The APEX Accelerator Counselor provides individualized counseling, training, and technical assistance to businesses seeking opportunities in federal, state, and local government contracting. Serving Benton, Columbia, Franklin, Grant, Klickitat, Walla Walla, and Yakima counties, the Counselor helps businesses navigate the government marketplace, develop contracting strategies, and pursue opportunities for growth.
The Counselor builds relationships with businesses, government agencies, prime contractors, and regional partners; develops and delivers educational programs and events; and conducts outreach to expand awareness and use of APEX Accelerator services. The ideal candidate is resourceful, self-motivated, collaborative, and able to manage the program’s day-to-day activities with limited supervision.
ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION AND PROGRAM
The Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce is the catalyst, convener, and champion for community and business prosperity. The Chamber hosts Washington APEX Accelerator services for Region 8. APEX Accelerators help businesses understand and compete in the government marketplace through no-cost counseling, technical assistance, and training.
Learn more: www.tricityregionalchamber.com | www.washingtonapex.org | www.apexaccelerators.us
POSITION PURPOSE
Eastern Washington is home to major government purchasers, including the U.S. Department of Energy Hanford Site, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, military installations, and state and local agencies. These entities and their prime contractors offer significant opportunities for regional businesses. The Counselor helps clients assess readiness and navigate the processes of finding, bidding on, winning, and performing government contracts.
Government contracting experience is preferred but not required. Candidates with strong business experience, communication skills, initiative, and an aptitude for learning complex contracting requirements are encouraged to apply. Training, professional development, and statewide peer support are available.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Government Contracting Counseling
- Assess clients’ readiness, capacity, and suitability for government contracting; develop practical service plans and recommendations.
- Assist with government registrations and certifications, including SAM.gov and relevant SBA programs, and explain procurement requirements and procedures.
- Guide clients in finding opportunities, marketing to government buyers, interpreting solicitations, preparing bids and proposals, and understanding contract performance obligations.
- Research contracting questions and connect clients with appropriate resources; review and share relevant bid and subcontracting opportunities.
Outreach and Relationship Development
- Conduct proactive outreach across all seven Region 8 counties, including to small, women-owned, minority-owned, and veteran-owned businesses.
- Develop and maintain relationships with federal, state, and local purchasing agencies, prime contractors, chambers, economic development organizations, and other business resource partners.
- Represent APEX Accelerator at business meetings, outreach activities, and regional events; identify emerging client needs and contracting opportunities.
Program and Event Development
- Identify, develop, and deliver workshops, training sessions, and events responsive to business needs and government contracting opportunities.
- Coordinate buyer engagement and contracting education activities, including Meet the Buyer and other programs as appropriate.
- Collaborate with the Hanford Small Business Council and regional partners on the annual Bridging Partnerships event and related initiatives.
- Support event planning, partnerships, outreach, and successful program delivery in accordance with APEX program requirements.
Program Management and Performance
- Maintain timely, accurate client records, counseling activity, and outcomes in Neoserra or other required program systems.
- Meet established program performance goals and complete required activity reports and documentation.
- Manage multiple priorities independently, coordinate with Chamber staff and Washington APEX leadership, and participate in statewide counselor collaboration.
- Complete relevant professional training and maintain current knowledge of government procurement practices and regulations.
REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
- Ability to learn and explain government contracting concepts, regulations, and online systems.
- Strong listening, problem-solving, research, writing, presentation, and adult-training skills.
- Demonstrated initiative, sound judgment, organization, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple clients and projects.
- Ability to build professional relationships and collaborate effectively with businesses, agencies, and partners.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and comfort learning client relationship management systems.
- Ability and willingness to travel throughout southeastern Washington; valid driver’s license and reliable transportation for work-related travel.
PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience; experience in business operations, economic development, procurement, marketing, or program coordination.
- Experience working for a business that sells to government agencies or prime contractors.
- Experience as a contracting officer or contracting professional for a federal agency or prime contractor.
- Experience developing partnerships, conducting business outreach, and coordinating educational programs or events.
- Bilingual English/Spanish communication skills are a plus.
OTHER INFORMATION
Supervisory responsibility: None. The position is based with the Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce and serves the seven-county Region 8 area. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Other duties consistent with the APEX program may be assigned.
Employment classification and final compensation are subject to Chamber review and applicable requirements.
Pay: $77,000.00 – $85,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
Work Location: In person
