Small Business Support Specialist at KAWERAK INC

, Alaska, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

13 Oct, 26

Salary

48.17

Posted On

15 Jul, 26

Experience

2 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Business Planning, Technical Assistance, Customer Service, Communication, Writing, Editing, Organizational Skills, Event Coordination, Microsoft Office, Social Media Platforms, Website Fundamentals, Project Management

Industry

Non-profit Organizations

Description

KAWERAK POSITION DESCRIPTION Recruitment Length: 2 weeks, closes 7/28/2026 JOB TITLE: Small Business Support Specialist DIVISION: Community Services DEPARTMENT: Community Planning & Development LOCATION: Nome, Alaska – Onsite POSITION STATUS: Regular, Part-Time (20 Hrs./Week) EXEMPT STATUS: Non-Exempt PAY SCALE RANGE: 11–12–13 ($36.90 - $48.17 DOE) REPORTS TO: CPD Program Director AKBCU: Yes ICPA: No The Small Business Support Specialist helps individuals interested in developing new business ideas or expanding an existing business. This position contributes to Kawerak’s priorities by providing economic opportunities for People of the region to improve their quality of life. Major responsibilities will include working with individuals who are interested in starting businesses, connecting clients to regional and statewide resources, and coordinating opportunities for training and business development. This position plays a role in improving diverse local economies through business development. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Client Support 1. Serves as primary contact for small business clients. 2. Responds to inquiries from the Public regarding small business development. 3. Provides technical assistance to clients (e.g. business planning support, computer support) 4. Assists clients with application forms (e.g. grant funding, travel support) Resource Network 1. Builds collaborative working relationships with local, state, and federal partners. 2. Attends and participates in meetings and conferences relevant to small business development. 3. Connects clients with Alaska Small Business Development Center resources. 4. Provides regular outreach to small business clients regarding new resources and opportunities. 5. Monitors and updates the Bering Strait Business Directory (beringstrait.biz) 6. Monitors and updates the Bering Strait Arts & Crafts Vendor page Event & Workshop Coordination 1. Assists with coordination of business development events (e.g. craft festivals, vendor showcases) 2. Assists with coordination of business development workshops (e.g. QuickBooks training, small business management, financial management, eCommerce training) 3. Performs other duties as assigned. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS • Associate's degree (AA) in Business Administration, Rural Development, or a related field. Comparable work experience may substitute for the degree on a year-for-year basis. • Willingness and ability to travel as needed to support training, meetings, conferences, and other Community Planning & Development initiatives. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES • Proficient computer skills including Microsoft Office applications, social media platforms, website fundamentals, and other business software. • Strong customer service and communication skills. • Strong writing and editing skills. • Strong organizational and coordination skills. • Ability to plan and execute events including regional craft fairs to support small business vendors, workshops for small business owners, and other business development training opportunities. • Ability to occasionally attend evening meetings and work outside normal business hours as needed. • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with small business clients, local/state/federal partners, supervisors, leadership, and individuals from diverse backgrounds. • Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously for a variety of clients. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS The physical demands described below are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. • Work is primarily performed in an office environment and requires prolonged periods of sitting while using a computer and other standard office equipment. • Exceptions include standing during prolonged periods of time for events, workshops, trainings, conferences, community meetings, etc. • Frequently communicate effectively in person, by telephone, email, and virtual meeting platforms. • Occasionally stand, walk, bend, reach, and lift or carry up to 25 pounds. • Ability to read printed materials and computer screens and accurately prepare and review documents. • Ability to travel, including occasional travel to rural Alaska communities using various modes of transportation, as required. Native Preference per Public Law 93-638 Approved (7/13/2026) PAY RANGE AND SLOTTING: 11: AA or 2 years experience 12: AA or 4 years experience 13: AA or 6 years experience This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, or working conditions. Kawerak, Inc. reserves the right to revise this job description or assign additional duties and responsibilities as organizational needs require. If you believe you require a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential functions of this position, you are encouraged to notify your supervisor or Human Resources so that Kawerak may engage in the interactive process in accordance with applicable law. Kawerak, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that receives funding through an annual funding agreement, as well as federal, state, tribal, local, and other grant and contract sources to support its operations and workforce. While Kawerak has a long history of stable funding, continued employment is contingent upon the availability of funding and the ongoing operational needs of the organization.

Responsibilities

The specialist provides technical assistance and resource connections to individuals starting or expanding small businesses. They are also responsible for coordinating business development workshops and regional events like craft festivals.