Compensation Salary Range: $85,000 to $132,812.50 Annually plus excellent benefits

*** This position is on-site in our DTLA office ***

ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND

PACE is a local community nonprofit organization founded in 1976 to provide services for communities in the greater Los Angeles area. PACE’s service include Business Development; Workforce Development; Early Childhood Education (Head Start); Financial Education and Asset Building; Housing and Rehabilitation Services; Weatherization and Energy-conservation programs; and Affordable Housing Development. PACE serves more than 40,000 people each year with approximately 350+ staff. PACE is recognized as a leader in addressing problems of poverty and economic inequity in ethnic minority communities and has a reputation for being responsive to community needs and known to create innovative solutions to the myriad of challenges faced by our clients. Visit our website to learn more about our organization: https://pacela.org/

PROGRAM SUMMARY

PACE BUSINESS promotes the growth and economic expansion of diverse communities through one-on-one business consultation, training, workshops, events, and access to capital. Housed in PACE Business, the Procurement Team assists small businesses and entrepreneurs in securing contracts from government agencies, corporations, prime contractors, and other large buyers. PACE is the only Southern California Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), designated by the U.S. Department of Commerce to promote the growth and global competitiveness of small business contractors. PACE is also responsible for administering the City’s ProcureLA program, a procurement initiative connecting LA-based small businesses with contracting opportunities from construction to sports & entertainment (e.g., LA 2028 Summer Olympics).
https://pacelabdc.org/
https://www.procurela.com/

POSITION SUMMARY

PACE is seeking a highly skilled and motivated SMALL BUSINESS LIAISON MANAGER with experience in public and/or private sector procurement to join the team. The Small Business Liaison Manager will manage a team to assist small businesses in identifying contracts & access to capital opportunities, building capacity to be competitive for contracts, and applying to and negotiating contracts. This position requires a strategic manager, who can ramp up quickly and leverage existing professional relationships with government agencies and private sector companies, such as prime contractors in the greater Los Angeles area. Work experience managing, administering, and performing to government contracts are desired, as well as strong people management skills. This position will report to the Director of PACE Business. This is a wonderful opportunity to build a fulfilling career while making a real difference and impact in the community!

I. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES

Business Development

• Strategize and pursue new business (public- and private- sector based) opportunities to grow and expand the Procurement Program
• Build, develop and maintain relationships with federal, state and local government agencies, corporations, prime contractors, and other major buyers, especially those with presence in Southern California
• Develop and maintain relationships with other business resource providers throughout the region
• Lead the proposal efforts to respond to Notice of Interest (NOI), Request for Proposals (RFP), and other funding opportunities related to small business contracting

  Program Implementation

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the procurement program for PACE Business that include, but not limited to the following:
  • Pipeline. Aggregation, analysis, and synthesis of client data of small businesses pursuing contracting opportunities
  • Technical Assistance. One-on-One counseling that helps small businesses navigate the contracting process, including RAMPLA Registrations, Certifications, and Capability Statements
  • Matchmaking. Connecting small businesses directly with the buyer based on eligibility and needs
  • Events & Workshops. Workshops and events that provide training and information for small businesses, and convene key stakeholders from the procurement ecosystem
  • Reporting. Regular reporting on key metrics, KPIs, and status reports, as required by internal management, funders, grantors, and other key stakeholders
• Serve as the day-to-day point of contact for grantors and funders for the Procurement Team
• Manage government contracts at the local, county, state, and federal level, ensuring that the Procurement Team meets or exceeds contractual metrics & requirements
• Work with the Procurement Team to identify, prioritize, and serve experienced small business clients pursuing larger contracting opportunities
• Collaborate and coordinate with other PACE Business teams when there are other opportunities for client referrals and / or cross-teaming
• Coordinate with internal and external auditors for reviews

• People Management

• Responsible for the day-to-day supervision and workflow of direct reports, plus the vendor management of consultants / subcontractors
• Provide staff training in procurement to build the department capacity; update and create training curriculums as needed by the Department

II. EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SKILLS

Education and Experience

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree in business administration, economics, or other related field
• Minimum of three years of work experience in providing technical assistance and training to start-up for small businesses pursuing contracting opportunities
• Minimum of three years of supervisor experience within the most recent five years
• Direct involvement as a small business owner or employee with contracting experience (e.g., identifying vendors, bidding, negotiating contracts), especially in Los Angeles County, highly desirable
• Experience in overseeing and / or managing government contracts, highly desirable
• Experience in small business-related events, workshops, and training, highly desirable
• Familiarity with registrations and online government systems for contracting opportunities

Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with staff, building and stewarding an organizational culture that embraces inclusion
• Have excellent communication skills – both written and spoken; ability to communicate and deliver clear, concise, effective manner for internal and external stakeholders
• Build positive, effective, collaborative cultures and teams wherever you work, including willingness to share skills and knowledge with others
• Ability to work with low-income individuals and groups of multi-background
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced office setting
• Excellent organizational and management skills
• Strong project management skills
• Effective problem-solving and mediation skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Social Media and On-line Marketing
• Experience working with database and client relation management (CRM) software / system, especially Salesforce
• Bilingual skills preferred but not required

III. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must have reliable transportation, a current and valid California Driver’s License, vehicle registration and adequate automobile insurance coverage as local travel may be required on occasion
• Must satisfactorily pass background and employment/reference check
• COVID vaccination required; must have two-dose series of Pfizer or Moderna or a single-dose of Johnson & Johnson. Those that need a medical or religious exemption must reach out separately

IV. COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Pay range is $85,000 to $132,812.50 annual depending on experience
• Affordable and robust Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life insurance plans for employee plus family with generous employer contributions
• 401(k) retirement plan
• PTO, paid holidays, and sick leave
• This position is on-site in our DTLA office

V. APPLICATION PROCESS

• All interested candidates MUST apply directly on our PACE website by uploading a resume AND completing the online application to be considered. We will only be reviewing applications submitted directly from out website. Please visit following link to apply:
  https://pacela.org/about/work-at-pace/
• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until positions have been filled.

VI. PHYSICAL DEMANDS

These physical demands are representative of the physical requirements necessary for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the Small Business Liaison Officer. Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the described essential functions of the position. While performing the responsibilities of this position, the employee is required to talk and hear. The employee is often required to sit and use their hands and fingers, to handle or feel. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, reach with arms and hands, climb or balance, and to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, carry up to 30 lbs. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision

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