Small Business Specialist

Responsibilities

• Affords assistance in the development, marketing, and execution of seminars and/or symposiums for contractors, architects, engineers, construction management professionals, and goods and service providers to enhance the competitiveness of small business enterprises.
• Shares information with District personnel, community groups, business and trade organizations, education agencies, and the public regarding the procurement policies and procedures applicable to Los Angeles Unified School District's Procurement Services and Facilities Services Division.
• Collaborates with general contractors, sub-contractors, and local trade unions to arrange job placements and apprenticeship enrollments for We Build graduates on Los Angeles Unified School District projects.
• Maintains oversight of 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 tracks, and attendance records.
• Establishes and sustains partnerships with District representatives, small businesses, trades unions, community and faith-based organizations, and local agencies to facilitate 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 necessary.
• Represents the District's Small Business Enterprise at community events and meetings to disseminate 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 a master calendar for LAUSD's Small Business and Contractor Academy programs.
• Aids small businesses in navigating the certification process and collaborating 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.

Requirements

• 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-mandated apprenticeship placements and requirements.
• 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 use of an automobile as traveling will be required