Procurement Counselor

Agency Description

The New York City Department of Small Business Services (SBS) is a vibrant, client-centered agency whose mission is to serve New York’s small businesses, jobseekers and commercial districts. SBS makes it easier for companies in New York City to start, operate, and expand by providing direct assistance to business owners, supporting commercial districts, promoting financial and economic opportunity among minority- and women-owned businesses, preparing New Yorkers for jobs, and linking employers with a skilled and qualified workforce. SBS continues to reach for higher professional standards through innovative systems, new approaches to government, and a strong focus on its employees.

Job Description

Division of Economic & Financial Opportunity (DEFO) is responsible for encouraging a competitive and diverse New York City business environment by promoting the growth and success of minority-owned, women-owned, and other small businesses looking to grow through government contracting.

The NYC SBS APEX Accelerator and M/WBE Vendor Services Unit offers assistance to small businesses in New York City who are looking to sell their goods or services to the government. Guidance is offered through one-on-one counseling, workshops, and trainings on how to become a government contractor, finding the right contract opportunities, and competing and performing on government contracts.

SBS is seeking a Procurement Counselor to deliver services designed to help businesses successfully sell their goods and/or services to the government. Responsibilities include coordinating and providing procurement and business technical assistance, organizing and leading educational workshops, tracking success stories, and inputting of program performance data. The Procurement Counselor works closely with the Executive Director of NYC SBS NYC SBS APEX ACCELERATOR to ensure the attainment of programmatic goals.

The Procurement Counselor will report directly to the Executive Director of NYC SBS APEX Accelerator.

Specific Responsibilities Include

NYC SBS APEX Accelerator & M/WBE Vendor Services

• Conduct business development and outreach to attract customers to the NYC SBS APEX Accelerator and M/WBE Vendor Services Program
• Manage a portfolio of businesses, supporting them with individualized technical assistance, and proactively connecting them to contracting opportunities
• Conduct research and make recommendations related to doing business with government agencies
• Conduct market research and develop marketing strategies/tactics related to so that businesses can better present themselves to government
• Help businesses navigate government procurement at all steps of the lifecycle
• Conduct and facilitate trainings to ensure businesses have the tools and knowledge they need to successfully contract with the City, State, and Federal governments
• Coordinate various resources and activities to connect businesses to City, State, and Federal buyers: Including planning and participating in networking events, workshops, training sessions, and other related activities
• Utilize and maintain strategic partnerships with agency and industry stakeholders that further the mission of providing services to a diverse group of businesses
• Identify and take advantage of professional development opportunities that are aligned with the overall program strategy and builds your ability to deliver business advisement services
• Special projects as assigned
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and two years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to the duties described above; or
• High school graduation or equivalent and six years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to the duties as described above; or
• Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" or "2" above. However, all candidates must have at least one year of experience as described in "1" above.
  
  

Preferred Skills

Preferred Skills - Experience in government procurement and small business development - Experience in customer service - Experience using customer relationship management tools or other database systems - Proven track record of delivering results in a fast-paced, demanding work environment - Ability to work within cross-organizational multi-disciplinary teams - Ability to use sound judgement and recommend appropriate action steps for small business growth - Excellent interpersonal, organizational, strategic thinking and quantitative/qualitative skills - Excellent research, analytical, verbal and written communication skills including delivering oral presentations - Second Language is a plus.

Residency Requirement

New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with the agency representative at the time of interview.

Additional Information

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.

, $60,889.00 – $79,000.00