Contracting Counselor, APEX
Date Posted: Jan 13, 2026
Requisition ID: 470878
Location:
Indianapolis, IN, US, 46204
Work for Indiana
Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.
About Indiana Economic Development Corporation :
Bring your biggest and boldest ideas to life as an employee of the IEDC. We are a fast-paced and forward-thinking team charged with pursuing economic development opportunities for current and future Hoosiers in our state and around the world. Our culture embodies the spirit of being bold and working collaboratively to create the economy of the future.
The IEDC is organized as a public private partnership led by the Secretary of Commerce and governed by a board chaired by the Governor of Indiana.
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation has been recognized as one of the 2023, 2024, and 2025 Top Workplaces by Indianapolis Star.
Role Overview:
The mission of the Indiana APEX Accelerator program is to assist Indiana small businesses identify, compete for and win military and government contracts thereby creating a positive and measurable impact on Indiana's economy. The counselor's role is to prepare Indiana businesses to sell their products or services to the government or military through no cost confidential counseling services, workshops and trainings. The counselor will serve the central region of the state.
Salary Statement:
The salary range for this position is $63,787 - $65,000 annually but may be commensurate with education or work experience.
A Day in the Life:
Provide one-on-one counseling to guide business owners through the process of completing required government forms for procurement opportunities, including certification and bidding in federal, state and local government and major prime contractor markets.
Provide guidance to business owners on various federal contracting requirements including CMMC.
Assist small businesses to determine their market niche in procurement opportunities with government entities and corporations.
Provide connections to clients on business opportunities.
Review bid opportunities including the use of BidMatching service.
Notify clients of bid opportunities, distribute to clients.
Schedule and host training workshops.
Counsel business owners on managerial and technical aspects of expanding small businesses into the government sector.
Facilitate and make referrals between entrepreneurs and professional service providers, referring clients, as appropriate to multiple partners.
Consult with government agencies and large corporations regarding procurement assistance programs for small business owners.
Hold routine monthly office hours in various locations throughout the region as well as client on site visits.
Travel routinely throughout the geographic area served.
Attend various outreach and networking events throughout the region.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
What You'll Need for Success:
Qualifications:
Education:
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in business, accounting, sales and marketing or a related field or equivalent procurement or business experience
Experience:
3 years of experience with progressively responsible positions in business and/or industry management
Experience in the following computer systems: Excel, Word, PowerPoint,
Maintain working knowledge of federal, state, and local contracting laws, regulations, certifications and rules
Knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR); various FAR Supplements; government contracting principles, tools, concepts, and contract @types; GSA acquisitions tools, schedules, purchasing programs, etc.; System for Award Management (SAM) registration, and small business certifications
Managing long term client engagements and projects
Experience in both private and public sector
Public speaking and/or teaching experience
Strong communication skills
Preferred Experience & Qualifications:
Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act Certifications (Level 1, 2, or 3) and/or equivalent contracting certifications
Previous Federal or State Acquisition/Procurement Experience
Direct experience providing information, advice, counsel and training to business is preferred
Skills:
Identify Client's needs - ask questions to determine specific needs of the customer
Analysis and Judgment - ability to analyze documents and situations and make reasonable judgments about next steps
Client Education - help client understand processes and procedures that will enable them to meet their goals
Persuasive Presentations -make compelling presentations. This includes both content and delivery
Networking - ability to build relationships with a variety of people
Team Orientation - ability to work in and support group activity
Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:
The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:
Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
180 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
Up to 16 hours of paid community service leave
Combined 192 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
Education Reimbursement Program
Group life insurance
Referral Bonus program
Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
Free Parking for most positions
Free LinkedIn Learning access
Equal Employment Opportunity:
The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.
Current Employee? Click here (https://performancemanager8.successfactors.com/sf/careers/jobsearch?bplte_company=indianaoff) to apply.
