Business Development Specialist

Full Job Description

This position is located in the Small Business Administration, Office of Field Operations in Richmond, VA.

The incumbent provides information on the purpose of the 8(a) Business Development program, the eligibility requirements for participation in the program and explains the application process.

Specialized Experience for GS-09: One year of specialized experience, equivalent to the GS-07 grade level in the Federal service, obtained in either the private or public sector: assisting in reviewing, researching and referencing federal procurement laws, regulations, policies, and procedures; and participating in outreach, training, presentations and education on a variety of business management and financial management topics; and providing support to senior staff in promoting an organization's programs and services through outreach and marketing.

These qualifications must be clearly referenced in your resume.

OR EDUCATION (see EDUCATION SECTION of the vacancy announcement) Specialized Experience for GS-11: One year of specialized experience, equivalent to the GS-9 grade level in the Federal service, obtained in either the private or public sector: reviewing, researching and referencing federal procurement laws, regulations, policies, and procedures; and assisting and coordinating training, educating or developing businesses interested in working with the government or with prime contractors; and promoting an organization's programs and services through outreach and marketing These qualifications must be clearly referenced in your resume.

OR EDUCATION (see EDUCATION SECTION of the vacancy announcement)Additional information on the qualification requirements is outlined in the OPM Qualifications Standards Handbook of General Schedule Positions.

It is available for your review on OPM's Qualifications web site: General Business and Industry Series 1101 Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g.

Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social).

Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.

You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

TIME-IN-GRADE: If you are a current career or career-conditional federal employee applying for promotion under Merit Promotion you must have completed a minimum of 52 weeks in positions at the next level lower than the position being filled All qualification requirements must be met by 11:59 pm (Eastern Time) on 02/18/2026.

Major Duties:

As a Business Development Specialist, GS-1101-9/11, you will be responsible for: Under the supervision of a senior staff member the incumbent provides guidance to small businesses to aid in development of small business principles and strategies to enhance their ability to compete successfully for both 8(a) and non-8(a) contracts.

Focus on small business concerns eligible to apply for the 8(a) program and other SBA contract certification and business development programs.* Research and coordinate training related materials to meet the needs of small businesses and SBA organizations/agencies.

Under the supervision of a senior staff member the incumbent coordinates with the Office of Government Contracting Business Development as appropriate to meet compliance requirements.

Provide advice/counseling to assist firm in the development of realistic and attainable objectives for their business regarding federal contracting.

Provide advice, counsel and guidance in the areas of marketing to federal government and contract administration.

Under the supervision of a senior staff member the incumbent provides written guidance to small businesses to aid in development of small business principles and strategies.

Promotion Potential: The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met.

Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level.