Specialist

University of Maryland•College Park, MD

1d•$70,000 - $85,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Procurement Specialist provides technical assistance, counseling, and training to businesses seeking to sell products or services to federal, state, and local government agencies. The role supports Maryland APEX’s mission to help businesses understand government contracting requirements and successfully compete in the public-sector marketplace.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
Three (3) years of experience in related field.
Knowledge of organizational principles and time management practices.
Skill in project management, including planning, coordinating, tracking progress, and ensuring successful completion of initiatives within established timelines.
Skill in verbal and written communication to clearly convey information, prepare correspondence, and interact effectively with diverse stakeholders.
Ability to analyze complex information, identify issues, and evaluate options.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Ability to maintain a high level of attention to detail.
A valid driver’s license is required.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in business, particularly those with procurement or government contracting
Master's degree preferred
Five to Ten (5-10) years of relevant small business program experience. Experience should include working with existing established businesses.
Professional Procurement Certification (e.g., NCMA, NGIP)
Bilingual candidates preferred
Knowledge of using database software.
Strong knowledge of government procurement processes, regulations, and systems
Excellence interpersonal skills including communication skills oral and written.
Ability to communicate effectively with businesses across diverse industries
Skill in research, analysis, and interpreting complex regulatory requirements
Experience with small business research, innovation, and technology
Experience in training, advising, or consulting roles
Ability to work independently in a performance‑based environment

Responsibilities

Deliver one‑on‑one counseling (in person, virtual, phone, or email) to assess client readiness, capacity, and training needs for government contracting to include market research support to guide clients in competitive analysis and identifying procurement opportunities across federal, state, and local agencies.
Providing regulatory interpretation to explain and interpret contracting laws and regulations, including FAR, DFARS, SBA Regulations, Maryland State and local regulations applicable to federal government contracts and answer procurement‑related questions.
Advise and assist clients with the preparation and submission of bids and proposals, government registration with SAM.gov, government certifications, and navigating electronic procurement systems.
Meet performance goals related to counseling hours, new clients, DOD goals and metrics.
Participation in presenting seminars, workshops, and matchmaking outreach events to educate businesses on government contracting.
Client outreach in maintaining contact with active clients, re-engage inactive ones, and identifying new businesses through research tools such as SAM.gov and USA Spending.