What are the responsibilities and job description for the Small Business Specialist position at Project Support Services?
Small Business Specialist
Help Build Stronger Communities Through Small Business & Workforce Development
Project Support Services (PSS) is seeking an experienced Small Business Specialist to support the Los Angeles Unified School District's Facilities Services Division.
This highly visible position serves as a liaison between LAUSD, small businesses, contractors, trade unions, community organizations, and workforce development partners to expand participation in District contracting opportunities and apprenticeship programs.
If you're passionate about supplier diversity, workforce development, community engagement, and helping small businesses succeed, this is an opportunity to make a lasting impact on one of the nation's largest K-12 construction programs.
What You'll Do
- Develop, market, and coordinate seminars, workshops, and symposiums for contractors, architects, engineers, construction managers, and service providers to strengthen small business participation.
- Educate District staff, community organizations, trade groups, educational institutions, and the public on LAUSD procurement policies and contracting opportunities.
- Coordinate with general contractors, subcontractors, and local trade unions to facilitate apprenticeship placements and employment opportunities through the District's "We Build" Program.
- Monitor workforce training programs by reviewing trainee evaluations, attendance, skill progression, and program performance.
- Build and maintain strong partnerships with:
- Small businesses
- Community organizations
- Faith-based organizations
- Trade unions
- Workforce development agencies
- Educational institutions
- Connect participants with workforce development resources and social service programs when appropriate.
- Represent LAUSD at community meetings, outreach events, contractor fairs, and networking events.
- Promote construction careers, apprenticeship opportunities, and District contracting programs.
- Maintain the master calendar for LAUSD Small Business and Contractor Academy programs.
- Assist small businesses through certification processes and provide guidance on upcoming procurement opportunities.
- Prepare reports, presentations, and supporting materials for District leadership, the Board of Education, and Bond Oversight Committees.
- Perform additional duties supporting supplier diversity, workforce development, and community outreach initiatives.
Minimum Qualifications
Required Experience
- Minimum 4 years of professional experience supporting:
- Community-based organizations
- Small business workforce development
- Contractor coordination
- Apprenticeship or pre-apprenticeship programs
- State apprenticeship compliance
Education
- Bachelor's degree in:
- Public Administration
- Business Administration
- Or a closely related field
Equivalent professional experience may substitute for up to two years of the education requirement.
Desired Knowledge & Skills
We're looking for candidates with knowledge of:
- Small Business Administration (SBA) programs
- Apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship training programs
- Local trade union apprenticeship requirements
- Workforce development resources
- Construction industry practices
- Procurement and contracting processes
- Public agency outreach
- Community engagement
- Supplier diversity initiatives
- Public speaking and presentations
- Promotional and educational material development
- Excellent written and verbal communication
- Strong organizational and collaboration skills
- Ability to work effectively with diverse communities
A valid California Driver's License is required.
Why Join PSS?
At Project Support Services, you'll play an important role in helping LAUSD strengthen local businesses, expand workforce opportunities, and support educational construction projects that positively impact communities throughout Los Angeles.
We offer:
- Competitive Compensation
- Comprehensive Benefits Package
- Paid Time Off & Holidays
- 401(k)
- Professional Development Opportunities
- Collaborative Team Environment
- Meaningful Public Sector Projects
- Long-Term Career Growth
Apply Today!
If you're passionate about community outreach, supplier diversity, workforce development, and helping small businesses thrive, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today and become part of a team making a lasting impact across Los Angeles communities!
Pay: $105,000.00 - $112,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Do you have 4 years of experience supporting community-based organizations, small business workforce development, contractor coordination, apprenticeship or pre-apprenticeship programs, and state apprenticeship compliance?
- Do you have experience with SBA programs, apprenticeship and workforce development programs, procurement and contracting processes, community outreach, supplier diversity initiatives, public speaking, and working with diverse communities? Please describe your experience.
- Do you have a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or a closely related field (Equivalent professional experience may substitute for up to two years of the education requirement)?
Work Location: In person
Salary : $105,000 - $112,000