Small Business Specialist – Los Angeles, CA

Small Business Specialist – Los Angeles, CA Full-Time | On-Site | Los Angeles, CA Why Join Our Team 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. About Your Role The Small Business Specialist provides technical, programmatic, and outreach support for the District's Small Business Enterprise and workforce development initiatives. Working with District personnel, contractors, consultants, trade unions, educational institutions, and community organizations, this position supports contractor engagement, apprenticeship and workforce development programs, small business outreach, compliance efforts, event coordination, and community partnerships. The successful candidate will coordinate outreach activities, assist small businesses in navigating procurement opportunities, support apprenticeship placement efforts, monitor workforce development programs, prepare reports and presentations, and foster relationships that promote participation in District construction and procurement programs. Education 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. What You'll Need to Get the Job Done - 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. What You'll Do - 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 po…