Temporary University Specialist [Procurement Services Program Specialist]

Connecticut Small Business Development Center, School of Business

The Connecticut Advanced Manufacturing Center at UConn is looking for a dynamic leader to join our team to create and execute strategies to support diverse owners of manufacturing businesses located in the United States to identify, prepare for, and secure sourcing opportunities from private and public sources.

The position will report to the State Director and Associate State Director at the Connecticut Small Business Development Center.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Create and utilize an outreach plan which includes direct mail, working through service organizations, and other tactics to recruit U.S. manufacturing businesses owned or controlled by individuals who meet the definition of socially or economically disadvantaged individual according to 15 U.S.C. Section 9501(15)(A)
• Develop and deliver virtual training workshops, provide one-to-one advising and guidance, refer owners to partner organizations, and develop and deliver training and development programs on procurement and contracting topics.
• Develop strategies and relationships to identify procurement opportunities for manufacturers to assist them in meeting government and private supply chain sourcing needs.
• Develop strategies to aid in developing certified minority businesses in areas of business continuity, order fulfillment, continuous improvement, and growth.
• Engage and develop relationships with regional and national organizations that can assist minority businesses in areas of innovation, finance, growth, and other goals.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Supply Chain or related field.
2. Minimum of three years of business experience
3. Excellent communication skills internally and externally, with all levels of organizations.
4. Ability to prioritize, multi-task, and coordinate workload and work under pressure to meet deadlines.
5. Must demonstrate passion and commitment to the advancement, advocacy, and development of businesses owned or controlled by individuals who meet the definition of socially or economically disadvantaged individual according to 15 U.S.C. Section 9501(15)(A).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Previous experience in supply chain management strongly preferred.
2. Previous Experience in Supplier Diversity or working with small diverse businesses
3. Experience building and maintaining relationships, inspire respect and trust, demonstrate empathy.
4. Experience working in a procurement, purchasing, or supply chain management
5. Experience in a supplier diversity role with a buying organization, or in a sales position with an MBE small business selling to large buying organizations
6. Familiarity with government procurement, or procurement processes of government prime contractors.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a temporary, 35 hours per week, position. The schedule will be Monday through Friday, with a hybrid work schedule as agreed upon with the candidate and the State Director. The position will be based at the Connecticut Small Business Development Center, East Hartford CT or another Connecticut Small Business Development Center location as agreed upon with the candidate and the State Director.

TO APPLY

Please submit a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references to: busndean@business.uconn.edu. Please reference search HR24-96 in your application. 

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.

[HR24-96]