Jobs at Member Institutions & APLU

APEX Accelerator Business Development Consultant – St. Louis, MO

Please apply at: Job ID: 48651

Job Description

MU TITLE:  Assistant/Associate/Full Extension Professional                                

HEADQUARTERED:  Missouri APEX Accelerator – St. Louis, MO

The University of Missouri (MU) Office of Extension and Engagement’s distinct land-grant mission is to improve lives, communities, and economies by producing relevant, reliable, and responsive educational strategies throughout Missouri. Our dedicated and knowledgeable specialists and staff collaborate with researchers and community leaders to develop and deliver programs that address the needs of Missourians, including educational attainment, economic development, and healthy people. For more information about MU Extension and Engagement, please visit https://extension.missouri.edu/.

Position Overview

This position has responsibilities with the Missouri APEX Accelerator, formerly the Missouri Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (MO PTAC).

Primary purpose of the APEX Business Development Consultant role is to transform Missouri business and industry through education, technical service, and collaboration by working with small and large businesses to improve bottom-line performance by assisting those seeking to pursue and successfully perform under contracting and subcontracting opportunities with the Department of Defense, other federal agencies, and/or state and local governments.

Small and medium enterprises are an essential element of the Missouri economy generating new jobs, increasing sales, attracting investments, and contributing to the tax base.  The Business Development Program is an important component of the state’s economic development strategy and the University of Missouri’s economic development mission. For more information about extension’s business APEX Accelerator program visit http://www.moptac.net.

This position is a 12-month, ranked, non-tenure track appointment at the rank of assistant, associate, or full Extension Professional. Rank will be determined at the time of appointment based on qualifications and experience in accordance with the MU Extension faculty standards. This position will hold the working title of APEX Accelerator Business Development Consultant.

As an Assistant Extension Professional, your workload distribution at appointment will be 90% Extension Teaching and 10% Traditional Service.

This appointment is renewable annually at the discretion of the University and workload distribution may change at the discretion of Extension leadership.  Circumstances affecting continued employment include, but are not limited to, work performance, fund availability, and educational priorities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Program development, delivery, and evaluation

Plan: Work with constituents, stakeholders, colleagues, directors, and faculty to establish program goals that meet local, regional, and state needs, as well as grant and partnership requirements.

• Independently consult with potential and existing business owners, in person, or virtually; assess and analyze business needs; assist in researching, planning and problem solving the full range of issues related to doing business with government agencies (federal, state and local municipalities), provide expertise and assistance in understanding Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) as well as other related federal, state and local procurement contracting regulations; assist small businesses with contract management assistance needs.
• Conduct in-depth research and provide technical support to clients; serve as a mentor on complex contracting topics; perform a lead role in analyzing client needs and assessing the effectiveness of client action plans; provide technical feedback to clients.

Educate: Provide client counseling including federal, state, and local government procurement assistance in the areas of SAM registrations, vendor registrations, certifications, bid matching, capability statements, government marketing, procurement histories, bid/quote preparation, and technical assistance through one-on-one counseling. Conduct assessments of client needs, provide services, and make referrals if necessary to our resource partners. Additionally, develop and conduct workshops in a variety of areas of procurement particularly focused on small businesses including: small-disadvantaged business concerns (SDB), women-owned small businesses (WOSB), Historically Underutilized Business Zone small businesses (HUBZone), and service-disabled veteran owned small businesses (SDVOSB).

• Guide businesses through the process of finding, bidding, and performing on government contracts and subcontracts; guide businesses through the process of assessing their capacity for government contracting; and assist clients in preparation of GSA federal supply schedule proposals.
• Conduct market research with/for clients to determine target agencies; develop marketing strategies related to government customers.

Collaborate: Serve as a critical link between Missouri companies and the faculty, research staff, of the University of Missouri System, and the MU Extension Business Development Programs. Participate in interdisciplinary teams, committees, and task forces. Work with faculty and staff located in county offices, across program disciplines and regions, with boards and organizations and with other campuses throughout Missouri to carry out the mission, vision, and values of MU Extension.

• Develop strategies to acquire small business clients that includes using traditional and web-based communications tools; lead, coordinate and conduct outreach activities that includes developing partnerships with federal, state, and local government agencies, public agencies, prime contractors, industry/business partners and other organizations.
• Develop long-term relationships with federal, state, and local government contracting personnel as well as large prime contractors.

Deliver: APEX Business Development Consultant must assist, as appropriate, clients with understanding Federal, State, and local government requirements applicable to contracting for services, manufacturing, construction, or other markets. You must provide Procurement Technical Assistance via individual counseling, group education and training, internet-based resources and other methods needed to insure availability and acceptance by your clients. Counseling services offered must include:

• Identify marketing to the government opportunities for clients consistent with the client’s products and/or services.
• Advising and assisting clients in the preparation and proper submission of applications, certifications, registrations, bids, proposals, etc. required to be ready to business with Federal, State, and local government entities.
• Assist clients with finding government procurement opportunities, by utilizing our bid matching service.
• Advise and assist clients in finding, pursuing, and securing subcontracting opportunities from Federal, State, and local government prime contractors and subcontractors at any tier.
• Advising and assisting clients concerning post-award functions.
• Training and/or counseling at a minimum, must include:
  • Federal, State and Local government contracting laws, policies, and procedures.
  • The DoD Mentor-Protégé Program (MPP) and similar government programs.
  • Government accounting system requirements and contract payments.
  • The Procurement Integrated Enterprise Environment (PIEE), Wide Area Workflow (WAWF), and Invoicing, Receipt, Acceptance and Property Transfer (iRAPT).
  • Subcontracting requirements; both as a higher tier and sub tier.
  • Government Points of Entry (GPE) as applicable.
  • DLA Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS).
  • Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR)/Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR).
  • Federal government and DoD Cybersecurity regulation compliance.
  • Obtaining federal contract data from repositories (SAM.gov).
  • Business size and type (socioeconomic) certifications.

• Information about contract-related risks related to Foreign Ownership, Control, and Influence (FOCI).
• Information about Cyber Security requirements and compliance.
• The specialist must educate clients in the following areas:
  • Federal, State, and local government contracting laws, policies, and procedures. Emphasis must be placed on requirements and procedures used by DoD and other Federal agencies in the acquisition of commercial products and services.
  • Electronic Business (eBusiness). The Specialist must provide clients with information and assistance pertaining to the application of eBusiness tools and technologies as they relate to conducting business with the Federal Government. This includes the routine exchange of procurement information (e.g., solicitations, offers, contracts, purchase orders, invoices, payments, and other contractual documents) exchanged via information and computer technologies between the private sector and the Federal Government.
• Must advise and assist clients in pursuing and securing subcontracting opportunities from Federal, State, and local government prime contractors including those that have subcontracting plan obligations pursuant to FAR clause 52.219-9 or similar clauses.
• May provide other procurement technical assistance that may directly assist clients in obtaining or performing on Federal, State, and local government contracts and subcontracts.
• Support the Missouri Business Development Program system through service on various ad hoc committees, task forces and teams engaged in product development planning or process implementation. Participate in regional planning efforts and assist in implementation of regional plan.
• Actively network and promote the program to area lenders, economic developers and chamber through speaking engagements or collaboration on training events and other projects.
• Promptly record details, with actions taken, of client meetings as well as client inquiries, comments, and recommendations for improvement. Accomplish technical assistance milestone objectives and maintain client progress portfolio according to established policy and procedures. Overall program impact and effectiveness is evaluated by: the number of initial client sessions/new clients, the amount of counseling time spent with clients, the number of outreach events and facilitated trainings conducted and the amount of awarded contracts.
• Serve as a liaison between the assigned program and internal and external stakeholders; maintain positive and productive relationships with organizations, businesses, individual partners, and others contracted in performing assigned functions.
• Conduct outreach to businesses throughout Missouri about government contracting opportunities with federal, state, and local governments as well as prime contractors; outreach to small, woman-owned, minority-owned, and veteran-owned businesses is a critical part of our program.
• Travel to client sites, events and training as budget allows. Attend outreach events to build awareness of APEX services. Actively network and promote the program to area lenders, economic developers and chambers through speaking engagements or collaboration on training events and other projects.
• Collaborate with other APEX counselors throughout the state and region to share best practices.
• As with all positions involvement with other duties and responsibilities will be expected to support the mission and purpose of MU Extension.

Evaluate: Facilitate significant business impact by achieving goals in new sales, new jobs, business investments, quality and quantity of stakeholder relations, initial sessions, attended events, awards, and revenue generation. Regularly collect qualitative and quantitative data to evaluate the impact of educational programs and services. Determine if knowledge and skills were learned, and if learning was applied.

Administrative and organizational leadership

Stakeholder relations: Establish positive working relationships with the local and regional economic development organizations, critical community governments, and federal and state agency offices in region, chambers of commerce and business stakeholders. Develop and maintain essential partnerships with local and regional organizations, governments, and key leaders. Effectively communicate MU Extension’s value to stakeholders.

Marketing and public relations: Market educational offerings and promote the mission of MU Extension to area leaders, chambers of commerce, civic organizations, public agencies, and other partner organizations. This may include presentations, radio and news releases, meetings with legislators and other leaders, social media, and other venues appropriate for the programs and audiences.

Professional expectations

• Remain up to date on trends and research-based knowledge to effectively deliver relevant, reliable, and responsive programs. Apply this knowledge in scholarly products such as curriculum development, in-service education instruction, articles in professional and popular press, presentations at professional meetings, funded grant proposals, etc.
• Actively participate in professional development opportunities to continuously improve skills and increase research-based knowledge. Demonstrate mastery of core competencies, including subject matter expertise, effective and innovative teaching strategies, and program development processes. Must be able to integrate new and emerging technology, listen effectively, and speak and write effectively. Must demonstrate organizational skills and collaborative leadership abilities.
• Must travel throughout Missouri as needed, using own transportation, and occasionally must travel out of state. Working evenings and weekends is required to meet the needs of constituents.
• Conduct all activities in accordance with the Civil Rights Acts, Title IX, Rehabilitation, Americans with Disabilities Act and local, state and region affirmative action plans. Other duties and responsibilities will be expected to support the mission and purpose of MU Extension.

LEADERSHIP RECEIVED

Administrative and program leadership is received from the Missouri APEX Accelerator Statewide Program Manager. 

MU EXTENSION INFORMATION

The University of Missouri (MU) Office of Extension and Engagement’s distinct land-grant mission is to improve lives, communities, and economies by producing relevant, reliable, and responsive educational strategies throughout Missouri. Our dedicated and knowledgeable specialists and staff collaborate with researchers and community leaders to develop and deliver programs that address the needs of Missourians, including educational attainment, economic development, and healthy people. For more information about MU Extension and Engagement, please visit https://extension.missouri.edu/.

UNIVERSITY INFORMATION

The University of Missouri, also known as Mizzou and MU, is the Flagship University of the four-campus University of Missouri System. It is one of the state’s land-grant universities. MU’s comprehensive undergraduate and graduate, professional, and research programs attract an annual enrollment of more than 30,000 students. MU Extension and Engagement programs are located on all four campuses and in 114 counties and St. Louis city. 

QUALIFICATIONS

Master’s degree in business, engineering, business education, or related area with appropriate coursework, related areas include government procurement, marketing, finance, accounting, management, human resources, operations management, e-commerce, or entrepreneurship at time of appointment.

Candidates must demonstrate they are authorized to work in the United States at time of hire. Sponsorship of U.S. temporary employment visas will not be offered for this position. 

Candidates will be evaluated on:

Years of experience in federal and/or state contracting and procurement or related field.

Possess a valid driver’s license with a good driving record and have ability to travel on a regular basis.

Years of experience with procurement processes, and principles whether from direct government, prime contractor, or subcontractor procurement experience, and/or from direct experience submitting proposals to the government, a prime contractor or a subcontractor is preferred (reviewing solicitations, submitting proposals, etc.).

Prior experience working with working for or with a PTAC or APEX Accelerator, or other federally funded small business assistance program.

Successful candidate will also demonstrate the following:

Effective and innovative teaching strategies that engage others. Must be able to integrate new and emerging technology into teaching strategies.

Effective listening, written and oral communication skills including public speaking and presentation abilities.

Organizational skills, interpersonal skills, problem-solving abilities, and collaborative leadership experiences.

Flexibility, resiliency, and the ability to operate with minimal guidance.

Positive outlook, high personal standard of excellence, and passion for the vision, mission, and values of MU Extension. 

Application Materials   

Complete the brief online application and be prepared to upload:

• Cover Letter
• Resume/CV
• Copies of all unofficial academic transcripts, and
• a list of 3-5 references

For questions regarding the online application process contact MUHR@missouri.edu or call 573.882.7976.  For technical problems with the online application process contact Helpdesk@missouri.edu or call 573.882.5000.

SALARY

Minimum starting salary of $65,000.00, salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience of the applicant.

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits.  The University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts.  For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at http://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits

Values Commitment

We value the uniqueness of every individual and strive to ensure each person’s success. Contributions from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives promote intellectual pluralism and enable us to achieve the excellence that we seek in learning, research, and engagement.  This commitment makes our university a better place to work, learn and innovate.

In your application materials, please discuss your experiences and expertise that support these values and enrich our missions of teaching, research, and engagement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy shall not be interpreted in such a manner as to violate the legal rights of religious organizations, or the recruiting rights of military organizations associated with the Armed Forces or the Department of Homeland Security of the United States of America. For more information, call the Director of Employee and Labor Relations at 573-882-7976.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.

EEO IS THE LAW

APEX Accelerator Business Development Consultant – St. Louis, MO

Please apply at: Job ID: 48651