The Small Business Specialist supports the growth and competitiveness of small business enterprises by developing and coordinating outreach programs, workshops, seminars, and industry events. This role serves as a liaison between the organization, business community, and public stakeholders by providing guidance on procurement policies, contracting opportunities, and business participation requirements. The position also fosters partnerships with contractors, subcontractors, trade unions, and workforce development programs to promote job placement, apprenticeship opportunities, and small business engagement in organizational projects.

• Assists in the development, marketing and execution of seminars and/or symposiums for contractors, architects, engineers, construction management professionals, and goods and service providers to increase competitiveness of the small business enterprise.
• Provides information to District personnel, community groups, business and trade organizations, education agencies, and the public concerning the procurement policies and procedures applicable to the client’s Procurement Services and the Facilities Services Division.
• Meets with general contractors, sub-contractors, and the local trade unions to arrange job placement and apprenticeship enrollment for “We Build” graduates on the client's projects.
• Monitors the “We Build” Program’s training programs at designated Division of Adult and Career Education Occupational and Skills Centers by reviewing trainee evaluations, skills progress, training track, and attendance records.
• Develops and maintains partnerships with District representatives, small businesses, trades unions,community and faith-based organizations, and local agencies to help support participation in theschool building construction program and procurement services process including “We Build” students and graduates.
• Refers participants to other social services support programs and agencies as case warrants.
• Represents the District’s Small Business Enterprise at community events and meetings to provideinformation to prospective employers, small business owners, and other participants about eligibilityrequirements, training curriculum, business and contracting opportunities, and construction careeropportunities with the District.
• Develops and maintains master calendar for the client's Small Business and Contractor Academy programs.
• Assists small businesses with navigating the certification process and working with offices within the client to obtain information on upcoming bidding opportunities.
• Provides information and written reports to Small Business Supervisors for presentations before theBoard of Education, Bond Oversight Committee and other audiences.
• Performs other relevant duties as assigned

• Minimum of four (4) years professional experience in a public or private agency related to performing field work for community-based organizations, coordinating with contractors in small business workforce development, including pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship trainings and compliance with state-mandates apprenticeship placements and requirements.
• Graduation from a recognized college or university with a bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, or related field.

OR

• Candidates without the degree specified may be allowed to compensate experience on a year-for-year basis for up to 2 years
• Pre-apprenticeship and State-governed apprenticeship training programs
• Procedures and entrance requirements for each local trade union’s apprenticeship program
• Available workforce development resources
• Potential employment barriers
• All applicable laws, regulations, and codes related to the Small Business Administration andapprenticeship employment
• Principles and practices of the construction and goods and service industry
• Excellent communication skills
• Assimilating information from various sources
• Working effectively with various diverse groups
• Compliance and Collaboration
• Detail-oriented and designs promotional materials
• Preparing presentations
• A valid California Driver’s License for us of an automobile as travelling will be required

Salary Range: $84,000 to 95,000 yearly

Location: Los Angeles, CAWork Environment: Onsite