Business Counselor 2 (Procurement Advisor)

Provides comprehensive business consulting services to small business owners on a wide range of topics. Support may be provided in assigned specialized area or areas.
1. Consults with clients throughout the gulf coast region of Texas at the regional office, sub-center locations or through on-site visits.
2. Assists clients in analyzing business strengths and weaknesses and developing strategies for improvement.
3. Assesses client's management and technical education needs and recommends appropriate training classes.
4. Develops and updates specialized training classes and materials for individual clients or groups; may conduct training seminars or presentations.
5. Participates in public relations activities; makes speeches and presentations; serves on various committees, etc.
6. Remains informed on changes in laws and regulations applicable to area of specialization.
7. May assist the director with a variety of administrative duties and responsibilities.
8. May provide specialized support in one of the following areas: obtaining contracts with federal, state and local governments; enhancing product commercialization and technology; solicitation of financial support; entering or expanding into international trade.
9. Performs other job-related duties as required.

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 five (5) years of directly job-related experience.

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

The ideal candidate will have worked in a government procurement (e.g., as Buyer, Contracting Officer or Contract Specialist) or small business / supplier diversity office (e.g., Small Business Specialist or SBLO) or 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 & CMBL
• Certification programs for small & disadvantaged business, e.g., minorities, 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:

• Excellent verbal & written skills
• Able to work in a high-volume customer service driven environment and provide continuous professional and courteous service
• Comfortable preparing and giving presentations in person and using virtual webinar platforms, e.g., Zoom
• Proficient typing & have 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 managing program execution. Examples include, but are not limited to:

• Developing, coordinating, and maintaining team management products utilizing MS Office Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Recommending clients for special events, newsletter spotlight articles, and preparing supporting documents
• Actively participating and contributing to social media content.

Continuous training and learning to stay proficient in government procurement principles, rules, regulations, etc. is a requirement for this position by completing a minimum number of professional development hours annually. Recurring internal and external training opportunities in government procurement subjects are provided at no cost 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 includes, but 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 and 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.

This position is located at 1455 West Loop South, Houston TX 77027. This position may be eligible for Alternative Work Arrangements.

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

• Department is willing to accept education in lieu of experience.
• Department is willing to accept experience in lieu of education.

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.