Specialist

Job Description Summary & Additional Information

Organizational Summary Statement:

The Procurement Specialist provides technical assistance, counseling, and training to businesses seeking to sell products or services to federal, state, and local government agencies. The role supports Maryland APEX's mission to help businesses understand government contracting requirements and successfully compete in the public-sector marketplace.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

80%

• Government Contracting Advising - Deliver one-on-one counseling (in person, virtual, phone, or email) to assess client readiness, capacity, and training needs for government contracting to include market research support to guide clients in competitive analysis and identifying procurement opportunities across federal, state, and local agencies. Providing r egulatory interpretation to explain and interpret contracting laws and regulations, including FAR, DFARS, SBA Regulations, Maryland State and local regulations applicable to federal government contracts and answer procurement-related questions. In addition, Advise and assist clients with the preparation and submission of bids and proposals, government registration with SAM.gov, government certifications, and navigating electronic procurement systems.

Meet performance goals related to counseling hours, new clients, DOD goals and metrics.

20%

• Training & Client Outreach with participation in presenting seminars, workshops, and matchmaking outreach events to educate businesses on government contracting. processes and client outreach in maintaining contact with active clients, re-engage inactive ones, and identifying new businesses through research tools such as SAM.gov and USA Spending.

Preferences:

• Preference for candidates with a bachelor's degree in business, particularly those with procurement or government contracting
• Master's degree preferred
• Five to Ten (5-10) years of relevant small business program experience. Experience should include working with existing established businesses.
• Professional Procurement Certification (e.g., NCMA, NGIP)
• Bilingual candidates preferred
• Knowledge of using database software.
• Strong knowledge of government procurement processes, regulations, and systems
• Excellence interpersonal skills including communication skills oral and written.
• Ability to communicate effectively with businesses across diverse industries
• Skill in research, analysis, and interpreting complex regulatory requirements
• Experience with small business research, innovation, and technology
• Experience in training, advising, or consulting roles
• Ability to work independently in a performance-based environment

Physical Demands:

Telework is available for this position; however, the Procurement Specialist will be required to report to the office periodically for in-person meetings, client sessions, and administrative needs.

A valid driver's license is required, as the role involves frequent travel within the local community and surrounding regions to conduct on-site counseling sessions, visit local businesses, and participate in outreach activities.

The consultant must also be able to travel throughout the state, and occasionally out of state, to attend professional development opportunities, statewide APEX conferences, and national conferences.

Required Application Materials: Resume, Cover Letter, Reference

Best Consideration Date: 07/31/2026

Posting Close Date: 07/31/2026

Open Until Filled: Yes

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.

Experience: Three (3) years of experience in related field.

Other: Additional work experience as defined above may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for up to four (4) years of the required education.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:

Knowledge of organizational principles and time management practices.
Skill in project management, including planning, coordinating, tracking progress, and ensuring successful completion of initiatives within established timelines.

Skill in verbal and written communication to clearly convey information, prepare correspondence, and interact effectively with diverse stakeholders.
Ability to analyze complex information, identify issues, and evaluate options.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Ability to maintain a high level of attention to detail.

Job Risks
Not Applicable to This Position

Department
VPR-UMCAPS-MD Small Business Development Ctr

Worker Sub-Type
Staff Contractual (C2) (Fixed Term)

Salary Range
$70,000 - $85,000

Benefits Summary

For more information on Staff Contractual CII benefits, select this link .

Background Checks

Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding disclosable background check information. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.

Employment Eligibility

The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization. Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment.

EEO Statement

The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University's Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.

Title IX Non-Discrimination Notice

Resources

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