What are the responsibilities and job description for the APEX Contract Specialist- Fairbanks position at University of Alaska?
Join the Alaska APEX Accelerator Team and help Alaska’s small businesses succeed in government contracting! We’re seeking a motivated, self-managing problem solver who’s passionate about empowering local businesses. If you thrive in a dynamic environment, and want to make a real impact, this is the role for you! You’ll provide hands-on support, guidance, and education to help businesses navigate the complex world of government contracts and unlock new opportunities for our local communities.
As a Contract Specialist for the APEX Alaska Accelerator Program, you will provide one-on-one technical assistance to businesses navigating government contracting at the federal, state, and local levels. Responsibilities include helping clients register in procurement systems, identify bidding opportunities, interpret solicitations, prepare proposals, and maintain compliance with regulations such as the FAR. You will also support small business certifications (e.g., 8(a), HUBZone, DBE), deliver procurement training and webinars, and assist with outreach to rural and underserved communities. This role involves partnership development, internal program support, and staying current on evolving contracting policies and systems.
To thrive in this role, a candidate must bring practical experience with government contracting procedures at the federal, state, and local levels, along with a solid understanding of small business operations and challenges. Success in this position requires strong analytical and communication skills, the ability to interpret complex procurement regulations, and a client-focused mindset. Proficiency in public speaking, event coordination and maintaining databases is essential. Candidates should be comfortable using procurement and registration platforms (e.g., SAM.gov, DSBS, WAWF) and be adept with standard business software. A collaborative spirit, adaptability to evolving regulations, and a commitment to professional growth will ensure effectiveness in supporting businesses and strengthening the APEX Accelerator program’s mission.
Minimum Qualifications:
Three years of college coursework and three years of progressively responsible experience in acquisition, with an emphasis on government contracting, or in a related area, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
Position Details:
This position is based in Fairbanks. It may involve some travel to various locations within the state. This is a term-funded, full-time, exempt staff position complete with both a competitive salary and full employee benefits package. UA provides a generous compensation package that includes retirement options, annual leave, 12 paid holidays per year, tuition waivers for employees and family members, and affordable medical, dental and vision care coverage. New hires will be placed on the UA Staff Salary Schedule, Grade 79, based on education and experience.
Application review will begin on October 12, 2026. Applications received by this date will receive priority consideration; however, the recruitment will remain open until filled.
📃To view the full list of job responsibilities, please click HERE.
☎️If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact Patrick Sullivan at pjsullivan@alaska.edu.
*To be eligible for this position, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without restriction. Applicants who now or may in the future require visa sponsorship to work in the United States are not eligible.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________This is a term-funded position reviewed annually for contract renewal at the University's discretion.
The University of Alaska (UA) is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the applicant screening process. If you need assistance in completing this application or during any phase of the interview process, please contact the ADA team at ua-ada@alaska.edu.
The University of Alaska (www.alaska.edu) is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access Employer and Educational Institution. The University is committed to a policy of non-discrimination (www.alaska.edu/nondiscrimination) against individuals on the basis of any legally protected status.
The successful applicant is required to complete a background check. Any offer of employment is contingent on the background check.
Your application for employment with the University of Alaska is subject to public disclosure under the Alaska Public Records Act.
All employees at the University of Alaska are expected to uphold the highest standards of ethics and professionalism when conducting or engaged in university business.
*Each university within the University of Alaska system publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report which contains information regarding campus safety and security including topics such as: campus law enforcement authority; crime reporting policies; campus alerts (Timely Warnings and Emergency Notifications); fire safety policies and procedures; programs to prevent dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking; the procedures the University will follow when one of these crimes is reported; and other matters of importance related to security on campus. The report also contains information about crime statistics for the three most recent calendar years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in On-Campus Student Housing Facilities; in Noncampus buildings or property owned or controlled by the University or a recognized student organization; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus. The report also contains fire statistics for any fires occurring in an On-Campus Student Housing Facility during the three most recent calendar years.
Access to the reports is available at:
UAA: (Addresses Anchorage campus, Aviation Technology Complex, JBER - Elmendorf Extension, JBER - Richardson Extension, Kenai Peninsula College - Kachemak Bay campus, Kenai Peninsula College - Kenai River campus, Kodiak College, Kodiak High School Extension, Matanuska-Susitna College, Prince William Sound College, and Prince William Sound College - Cordova Extension) Online: https://www.uaa.alaska.edu/students/safety. Request a paper copy in person: UAA Police Department Office at Room 114 of Eugene Short Hall on the Anchorage campus / UAA Dean of Students Office at Room 122 of Rasmuson Hall on the Anchorage campus. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-786-1120 or police@uaa.alaska.edu / 907-786-1214 or uaa_deanofstudents@alaska.edu.
UAF: (Addresses Fairbanks Campus, Bristol Bay Campus, Chukchi Campus, Community and Technical College, Kasitsna Bay Campus, Seward Marine Center, Tok Campus, Kuskokwim Campus, and Northwest Campus) Online: https://www.uaf.edu/orca/files/ASFSR.pdf. Request a paper copy in person: UAF Office of Rights, Compliance and Accountability on the 3rd Floor of Constitution Hall. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-474-7300 or uaf-orca@alaska.edu.
UAS: (Addresses the Juneau Auke Bay Campus, Juneau Technical Education Center, Sitka Campus, & Ketchikan Campus) Online: https://uas.alaska.edu/equity-and-compliance/docs/clery/UAS_ASFSR.pdf. Request a paper copy in person: Hendrickson Building, Suite 202 on the Juneau campus. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-796-6371 or emailing uas.clery@alaska.edu.