Business Advisor/Procurement Specialist

The University of Wyoming invites diverse applicants to consider our employment opportunities.  We are also especially interested in candidates who have experience working with diverse populations and/or diverse initiatives.

JOB TITLE:

Business Advisor

JOB PURPOSE:

We are looking for a dynamic, self-motivated individual who appreciates the benefit and importance of working with Wyoming’s small businesses to expand their sales into the government markets, the world’s largest customer.  This role will provide advising and assistance to small businesses across the state of Wyoming in the specialty area of government contracting (both state and federal).  One-on-one client advising and training opportunities are provided face-to-face and via distance methods (including phone and web video conferencing).  Advising encompasses government regulations, government purchasing processes, marketing to the government, completing government registrations, effective bid preparation, successful completion of contracts, procuring a General Services Administration (GSA) schedules contract, and government set-asides and special programs for culturally and economically disadvantaged populations. The advisor must be familiar with other regional, state, and national business resources and how they benefit small businesses.

The employee in this role must be able to stand in for the PTAC program manager at meetings, trainings, and events as needed, and assist the program manager in data collection for periodic government reporting and program budget formulation and expense monitoring. This position reports directly to the PTAC program manager.

Please note that this position has been deemed essential as addressed in the University of Wyoming’s Employee Handbook. Employees in essential positions may be required to work during emergency closures and winter closure based on the nature of their job duties and the reasons for the closure.

Although the Casper area is the ideal location for this position, interested individuals living anywhere in the state of Wyoming are encouraged to apply.

This position is grant funded and considered at-will employment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1.    Serve as an effective and responsive team member of the Wyoming SBDC Network and procurement specialist for the Procurement Technical Assistance Center.

2.    Provide one-on-one advising to Wyoming small business clients in all phases of obtaining and fulfilling government procurement contracts described above in the Job Purpose section and in the following points.

3.    Provide timely and professional advising to diverse clients statewide through a variety of methods including face-to-face meetings, phone, email, and web-conferencing.  Assist clients with developing successful strategic plans for government contracting.  Assist clients with assessing opportunities for government work, completing necessary registrations, evaluating client’s potential eligibility for certification programs, and assisting clients through certification processes as appropriate.  Assist clients in responding to Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Requests for Quotations (RFQs), and Invitation for Bids (IFBs).

4.    Provide post award support to businesses that win government contracts.

5.    Develop and maintain productive working relationships with various regional economic development resources and governmental purchasing representatives to better serve small business needs in securing government contracts.

6.    Participate fully in Wyoming SBDC Network activities to maximize network capacity to meet client needs. Provide research and information to assist small businesses in marketing to government agencies and securing government contracts.

7.    In cooperation with the program manager, develop, facilitate, and present a variety of business workshops, conferences, and on-site and distance-delivered training and educational events to promote small business participation in government contracting.

8.    Ability to positively represent and promote PTAC services.

9.    Ability to travel and possess a valid driver's license.

SUPPLEMENTAL FUNCTIONS:

·         Participate in network planned events such as annual strategic planning retreat and other scheduled network-wide events.

COMPETENCIES:

·         Ability to Learn

·         Attention to Detail

·         Collaboration

·         Formal Presentation Skills

·         Advising

·         Individual Leadership

·         Work Prioritization & Self-Management

·         Analysis/Problem Identification

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Bachelor's Degree in business, communication, or related field from an accredited college or university and/or successful equivalent experience in professional consultation in business development or local, state or federal government procurement.

Experience: Minimum two years' business advising and/or consulting experience.

Other Requirements:

·         Valid driver's license with a motor vehicle record (MVR) that is compliant with the University Vehicle Use Policy.

·         Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of government contracting processes, policies, and procedures.

·         Competent computer technology user including a high level of experience with, but not limited to, database management application, web conferencing platforms, digital marketing platforms, and MS Office Suite.

·         Excellent written and verbal communication skills, detail-oriented, and able to follow detailed directions accurately and consistently.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

·         Master’s degree in business, communication, public administration or related field

·         Experience in government contracting, including assisting small businesses to work through various procurement processes, and enthusiastic about the opportunities it offers to small business or the interest, drive, and enthusiasm to learn government contracting practices

·         Specialized expertise with SBA government contracting programs (HUBZone, 8(a) business development program, etc.); GSA schedules; and/or the VA CVE verification program for veteran-owned small businesses

·         Business ownership experience or hands-on business planning and development skills

·         Experience and ability to design and present training programs, both in-person and online

·         Dynamic leader, advisor, coach, and mentor with a high degree of personal accountability and ability to successfully communicate with diverse populations and adjust to a variety of communication styles

·         Highly self-motivated and self-directed with a high level of emotional intelligence and self-awareness; able to work and educate themselves independently, as well as with a team

REQUIRED MATERIALS:

Complete the online application and upload the following as one complete .pdf document (Do not upload multiple documents):

·         Cover letter addressed to Paul Johnson, Associate State Director, which includes a brief narrative describing how your background makes you the ideal candidate for this position.  This cover letter is not to exceed one page.

·         Resume (not to exceed two pages)

·         Contact information for, and your association with, four professional references

Important: Upload all materials as a single file. Do not submit multiple documents.  This position requires meticulous attention to detail to meet government procurement regulations so please follow the single file submission instruction to demonstrate your level of attention to detail and ability to follow explicit directions.  Incomplete applications or applications that do not follow the guidelines listed above will not be considered.

HIRING STATEMENT:

UW is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Educator and Employer. We are committed to a multicultural environment and strongly encourage applications from women, minorities, veterans and persons with disabilities.

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation to apply for a position, please call 307-766-2377 or email  jobapps@uwyo.edu .

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