APEX Accelerator Program Manager

Position Overview

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Technology (EIT), Small Business Office seeks a results-oriented, collaborative leader to serve as the Program Manager for its Department of Defense (DoD) funded Illinois APEX Accelerator program. The Program Manager provides strategic leadership, supervises staff, manages subrecipient relationships, and implements program operations that deliver best-in-class procurement technical assistance to Illinois small businesses. This position serves as the primary liaison with DoD and state partners, prepares reports and funding proposals, and represents the program through training, outreach, and public presentations. We invite qualified applicants to apply for the position of APEX Accelerator Program Manager and become part of DCEO’s team of professionals dedicated to helping Illinois businesses compete and succeed in government contracting.

Essential Functions

• Organizes, plans, and executes all Illinois APEX Accelerator activities, including office and sub-recipient operations.
• Manages external relationships with the Department of Defense (DoD), Federal, State, and local government stakeholders to effectively Implement policy for the Illinois APEX Accelerator program.
• Manages subrecipient relationships and collaborates with senior management to integrate Department strategic priorities with program activities for effective administration and continuous improvement.
• Serves as senior spokesperson for the Illinois APEX Accelerator and develops program materials, and promotion strategy.
• Coordinates the utilization of program resources to apply for Federal funds and the selection of subrecipients.
• Aligns program operations with the Illinois Chief Procurement Office, Business Enterprise Program (CMS) Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program (IDOT), International Trade Centers, Small Business Development Centers, and Minority and Female Business Enterprise Programs on an interagency and intra-agency basis. 
• Serves as working supervisor.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to completion of four (4) years of college.
• Requires three (3) years progressively responsible administrative experience in a public or business organization.

Specialized Skills

• Requires minimum of two (2) years of professional experience working with the following: federal (Federal Acquisition Regulation and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation) and state government contracting regulations (state procurement code).
• Requires three (3) years of professional experience developing and making speeches and public presentations utilizing multi-media applications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prefer a minimum of two (2) years of professional experience working with the following:  federal (Federal Acquisition Regulation and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation) and state government contracting regulations (state procurement code).
• Prefer three (3) years of professional experience developing and making speeches and public presentations utilizing multi-media applications.
• Prefer a minimum of three (3) years of professional experience managing economic development and small business programs in a public sector environment. 

Conditions of Employment

• Requires appropriate, valid driver’s license.
• Requires the ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate. 
• Requires completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history.
• Requires verification that applicant is not listed on the federal debarment or suspension list.
• Overtime is a condition of employment, and you may be requested or required/mandated to work overtime, including scheduled, unscheduled, or last-minute overtime. This may require the ability to work evenings/weekends.
• This position has been found to meet the requirements in section 4A-101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act requiring the occupant/employee to file a Statement of Economic Interest.  The Illinois Governmental Ethics Act (5 ILCS 420/4A et seq.) requires certain state officials and employees to file annual Statement of Economic Interest with the Office of Secretary of State that will be made available for examination and copying by the public.  All employees required to file a Statement of Economic Interest are also required to file the Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest with the Executive Ethics Commission.  (See Executive Order 15-09) Fines and penalties apply to untimely filings.

The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

About the Agency

The mission of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is to create equitable economic opportunities across the State of Illinois. By attracting and supporting major job creators, investing in communities, strengthening Illinois’ world-class workforce, fostering innovation, and ushering in the new clean energy economy, DCEO works to fortify Illinois’ reputation as a global economic powerhouse while ensuring Illinois is the best state to live, work and do business.