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Closing Date:

Type of Position:

ResearchersNo

Job Type:

Fixed Duration of Project/Grant (Fixed Term)No

Institution Name:

Division of Agriculture of the University of Arkansas

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is a state wide campus, with faculty based on University campuses, at Research and Extension Centers and in every Arkansas county. It consists of the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station (AES) and the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service (CES), and is home to more than 1400 employees.  The Division was established in 1959 and is headed by the Vice-President for Agriculture.  The Division headquarters is located in Little Rock with the rest of the University of Arkansas System Administration.  As an employer, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance. 

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening.  To apply for the position, please click the Apply link/button.

If you have a disability and need assistance with the hiring process and require reasonable accommodations, please contact the Division's Office of Program & Employment Compliance at compliance@uada.edu.

For general application assistance or if you have questions about a job posting, please contact Human Resources at 501-671-2219 or 479-502-9820.

Department:

Community, Professional, & Economic Development * APEX Acceleratorhttps://uaex.uada.edu/business-communities

Summary of Job Duties:

The Arkansas APEX Accelerator seeks an experienced professional to provide technical assistance, counseling, and training to businesses pursuing government contracting opportunities. Arkansas APEX Accelerator Procurement Counselors serve as a resource for large and small businesses, including newly started businesses, to obtain procurement technical assistance in the form of specialized assistance provided to clients that enables them to identify potential contractual opportunities and obtain or perform under contracts, innovation and technology grants or contracts, and other federally funded instruments, with DoD, other Federal agencies, State and/or local governments, and/or local government contractors.

The Procurement Counselor will oversee the Arkansas APEX Accelerator satellite office operations in Jonesboro, Arkansas, located at the Delta Center for Economic Development at Arkansas State University.

Must be willing to travel regionally and statewide to meet Arkansas APEX Accelerator mission requirements. Must possess a valid Arkansas driver’s license.

Responsibilities:
PROFESSIONAL DEVOPMENT (08%) Remain current in knowledge of Federal, State and local government contracting laws, regulations, policies and procedures. In addition to technical competency, must have interpersonal skills and counseling abilities such as translating government contracting requirements into plain language, teaching clients how to do things for themselves, and able to foster the trust of the client through listening, empathy, and their willingness to assist. Required (by federal grant terms and conditions) to obtain 40 hours of training per year on Federal contracting laws, regulations, systems, and procedures, a minimum of 20 of those hours must be from a Federal source (including Federal employees presenting at non-federal venues, and virtual training such as that offered at DAU.mil and via SBA webinars). Also encouraged to additionally obtain a minimum of 20 hours of training in the areas of interpersonal skills or counseling.

APEX Accelerator Subcenter Management (15%): Oversee operations of APEX Accelerator satellite office located in Northeast Arkansas, including maintaining stakeholder relations with host institution (ASU – Delta Center for Economic Development). Develop and maintain relationships with individuals, agencies, and organizations that further the APEX Accelerator program's mission.

APEX Accelerator Training and Assistance (70%): Provides training and technical assistance to clients through individual counseling, small-group workshops, and seminars, as well as providing research, published reports, and contributions to program newsletters distributed to business clients, partner organizations, and government officials. Instruct clients on the basic procurement policies and procedures necessary to do business with the government.

SELF MANAGEMENT (07%) - Develop & deliver quality presentations, exercise initiative, make sound judgments, work without close supervision as well as have the ability to relate & respond to the needs of supervisors, subordinates, & clientele in a timely manner.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:  

A Bachelor’s degree in business, government contracting, or a closely related field with three years of relevant professional work experience OR a related Master's degree is required.  

Preferred Qualifications:  

A Master’s degree in business, government contracting, or a closely related field and a minimum of three years of relevant work experience or a Bachelor’s degree in business, government contracting, or a closely related field and five years of relevant work experience to include: 

Previous APEX Accelerator or other small business program experience as a counselor/advisor,  

Previous government contracting experience as a buyer, purchasing agent or contract manager, 

Experience as a contracting officer for a federal government agency, or 

Experience in establishing economic development, community, and business relationships. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities    

Knowledge of government procurement and acquisition processes and principles.

Knowledge of government contracting databases and how to access them such as the System for Award Management (SAM) and the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS).

Knowledge of government regulations such as the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense (FAR), Etc.), small business programs, and procurement processes.

Knowledge of APEX Accelerator program policies and procedures.

Knowledge of strategic planning and marketing processes.

Knowledge and ability to work within the university, federal, and state government policies and procedures.

Skills in decision-making and problem-solving.

Skills in interpersonal relations and in dealing with the public.

Skill in oral and written communication, including public speaking in front of public audiences. 

Skills in critical thinking, independent research, analysis, and communication/presentation.

Skills in computer, internet, database and MS Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Zoom applications.

Skills in the operation of computers and job-related software programs.

Ability to instruct clients in the basic requirements, policies and procedures necessary to do business with government entities.

Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships.

Ability to manage multiple projects/tasks in a dynamic work environment.

Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Ability to adapt to new technology and online programs. 

Ability to effectively interact and communicate with people in a diverse environment, most specifically business owners and community partners.

Ability to research a variety of databases to obtain information on government business opportunities.

Additional Information:

Commensurate with education and experienceCover Letter/Letter of Application, List of three Professional References (name, email, business title), Resume

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Melanie Berman, Program Director | AR APEX Accelerator
msberman@uada.edu, (501) 671-2361

All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site https://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS  

Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.

Pre-employment Screening Requirements:

Motor Vehicle Reports Check

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture may conduct pre-employment background checks on certain positions for applicants being considered for employment.  The background checks may include a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check.  Required checks are identified in the position listing.  A criminal background check or arrest pending adjudication information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absences of a relationship to the requirements of the position.  Background check information will be used in a consistent, non-discriminatory manner consistent with the state and federal law. 

The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law, including age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sex, sexual preference, or pregnancy. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University’s Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

All application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.

Constant Physical Activity:

Hearing, Manipulate items with fingers, including keyboarding, Repetitive Motion, Sitting, Talking

Frequent Physical Activity:

Driving

Occasional Physical Activity:

Walking

Benefits Eligible:

Yes