Program Advisor

Salary/Position Classification

• $55,000 - $58,000+ dependent on experience, Exempt

• 40 hours per week

• 100% Remote Work Availability: No

• Hybrid Work Availability: Yes

Purpose of Position

The ND Department of Defense Small Business (APEX) Program Advisor provides training and technical assistance to North Dakota businesses interested in selling their goods and/or services to local, state, or federal government agencies. This position is accountable for annual goals developed in cooperation with the ND APEX Program Manager. This is a grant funded position through APEX.

Professional technical services are provided to business clients including an introduction to government contracting, market research, assistance with procurement certifications, contract solicitation review, and other client needs. The position is responsible for the delivery of these advising services. This position is also responsible for the development and implementation of program marketing to gain exposure to procurement technical assistance services. This position provides input on the ND APEX's policies and procedures, strategic planning, service delivery, training components, reporting tools and mechanisms, and management issues, and special projects as assigned. The position also represents the program at procurement-related meetings and events.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide public training and one-on-one business advising

• Interview and assist clients with feasibility analysis to determine potential for government contracting

• Assist clients with registrations, searching for contract opportunities, and creating winning bid proposals

• Provide input and direction to clients conducting market research, reviewing business, strategic, and/or marketing plans as appropriate; survey clients for needs assessments

• Collect feedback regarding procurement technical assistance services and refer clients to outside resources as appropriate

• Train clients and dept. staff on various government contracting programs and technical aspects of submitting bids to federal, state, and local government units

• Assist with client applications and follow-up concerning certifications and bid proposals

• Travel is required

• APEX program administration.

• Support program leadership and alignment of the department's strategic direction and vision, assisting with program and network planning, budgeting, operations, delivery of programs and services to meet goals and objectives, compliance, reporting, and special projects or other activities as requested by supervisor

• APEX program strategic involvement with ND SBDC Lead Center, stakeholder development, marketing, and program funding.

• Assist with fostering relationships with significant federal, state, and local APEX stakeholders, to ensure adequate response to needs of the business community, fulfillment of APEX program requirements, and fiscal stability.

• Assist with development of strategies and support implementation of public awareness activities for the ND APEX program and services, and effectively promote APEX to state and local economic development organizations, colleges/universities, business community, and federal agencies - this may include presentations or organizing/facilitating trainings.

• Professional development.

• Keep abreast of policy changes and new developments in procurement/contracting

• Seek out and participate in conferences, trainings, workshops, networking events with partner organizations (including other APEXs, SBDCs, the North Dakota State Procurement Office, related stakeholders, and National APEX Accelerator Alliance (NAPEX))

• Develop specialized expertise in an area of procurement, and share that expertise across the ND Network

• Assist in representing the program with NAPEX national association and utilize resources provided there to improve practices within the network and advance procurement consulting skills

Required Competencies

• Demonstrated skill in public speaking

• Organizational and prioritization ability

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (including public speaking in front of large and diverse audiences)

• Demonstrated leadership skills and project management skills.

• Must be able to work with people from diverse backgrounds and who have a variety of language and administrative skills.

• Extensive experience with the operations of computers and software, specifically Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, and the ability to learn new database/MIS systems quickly

• Motivated work ethic in a culture of independent, professional activity in a fast-paced, deadline-driven climate.

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team-based environment

• Familiarity with government procurement principles and procedures, while experience in the government contracting marketplace is preferred, we welcome candidates who lack government contracting experience but possess a strong interest and aptitude for learning government contracting regulations and procedures

• Demonstrated ability to exercise professional judgment, and to proactively organize, prioritize, and execute on multiple tasks and assignments

• Ability to cultivate, build, and maintain strong long-term working relationships with individuals or organizations with diverse perspectives and backgrounds

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree and minimum two years full-time or part-time-equivalent experience that is relevant to this position and its responsibilities related to business operations, financial analysis, or business advising

• Extensive proficiency with the operations of computers and software, specifically Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, and the ability to learn new database/MIS systems quickly

• Must have a valid driver's license and reliable transportation for travel

• Position requires occasional evening and weekend work and travel

• Successful completion of a Criminal History Background Check

• State Procurement Officer, CVE, or CPP must be obtained after employment

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the US and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. This position does not support visa sponsorship for continued employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in law, business, engineering, aerospace, life sciences, entrepreneurship, economic development, or medical sciences

• Professional business advising certification (CBA), economic development finance professional (EDFP) certification, NCMA, CFCM, NAPEX, or another relevant certification

• Experience with local, state, and federal government procurement/contracting experience, knowledge of government principles and procedures (FAR, DFARs, etc..), small business programs, and state and local procurement processes

• Experience in business ownership or management

• Experience with economic development programs

• Experience with web-design programs, Adobe, GoToMeeting, Zoom, Zoom webinar, Teams, and Dropbox

To Apply

Please submit cover letter and resume with application materials.