Small Business Specialist (Construction)

MAAS Companies•Los Angeles, CA

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) is committed to ensuring that small businesses and local workers benefit from its extensive construction program. The Small Business Specialist plays a crucial role in realizing this commitment by assisting small contractors, architects, engineers, and suppliers in navigating the process to compete for District projects. This role also involves connecting graduates of the District's We Build training program with employment opportunities and union apprenticeships on LAUSD construction sites. The Specialist will develop and conduct seminars and symposiums for contractors and service providers, engage with general contractors, subcontractors, and local trade unions to facilitate job placements and apprenticeship enrollment, and oversee the We Build training programs at the District's occupational and skills centers. Building strong partnerships with District representatives, small businesses, unions, community and faith-based organizations, and local agencies is key. The Specialist will guide small businesses through the certification process and inform them about upcoming bidding opportunities, maintain the master calendar for the Small Business and Contractor Academy programs, and prepare reports for the Board of Education and the Bond Oversight Committee. This is a single open position.

Requirements

4 years of professional experience with a public or private agency in field work with community-based organizations and coordinating with contractors on small business workforce development.
Experience includes pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship training and compliance with state-mandated apprenticeship placement requirements.
A bachelor's degree in public administration, business administration, or a related field (experience may substitute for up to 2 years of the degree).
Working knowledge of pre-apprenticeship and state-governed apprenticeship programs.
Understanding of each local trade union's entrance requirements.
A valid California driver's license.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with Small Business Administration rules.
Familiarity with apprenticeship employment law.
Experience presenting to boards, community groups, and business organizations.
An eye for promotional materials and clear, detail-oriented writing.

Responsibilities

Develop and run seminars, symposiums, and outreach initiatives to increase small business participation in the building program.
Facilitate job placement and union apprenticeship enrollment for We Build graduates on District projects.
Monitor We Build training programs, including trainee evaluations, skills progress, and attendance.
Build and maintain partnerships with small businesses, trade unions, community and faith-based organizations, and local agencies.
Provide guidance to small businesses through the District certification and bidding processes.
Manage the master calendar for the Small Business and Contractor Academy programs.
Prepare written reports for Small Business Supervisors, the Board of Education, and the Bond Oversight Committee.