APEX Accelerator Counselor

North Olympic Peninsula APEX Accelerator at Clallam County Economic Development Council, Serving Clallam and Jefferson Counties Position Open Date: July 25, 2025. Open until filled. Position Title: APEX Accelerator Counselor Position Purpose: Clallam EDC, through the APEX Accelerators Program, seeks to help businesses in our region win government contracts and subcontracts. When they win, they can grow/diversify their business, and everyone wins when they contribute to the economic vibrancy of our community. By providing technical assistance on how to find contracts, bid on them responsively and competitively, and complying with post-award terms and conditions, firms in the region are more likely to succeed in the long term in the marketplace. About the Organization: The Clallam Economic Development Council (EDC) is a private non-profit organization. As the leading economic development organization in Clallam County, our mission is to create a vital and sustainable economy throughout the county and region that supports the livelihood and values of our residents. We do this by: • Connecting local businesses with experts and resources that help them remain competitive, • Creating and delivering strategic messages that attract new investment to our community. • Working with our community partners to enhance our collective prosperity. The North Olympic APEX Accelerator, hosted by the EDC, is part of a nationwide program funded in part by the U.S. Department of Defense. Position Responsibilities: • Guide businesses through the process of finding, bidding, and performing on government contracts and subcontracts. • Guide businesses through the process of assessing their capacity/suitability for government contracting. • Perform outreach to businesses throughout our region about government contracting opportunities with federal, state, and local governments, as well as prime contractors. Outreach to small, women owned, minority owned, and veteran owned businesses is a critical part of our work plan. • Conduct market research to determine and analyze market conditions. • Assist businesses with government registrations (e.g., www.sam.gov) and certifications (SBA’s HUBZone, 8a, etc.) related to selling to the government, finding opportunities, marketing to government buyers, bidding, getting paid, proposal development, interpretation of regulations, and more. Assistance is provided primarily through workshops and one-on-one counseling with the businesses by phone, in person or by email. • Attend outreach events to ensure awareness of APEX services. • Enroll businesses in APEX’s electronic bid-match service. • Review and disseminate bid opportunities and subcontracting opportunities to clients. • Develop and maintain relationships with federal, state, and local government agencies, and prime contractors. • Develop and maintain relationships with other business resource providers throughout the region. • Keep counseling reporting database up to date. • Collaborate with other APEX counselors throughout the nation to share best practices. • Complete training courses that are relevant to the needs of clients and attend training events and conferences as the budget allows. • Other duties as assigned. Required Skills and Experience: • Knowledge of or ability to quickly learn business and government contracting principles and how to apply them to the client business success strategy. • Strong computer skills to research government marketplace and navigate registrations and online government systems. • Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects. • Ability to listen critically to identify needs and solve problems. • Strong, professional written communication skills. • Strong verbal communication skills, including public speaking in front of large and diverse audiences. • Ability to take complicated material and create concise curriculum for adult learners. • Resourcefulness – you will frequently have to research answers to clients’ questions with little direction. • Work well within a team environment and collaborative approach to work. • Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel. Preferred Experience: • Bachelor’s Degree or five years of experience in business administration. • Local candidate preferred, with hybrid option. • Experience working within a business that sells to the government. • Experience as a contracting officer for a federal government agency. • Experience advising small businesses or entrepreneurs. • Direct experience in government contracting. • Background in business development, consulting, or economic development roles. • Familiarity with federal acquisition regulations (FAR) or local/state procurement processes. Compensation: This is a full-time salaried position that is exempt from overtime. All full-time employees are offered a benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, paid vacation and holidays, and a matching retirement plan. The typical salary range for this position is $75,871.57 to $96,111.84. The Clallam EDC operates a Cash Incentive Program based on achieving performance metrics. The ProgramManager may participate in the program. All full-time employees are offered a benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, paid vacation and holidays, and a 3% employer retirement contribution after 90 days (optional based on employee preference). Working Conditions: A hybrid work environment with flexibility for in-office, remote, and travel-based work within Clallam and Jefferson Counties. Regular use of a computer and virtual meeting platforms. Occasional travel to attend conferences, training, or partner events. Clallam EDC is in Port Angeles, WA. Once hired, the successful applicant will work with APEX team members on strategies to serve the entire North Olympic Peninsula region. Clallam EDC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against an employee or client on the grounds of race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, or the presence of any disability. To Apply: 1. Email the following to: jwagner@clallam.org a. Cover letter that includes a brief description of your experience with government contacting and advising businesses. b. Resume that highlights your experience with government contracting and advising businesses 2. Please include “APEX Position” in the subject line of the email.

#J-18808-Ljbffr