Small Business Specialist – Los Angeles, CA

CMTS LLC • Los Angeles, CA

7d • Onsite

About The Position

Join a collaborative team supporting one of the nation's largest K-12 capital improvement programs. As a Small Business Specialist, you will play a key role in expanding opportunities for small businesses, workforce development participants, and community partners to engage in major public construction projects. Working alongside District staff, contractors, trade organizations, educational institutions, and community stakeholders, you'll help strengthen outreach efforts, increase participation in procurement programs, and support workforce development initiatives that positively impact local communities.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Public Administration, Business Administration, or a closely related field. OR Candidates without the required degree may substitute qualifying professional experience on a year-for-year basis for up to two (2) years.
• Minimum of four (4) years of full-time professional experience with a public or private agency supporting community-based organizations, contractor outreach, workforce development, or small business programs.
• Experience coordinating with contractors, subcontractors, community organizations, and workforce development partners.
• Knowledge of pre-apprenticeship and California state-governed apprenticeship training programs.
• Familiarity with local trade union apprenticeship procedures and entrance requirements.
• Knowledge of workforce development resources and employment assistance programs.
• Understanding of barriers to employment and strategies for connecting participants with supportive services.
• Knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and requirements related to Small Business Administration programs, public procurement, and apprenticeship employment.
• Understanding of construction industry practices and goods and services procurement.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to present information to diverse audiences.
• Ability to gather, analyze, and synthesize information from multiple sources.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships with contractors, trade organizations, community groups, educational institutions, and government agencies.
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Experience developing promotional materials, presentations, and outreach communications.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Valid California Driver's License and ability to travel throughout the Los Angeles area as required.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate outreach activities
• Assist small businesses in navigating procurement opportunities
• Support apprenticeship placement efforts
• Monitor workforce development programs
• Prepare reports and presentations
• Foster relationships that promote participation in District construction and procurement programs
• Assist in the development, marketing, coordination, and execution of seminars, workshops, symposiums, and contractor outreach events designed to increase participation in the District's Small Business Enterprise programs.
• Provide information to District personnel, contractors, architects, engineers, construction managers, community organizations, educational agencies, and the public regarding procurement policies, contracting opportunities, and small business participation programs.
• Coordinate with general contractors, subcontractors, and local trade unions to facilitate apprenticeship enrollment and job placement opportunities for workforce development program graduates.
• Monitor workforce development and apprenticeship training programs by reviewing participant evaluations, skills progression, attendance records, and training outcomes.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with District departments, small businesses, trade unions, community organizations, faith-based organizations, workforce agencies, and educational institutions to support participation in District construction programs.
• Refer workforce participants to supportive services and community resources as appropriate.
• Represent the District's Small Business Enterprise program at community meetings, conferences, outreach events, and industry functions.
• Assist small businesses in navigating certification processes and accessing information regarding upcoming procurement and bidding opportunities.
• Develop and maintain program calendars for Small Business Enterprise and Contractor Academy activities.
• Prepare reports, presentations, correspondence, and supporting documentation for District leadership, Board presentations, Bond Oversight Committee meetings, and other stakeholder audiences.
• Maintain program records, outreach documentation, participant information, and partnership databases.
• Support compliance with District small business participation goals and workforce development initiatives.
• Perform other program support duties as assigned.

Benefits

• 100% company-paid medical, dental, vision, life insurance, long-term disability coverage
• 401(k)
• paid time off
• professional development opportunities
• career advancement pathways

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level