APEX Accelerator Area Manager - State Program Administrator Intermediate

State of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 54,000 - 79,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Minnesota's APEX Accelerator is seeking an Area Manager to provide technical and marketing guidance to Minnesota businesses seeking government contracts. You will assess market opportunities, develop marketing strategies, and assist with registrations and certifications to win federal, state, and local contracts.

The role involves travel up to 10% and a hybrid telework arrangement, with occasional on-site meetings as required.

Qualifications

• 1 year of experience in legal, business, diversity, or government contract work.
• Bachelor's degree may substitute for one year of experience.
• Associate's degree may substitute for six months of experience.
• Strong communication to present to diverse audiences.
• Ability to research government marketplace and online systems.
• Ability to translate complex material into concise curriculum for adults.
• Analytical reading of data and contract language.
• Proficient with Excel and Word.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical and marketing assistance to Minnesota businesses seeking government contracts.
• Assess current market position and capabilities of companies.
• Develop and recommend marketing or business strategies to increase government sales.
• Provide technical solutions for contracting issues and registrations.

Skills

Communication skills

Independent research

Data interpretation

PC tools

Public speaking

Team collaboration

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor's degree (IT/economics/business)

Associate's degree substitution

Tools

NeoSerra / APEX CRM

SAM

Certify.SBA.Gov

Job description

• Working Title: APEX Accelerator Area Manager
• Job Class: State Program Administrator, Intermediate
• Agency: Administration Dept
• Job ID: 95416
• Location: Southern Metro/Southern Minnesota
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 07/14/2026
• Closing Date: Open until filled. First review of applications/resumes to begin after 08/03/2026.
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Administration Dept / Administration-MAPE
• Division/Unit: APEX Accelerator
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes - up to 10%
• Salary Range: $26.12 - $37.91 / hourly; $54,538 - $79,156 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Non-exempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/): Yes

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

This position covers the Southern Metro/Southern Minnesota area.

Minnesota APEX Accelerator (formerly known as PTAC - Procurement Technical Assistance Center) provides technical and marketing assistance to all Minnesota businesses interested in selling their products and services to the federal, state, and local government entities. We provide the necessary tools to be competitive in the contracting arena. Using market identification, registration assistance, contracting regulations/compliance assistance and on-going technical support, APEX Accelerator helps businesses navigate through the complicated intricacies of obtaining federal, state, and local government contracts. Staff is located throughout the state to better assist all of Minnesota. APEX Accelerator staff advises and assists clients in the identification of market opportunities as well as the preparation and proper submission of applications, certifications, and registrations necessary for them to do business with all levels of government. APEX Accelerator celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We encourage applicants of all cultures and backgrounds to apply! Learn more at APEX Accelerators/Minnesota.gov (mn.gov) (https://mn.gov/admin/business/vendor-info/apexaccelerator/).

This position administers the provisions of Minnesota Statutes Chap. 16C.16 (https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/16C.16) related to targeted groups (i.e., small, minority, veteran, women, and disadvantaged businesses) by providing technical and marketing assistance to Minnesota businesses in support of selling products and services to the government marketplace. This position assists businesses to initiate or expand government sales, assess current market position and capabilities of companies, develop and recommend a marketing or business strategy to increase government sales, and provide technical assistance and solutions to government contracting issues.

This position is eligible for up to a 50% hybrid telework arrangement. With a telework arrangement, additional onsite attendance may be required for team meetings or as requested by management to meet business needs. Completion of a telework agreement will be required. Please review the Telework Policy (https://mn.gov/mmb-stat/policies/1422-telework.pdf) for details.

In addition, traveling of up to 5% throughout Minnesota and some out-of-state will be required. Depending on business needs, traveling of up to 10% may be necessary.

Minimum Qualifications

The following qualifications are required of all applicants seeking consideration for this position. Only applicants whose application materials clearly demonstrate fulfillment of each of these minimum qualifications will be considered for the position.

• One (1) year of experience in the field(s) of legal, business, diversity, or government contract work.
• A Bachelor's degree in information technology, economics, business, or related field may be substituted for one (1) year of experience as described.
• An Associate's degree as specified may be substituted for six (6) months of experience as described.
• Strong communication skills to make professional presentations in front of various sized and diverse audiences.
• Ability to conduct independent research of government marketplace and online government systems (i.e., registrations, history, etc.).
• Ability to learn complicated material and create concise curriculum for adult learners.
• Demonstrated proficiency in analyzing and interpreting data and contract language.
• Skilled in the use of various common PC tools, i.e., databases, spreadsheets (Microsoft Excel) and word processing (Microsoft Word).
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision as well as collaboratively within a team environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Corporate or small business experience.
• Working knowledge of governmental procurement registrations, programs, regulations, processes, administration, and marketing.
• Ability to obtain certifications through the National APEX Accelerator Alliance (NAPEX), Project Management Professional certification, and/or Federal Contracts Manager certification, etc.
• Experience with NeoSerra (i.e., APEX Accelerator reporting system) or similar CRM, System for Award Management (SAM), Certify.SBA.Gov, etc.
• Ability to navigate Woman Owned, Minority Owned, and Veteran Owned Small Business requirements and certification.
• Knowledge of small business operations, especially in the area of financing, insurance, bonding, and market analysis.
• Experience working with people from varied cultural backgrounds and for whom English may be a second language.

Additional Requirements

Successful applicants must pass a criminal background check through American Databank and employment reference checks prior to employment. A criminal history does not automatically disqualify an applicant, and each case will be reviewed individually in alignment with fair hiring practices.

Applicants must possess a valid driver's license with acceptable motor vehicle record or have reliable transportation.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email [e-mail] . Please indicate what assistance is needed.