DIR IL APEX Accelerator/Cybersecurity Adviser

Position Title:  Director of the Illinois APEX Accelerator Center & Cybersecurity Adviser

Reports to:      Operations Director, Turner Center for Entrepreneurship

Appointment:   Full-Time (12 months) 

Status:             Exempt

The Turner Center for Entrepreneurship invites applications for the Director of the Illinois APEX Accelerator Center at Bradley University and Cybersecurity Adviser.

Established in 2001 by a gift from Robert and his wife Carolyn, the Turner Center for Entrepreneurship builds on the college’s historic strength in small business assistance.  The center combines educational, research and related programs and services to help entrepreneurs and family business owners create more successful businesses.  The Turner Center houses the Illinois APEX Accelerator (APEX), which assists area companies seeking to sell to local, state, and federal agencies.  The center also assists companies in securing subcontracts with prime contractors selling to the government.  In addition to the Illinois APEX Accelerator, the Turner Center houses the Illinois Small Business Development Center and Illinois SBDC International Trade Center, providing business training and technical assistance to start-ups and existing businesses by offering counseling and training programs.

The Director of the Illinois APEX Accelerator manages the operations of the Illinois APEX Accelerator, including client assistance, training, and grant management.  The center is funded through a cooperative agreement with the State of Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), the Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP), a division of the U.S. Department of Defense, and additional funding from Bradley University. First created as Procurement Technical Assistance Centers, Congress established the Procurement Technical Assistance Program (PTAP) in 1985 as a part of the Department of Defense (DOD) Authorization Act. The Illinois APEX Accelerator program operates under a cooperative agreement with the Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP), a division of the DOD.

The primary task of the Illinois APEX Accelerator Center Director is to: 

• Conduct on-site client surveys to assess a firm's potential to perform successfully in the federal, state, or local procurement market.
• Conduct research using reference material, government publications, and contacts with federal and non-federal buying installations to identify the segments of the government procurement market that match each firm's product mix and administrative and technical capabilities.
• Provide guidance to firms to help them complete required government forms and review government requirements and contract terms with firms and explain the meaning and significance of these requirements and terms.
• Follow up and assist in all aspects of government contracting from contract award through successful contract completion.
• Establish and maintain contacts within the federal, state, and local acquisition systems and call on these contacts to assist firms.
• Provide procurement leads to firms to market their products and/or services to federal, state, and local agencies.
• Provide specifications and standards to firms and assist them in understanding solicitation requirements.
• Develop and maintain relationships with area manufacturers seeking qualified suppliers for programs such as the Small Business Set-Aside or the Business Enterprise Program.
• Promote the Illinois APEX Accelerator programs and services through referral sources such as chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, public presentations and newsletters and other activities directed at current and potential contractors.
• Document Illinois APEX Accelerator Center-related activities and assist in preparing required reports and budgets. 

In addition to the APEX Accelerator Center Director role, this position also serves as a Cybersecurity Adviser to help businesses understand and demonstrate best practices supporting safe and secure cybersecurity strategies. In this role, the adviser will support clients of all Illinois APEX Accelerator Centers. A particular focus will be on U.S. government compliance mandates such as CMMC Level 1. The adviser will work with the Center for Cybersecurity at Bradley University Foster College of Business to access expertise and tools.

The APEX Accelerator Center Director reports to the Turner Center Director. The APEX Accelerator Center Director is a liaison to partner organizations. It facilitates building strong relationships with small businesses, area manufacturers, community economic development organizations, and procurement agencies such as state and federal entities.

Position Qualifications:  A Bachelor’s Degree is required, preferably in a business or a technical field.  In lieu of a bachelor’s degree, a candidate must have a minimum of two years’ experience with the APEX Accelerator program or five years’ experience with direct government procurement.  Candidates must possess strong oral and written communication skills; experience with basic computer programs, including office software and spreadsheets; and a sincere interest in working with client firms to assist in their growth and employment.  Prior experience with government procurement contracting experience and certification of suppliers is preferred.  Additionally, candidates for this position should have: 

• Basic knowledge of manufacturing, quality control and processes,
• Ability to master technical literature.
• General background in business management and/or small business ownership, purchasing and/or contract administration.
• Knowledge of Central Illinois government and non-government entities related to government procurement is preferred.

Some local, regional and national travel is required and must be capable of accessing facilities that may not be ADA accessible. There are also occasional commitments before 8 a.m. and after 5 p.m. and on weekends both off and on campus.

Qualified applicants should submit a cover letter addressing qualifications for the position, resume, and contact information for three professional references. 

Please submit all materials at the time of initial application.  Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.   

Bradley University offers a competitive benefits package including health, dental, vision, life and disability coverages, FSA, HSA, and retirement plan options. Bradley also offers significant higher education cost savings for employees and dependents through the Tuition Remission program. Information regarding our benefits can be found here: https://www.bradley.edu/offices/business/human-resources/benefits/ 

Bradley University is a top-ranked, private university in Peoria, Illinois, offering nearly 6,000 undergraduate and graduate student’s opportunities, choices, and resources to build their futures. Innovation, action, and collaboration drive Bradley students to generate ideas and create solutions that remake the world around them. Our comprehensive array of undergraduate and graduate academic programs includes business, communications, education, engineering, fine arts, health sciences, liberal arts and sciences, and technology.

Employment with Bradley University is contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check.  Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.  

Bradley University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. The administration, faculty and staff are committed to attracting qualified candidates from underrepresented groups.