Salary/Position Classification

• $55,000 - $60,000 annual, Exempt
• 40 hours per week

Purpose of Position

The APEX Government Contracting Advisor provides specialized expertise, advising, and training to North Dakota businesses interested in pursuing and successfully performing in contract and subcontract opportunities (selling their goods and/or services) with Department of Defense, other federal agencies, and/or state and local governments. This position is accountable for a portion of the program goals developed in cooperation with the ND APEX Program Manager.

Professional advising services and training events are provided to business clients including introduction to government contracting, market research, assistance with procurement certifications, contract solicitation review and other client needs. The position is responsible for delivery of these services via one-on-meetings, phone calls, email, and video conferencing. This position is also responsible for the development and implementation of marketing/communications to promote the program’s services and impacts. This position provides input on the ND APEX’s policies and procedures, strategic planning, service delivery, training components, reporting tools and mechanisms, management issues, and special projects as assigned. The position also represents the ND APEX program at related conferences, meetings, and events.

Professional technical services are provided to business clients including introduction to government contracting, market research, assistance with procurement certifications, contract solicitation review, and other client needs. The position is responsible for delivery of these advising services. This position is also responsible for the development and implementation of program marketing to gain exposure for 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 services, training and advising to businesses
  • Provide individualized advising to North Dakota businesses of any size in any industry on federal, state, and local government contracting
  • Assessing the client’s business, readiness, and capabilities to determine potential for government contracting
  • In-depth advising to include guidance on researching opportunities and navigating government databases, appropriate registrations, certifications, solicitation requirements, creating winning bid proposals and proper submission of applications, developing capability statements and government-friendly marketing strategies, interpretation of policies, preparing for audits; post-award functions to include production, accounting system requirements, billing, contract performance, post-award issues
  • Maintain accurate and timely data in the program CRM database, document all client and training activity, enroll new clients, maintain client files, and set up bid-match profiles
  • Collect feedback regarding advising services and training or workshop events
  • Refer clients to appropriate and beneficial outside resources
  • Conduct trainings and education events on various government contracting topics including, not limited to: qualifying for government contracts, research opportunities, pricing, certifications, contract performance, cybersecurity attestations, and available government procurement programs, etc.
  • Travel for client advising appointments and to training/workshop events 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.
  • Develop and maintain long-term relationships with federal, state, and local government contracting personnel as well as large prime contractors.
  • Develop and foster relationships with significant federal, state, and local APEX stakeholders, to acquire new clients, ensure adequate response to needs of the business community, fulfillment of APEX program requirements, and fiscal stability.
  • Assist with development of strategies and actively support, coordinate, and participate in outreach, promotion and other public awareness activities for the ND APEX program and services, and effectively market APEX to state and local economic development organizations, colleges/universities, public agencies, prime contractors, industry/business partners, advocacy groups, and other organizations – this may include formal presentations or organizing/facilitating trainings.
  • Effectively operating the assigned APEX office, preserving a functioning office space.
  • Network and develop collaborative partnerships with other APEX Accelerator counselors throughout the state and regional programs to share best practices and advance APEX objectives 

Required Competencies

• Demonstrated skill in public speaking
• Organizational and prioritization ability
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• 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 fast-paced, deadline driven climate.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team-based environment
• Demonstrated ability to exercise professional judgment, work independently with minimal supervision, and to proactively organize, prioritize, and execute on multiple tasks and assignments
• Ability to conduct independent research; analyze and interpret results; and develop comprehensive reports and proposals.
• Ability to cultivate, build, and maintain strong long-term working relationships with individuals or organizations with various perspectives and backgrounds
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (including public speaking in front of large and varied audiences) are essential
• State Procurement Officer, CVE, or CPP must be obtained after employment
• Ability to learn new database/MIS systems quickly
• Familiarity with government procurement rules 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

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree and minimum 2 years full-time or part-time-equivalent, directly related experience.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, and the 
• 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

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 business, law or closely related field
• Professional business advising certification (CBA), economic development finance professional (EDFP) certification, NCMA, CFCM, NAPEX, or another relevant certification
• Experience as a government contracts/procurement officer, government agency purchasing agent/buyer, government marketing specialist, or business development specialist for a government vendor
• Experience with local, state, and federal government procurement/contracting experience, knowledge of government principles and procedures (FAR, DFARs, GSA, CMMC, etc..), and/or software systems (SAM, DIBBS, DSBS, WAWF, etc.)
• Experience with small business development or economic development programs
• Experience advising businesses preferred