Business Counselor II - (STA008266)

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.

EEO/AA

Additional Job Posting Information:

The University of Houston Procurement Technical Assistance Center (UH PTAC) provides assistance to business owners interested in selling their goods and services to government agencies. The primary responsibility for the selected candidate will be to educate and guide individuals in government procurement with federal, state, and local government. The following knowledge, skills, and abilities required include, but not limited to:

• Understanding of and how to research the laws, regulations, policies, and procedures for federal, state, and local government to include knowing the structure of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and its supplements.
• Experience working with government business systems, such as the federal government System for Award Management (SAM), Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS), USASpending, and the Small Business Administration Dynamic Small Business Search (SBA DSBS) System.
• Knowledge of the socio and economically-disadvantaged small business certification programs for minorities, women, and persons with disabilities.
• Understanding of how individuals can market to government representatives.
• Know how to read government solicitations and advise individuals on how to submit a compliant offer.
• Experience with public speaking and preparing and giving presentations in a learning environment to include workshops and live webinars.

Able to work in customer-service environment and provide continuous professional and courteous service.

Applicant must be proficient in typing and have basic skills using MS Office Word, Excel, and PowerPoint as listed in the Concordia University Computer Skills: Levels of Proficient, September 2011.

Additional duties may be assigned to the position. Examples include, but are not limited to:

• Directing and leading special projects to increase the business community’s knowledge about the service offered by the UH PTAC, such as targeted outreach projects with government agencies and resource partners.
• Coordinating and scheduling team workshops and training events with coworkers and resource partners such as the Small Business Administration, universities, community colleges, etc.
• Contributing to social media content.

Continuous education to stay proficient in government procurement principles is a requirement of this position. Recurring internal and external training opportunities in federal, state, and local government procurement subjects is provided at no cost to allow you to stay proficient in government procurement. Additionally, the selected applicant will develop a personalized training plan annually for continuous learning. The selected applicant is required to achieve a minimum amount of continuous education hours yearly that is coordinated with and approved by the Program Director.

Applicants should limit their resumes to no more than two pages.

The selected candidate will work from our main office located at 1455 West Loop South, Houston TX 77027, but will also take part in promoting the UH PTAC service that may include but is not limited to attending and participating in events within our 32-county service area.

PTAC service is available in 32 counties between and around the cities of Houston, Beaumont, Galveston, Bryan, and College Station Texas. Travel with the use of a personal vehicle is required. Reimbursable travel outside of our service area to participate in events and attend training is required.

The PTAC program is funded through a cooperative agreement with the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) and a special line item from the State of Texas. The continuation of all PTAC positions, including the position offered herein, are contingent on the continuation of funding from both the DLA and the State of Texas at current funding levels.

This position is headquartered at 14455 West Loop South, Houston TX 77027.

Qualifications :

Bachelors and 5 years experience

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 Job Posting Information:
-Department is willing to substitute experinece in lieu of education.
-Education in lieu of experience.