### Job Summary:

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Government Contracting Procurement Counselor to join our team. The Procurement Counselor's primary responsibility is to educate and assist native owned businesses within the NN APEX service area on federal, state, and local government procurement processes. This includes providing information on government registrations, market research, marketing, bid/proposal/quote preparation, contract performance issues, and assistance with state and federal regulations. Additionally, they will assist businesses primarily located in the service area through events, workshops, and one-on-one counseling, helping them understand how to find, bid, win, and perform on government contracts to diversify their customer base and create jobs. The NN APEX Program seeks to ensure firms in the region win government contracts and subcontracts, contributing to the economic vibrancy of our community.

### Duties:

• Work with the APEX Program Manager to develop strategies that stimulate APEX growth and relevance to clients, strategic partners, and stakeholders.
• Research and analyze clients’ industries to connect them with pertinent contacts, news, events, and resources.
• Develop new target areas and initiatives, in coordination with the APEX PM, to serve client needs.
• Review and disseminate bid opportunities and subcontracting opportunities to clients.
• Assist businesses in navigating government registrations, enrolling in essential databases required for contracting purposes, and guiding them through finding, bidding, and performing on government contracts and subcontracts.
• Conduct quality and knowledge-driven advising sessions to Native clients on government procurement activities, encompassing state and federal certifications, bid opportunity discovery, marketing, proposal development, and other essential processes to facilitate the sale of their goods and services to government agencies.
• Represent APEX at various local and Federal government procurement events and conferences.
• Enroll businesses in the electronic bid-match service.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, such as government buyers, prime contractors, as well as federal, state, and local government agencies, and other business resource providers.
• Manage the client database, including creating, maintaining, and updating profiles.
• Develop and deliver workshops and events for clients in collaboration with the APEX PM, to increase knowledge of government contracting.
• Meet or exceed program goals and metrics while ensuring the CRM is maintained and the reporting database is kept up to date.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor, related to the position and program

### Experience:

To be successful in this role, you should have the following experience:

• Two years directly aiding businesses to develop and secure government contracts, or two years of direct experience in government procurement programs.
• Experience in government contracting or procurement is essential.
• Strong, professional verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience and ability to effectively present and explain complex information to Native-owned small businesses in group setting or one-on-one sessions.
• Ability to listen critically to identify needs and solve problems.
• Proficient in the use of Google Suite. Ability to quickly adapt to and learn new programs with minimal training, such as CRM systems, project tracking tools, task trackers, etc.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive attitude towards learning and utilizing new technologies.
• Motivated, self-directed, self-starter with excellent problem-solving skills.
• High degree of organization and time management skills.
• Flexible with the ability to adhere to priorities, meet multiple deadlines, and manage multiple tasks and projects efficiently.
• Ability to take complicated material and create concise training materials and PowerPoint presentations for client training events.
• Resourcefulness – frequently researching answers to clients’ questions with little direction.
• Ability to work effectively with all staff members and native clients to carry out organizational and programmatic goals.

Application Process:

Qualified enrolled citizens of federally recognized Tribes or Native Alaskans are highly encouraged to apply.

Send a cover letter that includes a brief narrative describing how your background makes you the ideal candidate for this position, resume and contact information for at least three professional references through the Indeed ad.

This position offers an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the small business communities in the Pacific Northwest. The ideal candidate should demonstrate a genuine interest in working in the non-profit sector with Native American communities. Be a highly motivated individual with experience in government contracting and a passion for supporting native-owned businesses in navigating federal, state, and local procurement processes.

If you are passionate about supporting entrepreneurs, fostering economic growth, and assisting Native-owned businesses in contributing to the economic vibrancy of our communities, we invite you to apply for the position of Northwest Native APEX Procurement Counselor. Your dedication to driving positive change and your commitment to empowering businesses will be invaluable in this role.

Please note that only qualified candidates will be contacted. Thank you for your interest in joining our team.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $28.85 - $34.62 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: Remote