage and promote the ConnectIND portal, organize peer meetings, align ecosystem efforts with Business Advisors, report to the Regional Director, and ensure compliance with SBA and state requirements.
Summary Generated by Built In
Position Overview
The Ecosystem Navigator at the Indiana Small Business Development Center (ISBDC) is a strategic role bridging the interests of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation's (IEDC) Entrepreneurship Team, ConnectIND portal, stakeholders, peer groups, and the SBDC team. The Navigator will work in tandem with Business Advisors and other key stakeholders to foster a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. While reporting to the Center's Regional Director, the Ecosystem Navigator will also receive direction from the IEDC team, aligning efforts for maximum impact.
Responsibilities
- Foster and enhance the entrepreneurial ecosystem by connecting ISBDC resources, ConnectIND portal, stakeholders, and peer groups.
- Develop strategies and initiatives that strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
- Act as a key liaison between the ISBDC, IEDC, and other stakeholders.
- Facilitate effective communication and collaboration to support shared goals.
- Assist with the management and promotion of the ConnectIND portal, ensuring it effectively supports the needs of the entrepreneurial community.
- Organize and facilitate peer group meetings, fostering collaboration and shared learning among entrepreneurs and small business owners.
- Work closely with ISBDC Business Advisors to align ecosystem development efforts with counseling services, enhancing the support provided to clients.
- Report to the Regional Director, providing regular updates on ecosystem development initiatives, stakeholder engagement, and other key activities.
- Receive direction from and coordinate with the IEDC team.
- Identify opportunities to improve the entrepreneurial ecosystem and implement changes as needed.
- Stay up-to-date with best practices in ecosystem development and entrepreneurship.
- Uphold transparency, meet compliance requirements set by the U.S. Small Business Administration and the State of Indiana Economic Development Corporation, and ensure equitable access to ISBDC services for all clients.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Management, or a related field required. Relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of the educational requirement.
- At least 3–5 years of experience in a business advisory or consulting role.
- Proven track record of managing multiple projects simultaneously.
- Strong understanding of entrepreneurship, ecosystem development, and stakeholder engagement.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to develop and maintain relationships with stakeholders.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and CRM software.
- Strong problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Good organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Effective communicator and collaborator.
- Committed to fostering a vibrant and supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in the small business development sector or a similar field.
BU Benefits and Perks
Please visit Butler's Total Rewards website to learn more about our comprehensive benefits package, which includes:
Paid Time Off and Holidays
- 20 days of paid time off (vacation and PTO) per fiscal year
- 8 paid holidays
- Paid Winter Break between Christmas Eve and New Year's Day
- Paid parental leave after one year of full-time employment
Health and Wellness
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans
- Disability and life insurance coverage
Retirement
- 10% employer contribution after one year of full-time employment
Tuition Assistance
- Tuition remission for Butler classes for employees, spouses, and dependent children
- Eligibility after nine months of full-time employment
- Employees and spouses: Undergraduate and graduate degree programs
- Dependents (under age 26): Undergraduate degree programs
- Covers tuition only
- Tuition Exchange Program for dependents at participating institutions
Additional Butler Benefits and Perks
- Access to Butler's on-site fitness facility and libraries for full-time faculty and staff
- LinkedIn Learning courses
- Complimentary premium subscription to the Calm app
- Complimentary subscriptions to The Wall Street Journal, The Economist, and The New York Times
- Discount at the Butler University Bookstore
- Discounts on select Butler Athletics events and Butler Arts & Events Center performances
Butler University is a private, nationally recognized comprehensive university encompassing seven colleges: Arts, Business, Communication, Education, Liberal Arts & Sciences, Pharmacy & Health Sciences and Founder's College. Approximately 4,500 undergraduate and 1,000 graduate and doctoral students are enrolled at Butler, representing 46 states and 24 countries.
Join us at the crossroads of tradition & transformation. A career at Butler University offers more than just a job—it’s an opportunity to join a dedicated, innovative, and supportive community grounded in equity, academic excellence, and meaningful impact. Aligned with Boldly Butler, our strategic plan, faculty and staff play a vital role in delivering transformational learning experiences, enriching our campus and community, and ensuring a thriving Butler for generations to come.
Butler University is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of age, sex, race, religion, color, disability, protected veteran status, national origin, or any other legally protected category.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Management, or related field (or equivalent experience)
- 3-5 years of experience in a business advisory or consulting role
- Proven track record of managing multiple projects simultaneously
- Strong understanding of entrepreneurship, ecosystem development, and stakeholder engagement
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to develop and maintain relationships with stakeholders
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and CRM software
- Strong problem-solving skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Good organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously
- Effective collaborator and communicator
- Committed to fostering an equitable and supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem
- Experience in the small business development sector or a similar field
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The Company
What We Do
Butler University is a dedicated, innovative, and supportive community committed to equity, academic excellence, and meaningful impact. The university's mission is to boldly innovate, broadly educate, and enrich communities, preparing students to lead meaningful lives while advancing its commitment to professional and academic growth.
