Contracting Counselor, APEX

Work for Indiana

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

Bring your biggest and boldest ideas to life as an employee of the IEDC. We are a fast-paced and forward-thinking team charged with pursuing economic development opportunities for current and future Hoosiers in our state and around the world. Our culture embodies the spirit of being bold and working collaboratively to create the economy of the future.

The IEDC is organized as a public private partnership led by the Secretary of Commerce and governed by a board chaired by the Governor of Indiana.

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation has been recognized as one of the 2023, 2024, and 2025 Top Workplaces by Indianapolis Star.

The mission of the Indiana APEX Accelerator program is to assist Indiana small businesses identify, compete for and win military and government contracts thereby creating a positive and measurable impact on Indiana’s economy. The counselor’s role is to prepare Indiana businesses to sell their products or services to the government or military through no cost confidential counseling services, workshops and trainings.

The counselor will serve the central region of the state.

The salary range for this position is $63,787 - $65,000 annually but may be commensurate with education or work experience.

• Provide one-on-one counseling to guide business owners through the process of completing required government forms for procurement opportunities, including certification and bidding in federal, state and local government and major prime contractor markets.
• Provide guidance to business owners on various federal contracting requirements including CMMC.
• Assist small businesses to determine their market niche in procurement opportunities with government entities and corporations.
• Provide connections to clients on business opportunities.
• Review bid opportunities including the use of Bid Matching service.
• Notify clients of bid opportunities, distribute to clients.
• Schedule and host training workshops.
• Counsel business owners on managerial and technical aspects of expanding small businesses into the government sector.
• Facilitate and make referrals between entrepreneurs and professional service providers, referring clients, as appropriate to multiple partners.
• Consult with government agencies and large corporations regarding procurement assistance programs for small business owners.
• Hold routine monthly office hours in various locations throughout the region as well as client on site visits.
• Travel routinely throughout the geographic area served.
• Attend various outreach and networking events throughout the region.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in business, accounting, sales and marketing or a related field or equivalent procurement or business experience

Experience:

• 3 years of experience with progressively responsible positions in business and/or industry management
• Experience in the following computer systems:
  Excel, Word, PowerPoint,
• Maintain working knowledge of federal, state, and local contracting laws, regulations, certifications and rules
• Knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR); various FAR Supplements; government contracting principles, tools, concepts, and contract types; GSA acquisitions tools, schedules, purchasing programs, etc.;
  System for Award Management (SAM) registration, and small business certifications
• Managing long term client engagements and projects
• Experience in both private and public sector
• Public speaking and/or teaching experience
• Strong communication skills

• Defense Acquisition Workforce…