Business Relations Specialist

• Identifies, contacts, and works with the different sectors of the community, school administrators, and the offices of elected officials, legislators, Local District Superintendents and regulatory agencies to engage them in the process of construction projects, as well as programs and initiatives of the Facilities Services Division and to notify them of community meetings and events.

• Implements community outreach strategic plans for assigned projects.
• Schedules, coordinates, organizes and attends outreach activities such as community meetings and events throughout the District to engage and inform the community regarding the Facilities Services Division’s construction projects, programs and initiatives.

• Informs and engages the community on the school construction process including site selection, California Environmental Quality Act and Environmental Protection Agency policies and procedures, acquisition and relocation, and design and construction issues.

• Provides information and written reports to Community Relations and Small Business Supervisors for presentations before the Board of Education, Bond Oversight Committee and other audiences.

• Leads and coordinates the efforts of various planning committee stakeholders for special events such as ground breakings, ribbon cuttings, and school openings, for the purpose of coordinating resources and monitoring event expenditures.

• Develops and maintains project files and contact databases for assigned projects.
• Assists in the development, marketing and execution of seminars and/or symposiums for contractors, architects, engineers, construction management professionals, and goods and service providers to increase competitiveness of the small business enterprise.

• Provides information to District personnel, community groups, business and trade organizations, education agencies, and the public concerning the procurement policies and procedures applicable to the Los Angeles Unified School District’s Procurement Services and the Facilities Services Division.

• Meets with general contractors, sub-contractors, and the local trade unions to arrange job placement and apprenticeship enrollment for “We Build” graduates on Los Angeles Unified School District projects.

• Monitors the “We Build” Program’s training programs at designated Division of Adult and Career Education Occupational and Skills Centers by reviewing trainee evaluations, skills progress, training track, and attendance records.

• Develops and maintains partnerships with District representatives, small businesses, trades unions, community and faith-based organizations, and local agencies to help support participation in the school building construction program and procurement services process including “We Build” students and graduates.

• Refers participants to other social services support programs and agencies as case warrants.
• Represents the District’s Small Business Enterprise at community events and meetings to provide information to prospective employers, small business owners, and other participants about eligibility requirements, training curriculum, business and contracting opportunities, and construction career opportunities with the District.

• Develops and maintains master calendar for LAUSD’s Small Business and Contractor Academy programs.

• Assists small businesses with navigating the certification process and working with offices within LAUSD to obtain information on upcoming bidding opportunities.

Requirements

• Graduation from a recognized college or university with a bachelor’s degree in public relations, community relations, urban planning, business administration, public administration or related field.

• Candidates who do not meet the education requirement may compensate experience on a year-for year basis for up to 2 years.

Experience

Minimum of four (4) years full time paid professional experience in a public or private agency related to performing community outreach activities, organizing outreach campaigns, field work for community-based organizations, coordinating with contractors in small business workforce development, including pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship trainings and compliance with state mandates apprenticeship placements and requirements.