Business Counselor 1 - Procurement Advisor (Finance)

Department: Small Business Development Ctr Salary: 49,400 - 56,200
Description:

INTERNAL UH CANDIDATES ONLY

Provides information and advice to small business owners on business subjects such as regulations, marketing strategies, financing requirements and potential sources, personnel issues, and so forth, to assist in starting a business, manage a growing business, or turn-around a declining business.

1. Provide business consulting services and support on a professional level to small business owners. Support is provided in specialized areas, such as obtaining contracts with federal, state and local governments; enhancing product commercialization and technology; entering or expanding into international trade.
2. Advises prospective clients of potential for marketing their product or service; conducts marketing analyses to determine area with best potential for product or service.
3. In the area of product development and commercialization, assists in new product feasibility studies, idea protection, market research, preliminary patent and trademark searches, etc.
4. Maintains clients' records, reference materials, and prepares special reports.
5. Attends public events such as trade shows and business expositions to publicize SBDC programs.
6. Attends workshops, seminars and training classes to improve skills related to area of expertise.
7. May prepare and make formal presentations to groups concerning small business topics, such as requirements to obtain SBA guaranteed loans.
8. Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Additional Posting Information:
This position is located at 1455 West Loop South, Houston TX 77027.

The UH APEX Accelerator provides education and guidance to individuals interested in selling their goods and services to government (Federal, State & Local) agencies. The primary responsibility of the selected individual is to advise business owners one-on-one on understanding how to do business with the government.

This is a developmental position intended for individuals with a basic understanding of doing business with the government with the additional intent to obtain further instructional and on-the-job training with the goal and objective of becoming a well-rounded government procurement advisor. The ideal candidate will have worked in government procurement, e.g., with a company that has done extensive business with the government, and has gained (minimally) a basic understanding of:
• Working knowledge of governmental purchasing/procurement process, e.g., solicitation methods
• The government systems for vendor registration, e.g., SAM and/or CMBL
• Certification programs for small & disadvantaged business, e.g., women, and service-disabled veteran-owned
• The laws and regulations for doing business with government, e.g., FAR.

Individuals with a relevant college / university degree such as Procurement or Contracting are also encouraged to apply.

Key abilities and skills for the candidate are:
• Solid verbal & written skills
• Able to work in a high-volume customer service driven environment and provide continuous professional and courteous service
• Comfortable using virtual meeting platforms, e.g., Zoom
• Proficient typing & intermediate skills using MS Office Suite, e.g., Outlook including substantial calendaring
• Experience using CRMs & being Bilingual (Spanish) are a plus.

Additional duties are assigned with this position to assist with program execution. An example is recommending Clients for special events, newsletter spotlight articles, and preparing supporting documents.

Continuous training and learning to stay proficient in government procurement principles, rules, regulations, etc. is a requirement for this position. This is accomplished by completing a minimum number of professional development hours annually. Recurring internal and external training opportunities in government procurement subjects are provided to allow the selected individual to stay proficient. Travel outside the State of Texas to obtain training may be required.

The selected individual will also take part in the APEX's promotion and outreach which will include but, not is not limited to attending and participating in events within our 28-county service area.

The UH APEX Accelerator Program is funded through a cooperative agreement with the Department of Defense (DoD) and a special budget line item from the State of Texas. The UH APEX Accelerator has been in continuous existence since 1986.

UH APEX Accelerator's services are provided to a 28-county area in and beyond the Greater Houston Metropolitan Service Area. Travel with the use of a personal vehicle may be required as well as out-of-town travel may be required periodically for work and training.

Applicants should limit their resume to no more than two/2 pages with a cover letter preferred.

Experience will be considered in lieu of education.

MQ: Requires a thorough understanding of both theoretical and practical aspects of an analytical, technical or professional discipline; or the basic knowledge of more than one professional discipline. Knowledge of the discipline is normally obtained through a formal, directly job-related 4 year degree from a college or university or an equivalent in-depth specialized training program that is directly related to the type of work being performed. Requires a minimum of three (3) years of directly job-related experience.

INTERNAL UH CANDIDATES ONLY

All positions at the University of Houston-System are security sensitive and will require a criminal history check.

The University of Houston System and its universities are an Equal Opportunity Institution.