Working Title: APEX Accelerator Area Manager
Job Class: State Program Administrator, Intermediate
Agency: Administration Dept
- Job ID: 97608
- Location: St. Paul
- Telework Eligible: Yes
- Full/Part Time: Full-Time
- Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
- Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
- Date Posted: 10/09/2026
- Closing Date: Open until filled. First review of applications/resumes to begin after 11/02/2026.
- 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: 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 Metro 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).
This position administers the provisions of Minnesota Statutes Ch. 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 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.
How To Apply
Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.
Contact
If you have questions about this position, contact Ly Her at ly.her@state.mn.us or 651-201-2434.
To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title, and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Ly Her at ly.her@state.mn.us.
About The Department Of Administration
The Department of Administration is a core service agency serving the Governor, Legislature, state agencies, local governments, and the public. Our mission is to provide leadership, innovation, solutions, and support to help our partners succeed. To learn more about us, please visit mn.gov/admin.
Working together to improve the state we love.
What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?
- A sense of purpose in their work
- Connection with their coworkers and communities
- Opportunities for personal and professional growth
Benefits
As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.
Your Benefits May Include
- Paid vacation and sick leave
- 12 paid holidays each year
- Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
- Fertility care, including IVF
- Diabetes care
- Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
- 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
- Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
- Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
- Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
- Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
- Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being
Support To Help You Reach Your Career Goals
- Training, classes, and professional development
- Tuition reimbursement
- Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) For Work/life Support
- A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
- Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
- Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care
Programs, resources, and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS
Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.
Applicants With Disabilities
Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.
