Small Business Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Job Summary

Are you looking to apply your skills and utilize your experience to make a difference in our community? Are you motivated to collaborate with a diverse team of professionals to deliver new projects for our clients? Triangle is waiting for you to join our team!

This is a full-time position with Los Angeles Unified School District. 

The ideal candidate will have experience in small business or workforce development, community outreach, and the construction industry, with knowledge of apprenticeship programs, public procurement, and contractor engagement. They should be skilled at building partnerships, coordinating events and training programs, assisting small businesses with contracting opportunities, and communicating effectively with diverse stakeholders. Strong organizational, presentation, and relationship-building skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Assists in the development, marketing and execution of seminars and/or symposiums for contractors, architects, engineers, construction management professionals, and goods and service providers to increase competitiveness of the small business enterprise.
• Provides information to District personnel, community groups, business and trade organizations, education agencies, and the public concerning the procurement policies and procedures applicable to the Los Angeles Unified School District's Procurement Services and the Facilities Services Division.
• Meets with general contractors, sub-contractors, and the local trade unions to arrange job placement and apprenticeship enrollment for We Build graduates on Los Angeles Unified School District projects.
• Monitors the We Build Program's training programs at designated Division of Adult and Career Education Occupational and Skills Centers by reviewing trainee evaluations, skills progress, training track, and attendance records.
• Develops and maintains partnerships with District representatives, small businesses, trades unions, community and faith-based organizations, and local agencies to help support participation in the school building construction program and procurement services process including We Build students and graduates.
• Refers participants to other social services support programs and agencies as case warrants.
• Represents the District's Small Business Enterprise at community events and meetings to provide information to prospective employers, small business owners, and other participants about eligibility requirements, training curriculum, business and contracting opportunities, and construction career opportunities with the District.
• Develops and maintains master calendar for LAUSD's Small Business and Contractor Academy programs.
• Assists small businesses with navigating the certification process and working with offices within LAUSD to obtain information on upcoming bidding opportunities.
• Provides information and written reports to Small Business Supervisors for presentations before the Board of Education, Bond Oversight Committee and other audiences.
• Performs other relevant duties as assigned

Required Experience:

• Minimum of four (4) years professional experience in a public or private agency related to performing field work for community-based organizations, coordinating with contractors in small business workforce development, including pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship trainings and compliance with state-mandates apprenticeship placements and requirements.

Required Education:

• Graduation from a recognized college or university with a bachelor's degree in public
  administration, business administration, or related field.
  OR
• Candidates without the degree specified may be allowed to compensate experience on a year-for-year basis for up to 2 years

Knowledge/Skills:

• Pre-apprenticeship and State-governed apprenticeship training programs
• Procedures and entrance requirements for each local trade union's apprenticeship program
• Available workforce development resources
• Potential employment barriers
• All applicable laws, regulations, and codes related to the Small Business Administration and apprenticeship employment
• Principles and practices of the construction and goods and service industry
• Excellent communication skills
• Assimilating information from various sources
• Working effectively with various diverse groups
• Compliance and Collaboration
• Detail-oriented and designs promotional materials
• Preparing presentations
• A valid California Driver's License for us of an automobile as travelling will be required