"Program Director - APEX Accelerator"

Job Details

Description

The targeted salary range for this position is $4081 - $5170 per month. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.

Pending ongoing grant funding, the Program Director will lead strategic planning, operations, and outreach for a government contracting assistance program - IL APEX Accelerator at SIU, providing expert guidance to businesses, managing budgets and reporting, and fostering partnerships with regional economic development organizations.

Examples of Duties

Pending ongoing grant funding, and in conjunction with the Executive Director and Director of Business Incubator Programs of the Office of Innovation and Economic Development (OIED):

• Directs the APEX Accelerator at SIU program, setting strategic priorities and measurable goals. Oversees the development, implementation, and evaluation of operational policies and procedures to ensure effective daily administration and long-term program success.
• Provides authoritative guidance in government contracting, including certifications, procurement strategies, and market research. Serves as a subject matter expert for businesses seeking to sell goods and services to government entities.
• In conjunction with OIED leadership, develops and manages program budgets, including financial planning, reporting, and resource allocation. Oversees expenditures related to supplies, travel, training, and other direct grant expenses.
• Leads the development and delivery of training programs, seminars, and workshops. Represents the APEX Accelerator at SIU program in public forums, newsletters, and collaborative initiatives with economic development organizations and government agencies.
• Assist in coordination of activities with other co-located economic development initiatives to include: SIU Research Park, Business Incubator Programs, IMEC, Center for Innovation, regional, rural, and other tech assistance development organizations in our region.
• Interprets and implements program policies and procedures. Assists in administrative matters and serves as the primary advisor on program operations and development.
• Leads the documentation and analysis of program activities and outcomes. Prepares Neoserra reports and data for internal and external stakeholders to support transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Acts as the primary representative of the APEX Accelerator at SIU program to university departments, external agencies, and committees. Builds strategic partnerships to enhance program visibility and impact.
• Serves as primary program marketing content creator and manages social media, including Facebook and LinkedIn. Oversees website updates.
• Coordinates with the IL APEX Accelerator advisory board. Seeks to obtain required NAPEX training and certification. Provides leadership in staff development and performance management to ensure high-quality service delivery.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Principal challenges:

* appropriately manage time to provide research, assessments, registrations, bid preparations and contract reviews for a variety of clients, constituents, stakeholders and related groups,

* extensive local, state, and national travel required,

* remain up to date with information related to regulations and guidance that affect doing business with federal, state and local government organizations,

* provide timely, relevant advice to business owners and government organizations on contracting and certification opportunities,

* create a mechanism to track and report measurable outcomes toward achieving the program goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree.
• A total of three (3) years (36 months) in education, training and/or work experience in business advising and government contracting.
• Valid driver's license.
• Based on position requirements, additional education, training, and/or work experience in the area of specialization inherent to the position, may be required.
• Note: Master's Degree in an area consistent with the duties of the position may be substituted for one (1) year of work experience.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Previous business ownership with government contract experience.

2. Demonstrated understanding of IL Procurement Code.