Small Business Specialist

National Disability Institute (NDI) is seeking an experienced and highly motivated professional to serve as a Small Business Specialist. This individual will play a key role in supporting State Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies (SVRAs) and other state partners to strengthen services for individuals with disabilities who are starting and growing their own businesses.

As the direct point of contact for SVRAs and related partners in the small business ecosystem, the Small Business Specialist will design and deliver innovative training and technical assistance (TA) to move forward small business solutions. This includes webinars, communities of practice, office hours, and both virtual and in-person training. The Small Business Specialist will ensure that vocational rehabilitation (VR) staff and partners are equipped with the knowledge, tools, and resources to effectively support entrepreneurs with disabilities throughout the business lifecycle.

NDI’s Small Business Projects are committed to advancing inclusive entrepreneurship by strengthening the capacity of the vocational rehabilitation, employment services, and entrepreneurial ecosystems to help people with disabilities achieve their business goals.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• • Serve as a subject matter expert on vocational rehabilitation (VR) services and small business development at the national, state, and local levels.
  • Provide in-depth knowledge of VR systems, including the laws, regulations, and policies that guide VR services.
  • Support statewide needs assessments to inform and shape training and TA strategies that will lead to increased use of small business development as an employment outcome.
  • Review SVRA policies and practices related to self-employment, offering evidence-based recommendations for improvement.
  • Design, develop, and implement responsive training and professional development programs for VR and employment service providers, using a multi-modal approach tailored to diverse learning styles.
  • Deliver individualized training and TA for SVRAs and state/local partners, both virtually and in person on small business development and supporting VR customers through the process of developing and maintaining a successful business.
  • Create, curate, and disseminate training and TA materials, tools, and publications on self-employment and business development.
  • Identify, document, and share emerging and innovative practices in self-employment from the field.
  • Actively participate in the assessment of training and TA effectiveness and contribute to continuous quality improvement.
  • Ensure the highest standards of quality, accessibility, and impact across all trainings, products, and processes.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education & Experience

• • Bachelor’s degree in business, political science, social science, social work, public administration, rehabilitation counseling, or a related field preferred. Equivalent education/experience considered.
  • 5+ years of experience in a vocational rehabilitation setting or role (required).
  • 3+ years of experience providing training and technical assistance related to small business development and/or disability.
  • Direct experience in small business development, vocational rehabilitation/or workforce development at the local, state, or national level.

Knowledge & Skills

• • Strong knowledge of U.S. Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) regulations, SVRA policies, and entrepreneurship programs at multiple levels.
  • Demonstrated expertise in self-employment practices and business development.
  • Understanding of disability and employment issues.
  • Proven ability to prepare and provide multi-modal training coupled with technical assistance.
  • Competence and confidence to lead, problem-solve, and drive systems change.
  • Excellent networking, facilitation, and communication skills—both written and verbal.
  • Strong time management and ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to work independently, take initiative, and collaborate effectively within a team.
  • Skilled in preparing clear, comprehensive reports and presenting findings to diverse audiences.

NDI is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We welcome and encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including people with disabilities, veterans, and individuals from marginalized communities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

A comprehensive benefits package is offered, including health insurance, vision, dental, retirement savings plan (401K) with match, paid time off, professional development opportunities, and a flexible remote work environment.