Our mission is to create systems that increase individual and community access to information, knowledge, and financial opportunities that help people thrive economically. We work across sectors and industries with a focus on offering holistic approaches and holistic solutions to economic access and opportunity.
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Who We Are
Who We Are
Our mission is to create systems that increase individual and community access to information, knowledge, and financial opportunities that help people thrive economically. We work across sectors and industries with a focus on offering holistic approaches and holistic solutions to economic access and opportunity.
Strong & Starlike Consulting, Inc. (Strong & Starlike) provides two types of services: (1) Consulting and (2) Educational. Our consulting services focus on building more programs, policies, and practices that are people centered; research driven; and data informed with an ultimate impact goal that our finished product may lead to more people in more communities thriving. Our educational offerings seek to expand industry knowledge and community access on issues pertaining to economic access and opportunity.
To find out more about Strong & Starlike, please visit www.strongandstarlike.com
Position Overview
Position Overview
We are looking for a full-time entry-level Certification & Outreach Specialist I. The Certification & Outreach Specialist I is responsible for protecting the integrity of small business certification programs by ensuring that only qualified business enterprises are certified. The position also assists interested businesses in learning more about certification and the process through various outreach efforts.
Position Details
Position Details
Department: Consulting
Location: Hybrid (Work from Home / Some in Person Meetings and Events)
Hours: Full time 40 hours / week.
Salary Range: $18-25/hour (based on experience)
Applicant State of Residence: Minnesota
What You Will Do On the Job
What You Will Do On the Job
Audit all certification applications (new, reciprocal, and re-certifications) to determine program eligibility, reviews requests for certification based on agreements with other certifying bodies, and reviews classification code amendment requests;
Analyze the application form and the accompanying documentation supplied by the applicant and requests missing or additional information from the applicant as necessary;
May conduct phone interviews or in person interviews of business owners and conduct site visits of applicant firms to confirm application information and to determine program eligibility;
Prepare necessary reports to document findings of fact and to make recommendations, references the governing procedures and policies to support findings;
Present findings and recommendations to the Certification Review Team and participates in team decision making;
Prepares preliminary denial letters as needed for the review of the Chief Operating Officer and/or Chief Executive Officer;
Identify and assign appropriate industry classification codes for eligible firms;
Prepare correspondence to internal and external customers regarding program information;
Serve as a witness at hearings appealing denial decisions;
Communicate with internal and external customers in writing and via phone, fax, e-mail, and in- person;
Confer with co-workers and supervisor regarding certification issues;
Enter requisite application information into electronic database;
Create and/or present program information for workshops, seminars, etc.
Manage recurring virtual and in person certification applicant workshops and outreach events with businesses and others in the field;
Complete special projects as assigned;
Provide training and technical assistance on topics related to Strong & Starlike’s consulting and educational services;
Collaborate with project team members to develop high-impact insights and recommendations in response to real-world questions brought to us by clients and/or challenges facing the broader field;
Perform all work in a culturally responsive manner consistent with Strong & Starlike’s mission;
Make recommendations to leadership for streamlining systems and processes;
Respond to customer service calls, questions, and messages within customer service standard timelines set by clients;
Creating materials for community engagements and facilitating such engagements; and
Other duties as directed based on the needs of the organization and assigned by management.
What Education & Experiences Are Required for the Job?
What Education & Experiences Are Required for the Job?
Bachelor’s degree (or pursuing a degree) in business, political science, public or business administration, sociology or other fields with an emphasis on research.
In lieu of a Bachelor’s degree, an Associate’s degree with 2 years of experience
In lieu of an Associate’s degree 5 years of relevant experience.
In lieu of an Associate’s degree 10 years of experience in government procurement compliance
What Additional Education & Experiences Are Preferred ?
What Additional Education & Experiences Are Preferred ?
Familiarity with in applying statutes and regulations to make determinations about eligibility and using applicable provisions to support the determination;
Proven ability to develop and maintain significant rapport with customers and clients;
Proven ability to understand, interpret, and apply applicable federal and state laws and regulations;
Proven ability to review, interpret, and analyze complex business and legal documents;
Proven ability to reach detailed, logical conclusions utilizing critical thinking strategies;
Proven ability to provide deliverables and to meet established deadlines
Strong interest and commitment to advancing access, justice, and equal economic opportunity is desired.
What You Will Gain In Working With Us
What You Will Gain In Working With Us
Flexible work from home structure
Opportunities for paid professional development (ex: conferences, certificate programs)
Sick Leave (parameters dependent upon geographic location)
Vision insurance
Dental insurance
Health reimbursement
Retirement options
Mentorship
Opportunities for advancement
Possibility for discretionary year-end profit-sharing bonuses
Location & Travel
Location & Travel
Strong & Starlike operates out of Minnesota and Maryland. In person client and team meetings may occasionally necessitate travel.
How to Apply
How to Apply
Interested applicants must live in Minnesota. Please submit the following:
Your resume (required);
A one-page cover letter explaining why you want to be selected for the position (required); and
A work or writing sample that may demonstrate your abilities (optional)
Note “Certification & Outreach Specialist I” in the "Position Applying for with Strong & Starlike" field through the form HERE. Applications accepted until the position is filled.
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