Small Business Partnering Specialist at RTI Research Triangle Institute in Richmond, Virginia

Job Description:

RTI International is seeking a Small Business Partnering Specialist to perform pre-and post-award Small Business Subcontracting Program tasks; proactively engage with internal and external stakeholders in support of corporate growth strategies, captures, and proposal operations.  This individual will provide proactive support and stay engaged in internal Supplier Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (SupplierDEI) campaigns, and be an active participant in select client/community outreach functions, mostly in the Washington, DC metro area. 

The selected candidate will need to be able to work remotely from one of the following states: VA, MD, DE, NC; or Washington DC.

Primary duties include:

• As a client-centric team member, the incumbent supports various business development activities, including captures and proposals, as the small business partnering advocate and champion.  Improve our small business subcontracting support services by continuously adding value through the inclusion of small and diverse partners in pre-and post-award activities.


• Ability and willingness to play business development assistance/support role.  Support Small Business Office on various projects and tasks.  Ability and willingness to help deliver training content as well properly use a third-party and proprietary system. Ability to follow operational pre-award guidelines and consistently practice and support our program’s good faith efforts and initiatives. Supports a broad range of technical proposals funded by the U.S. Federal, State, and Local governments, commercial businesses, and non-governmental organizations. Collaborate with other operational groups to help implement new systems and/or processes. 


• Working to identify and promote small and diverse business partners through market research as well as participating in various outreach opportunities and events.


• Support Proposal teams by providing guidance on Small and Diverse business partnering requirements for state and local clients, Federal clients, and commercial clients.


• On a daily basis, proactively work to support our approach where SupplierDEI becomes a platform to grow versus an obstacle to overcome.


• Ensure compliance with applicable policies and procedures.


• Future career opportunities may include any of the following duties: Procure equipment, materials, services, and supplies necessary for the operation of the organization and in support of prime agreements.  Compile data to determine the feasibility of buying products. Compile information from periodicals, catalogs, and other sources to keep informed on price competitiveness. Recommend suppliers, analyze trends, follow up on orders placed, verify delivery, approve payment, and maintain necessary records. Negotiate and execute simple agreements.


• When it is safe to travel, per CDC and RTI travel guidelines, incumbent must have the ability to properly represent our office at client and small business community functions in Washington, DC and other venues; this may include public speaking opportunities, i.e., breakout session’s panel member/speaker; work at our trade show booth (includes setup and tear-down. 

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Accounting or related field; or equivalent years (4) of working/field experience.


• Excellent knowledge of MS Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel.


• Ability to multi-task;


• Ability to travel several times throughout the year to Washington, D.C., VA, MD, and/and NC (others if needed).


• Ability to work well with others and support our DEI values;


• Ability to listen and communicate well both verbally and in writing;


• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, project staff, suppliers, and clients;


• Proficient interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills;


• Ability to work independently within the scope of the job description;


• Knowledge of procurement/contracts principles and terminology as well as basics of contracts administration and finance or accounting;


• Ability to perform duties that require close attention to detail, to prioritize workload and follow tasks through to completion;


• Ability to obtain proper security clearances if required as noted by contracts;


• Ability to understand and negotiate procurement agreements;


• Ability to draft basic contracting terms.


• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States and not require visa sponsorship now or in the future.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Basic understanding of Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), preferred.


• Basic understanding of Federally funded contract proposal processes preferred.


• Knowledge of the Federal Small Business Act of 1958 and related regulatory impacts, preferred.