ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, BUSINESS ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT (OFFICE OF THE CHIEF PROCUREMENT OFFICER) S[...]

Cook County Government; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an Associate Director for Business Enterprise Development to lead efforts in promoting equity and inclusion through Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises. This pivotal role involves overseeing operations, ensuring compliance with MBE/WBE goals, and fostering relationships with community stakeholders. The position offers an opportunity to make a significant impact in a vibrant urban environment, with a commitment to professional growth and a rewarding work atmosphere. Join a dynamic team dedicated to advancing diversity and inclusion in procurement processes while enjoying comprehensive benefits and a supportive work culture.

Benefits

Top Tier Medical Benefits

Flexible Teleworking Options

Generous Paid Time Off

Pension Plan

Financial Support Programs

Health/Wellness Perks

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher required with 4+ years in program management.
• Experience in contract administration or MBE/WBE management is essential.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily operations of the BED unit and supervise staff.
• Certify firms as MBE/WBE and promote minority business participation.
• Design outreach initiatives and ensure compliance with MBE/WBE goals.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Writing Skills

Organizational Skills

Leadership Skills

Problem-Solving Skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Job description

Job Description - ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, BUSINESS ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT (OFFICE OF THE CHIEF PROCUREMENT OFFICER) SHAKMAN EXEMPT (00136595)

Requisition ID

00136595

Job Posting

Apr 2, 2025, 9:52:21 PM

Closing Date

Ongoing Full-time

Shift Start Time: 8:30 A.M. Shift End Time: 4:30 P.M.

Organization

Offices Under the President

OVERVIEW

The Cook County Office of Procurement is seeking an Associate Director, Business Enterprise Development to advance equity and inclusion by championing Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MBE/WBE) through its Business Enterprise Development (BED) unit. This leadership role is essential in driving the implementation and compliance of MBE/WBE goals outlined in the County’s ordinance. As a key member of the BED leadership team, the manager oversees day-to-day operations, provides strategic guidance, and serves as a liaison between the unit, other County departments, elected officials, and community stakeholders.

Attention Applicants: Please note that as part of ongoing job architecture initiatives, the County is reviewing job titles and corresponding grades, which may be subject to change.

WHY PURSUE A CAREER WITH COOK COUNTY?

In addition to providing employees with a challenging, rewarding environment for career and personal growth, we are proud to also offer some of the best benefits in the public sphere, including:

• Top Tier Medical Benefits: Medical Plans, Prescription Drug Benefit, Dental Plans, Vision Plan and 7 Additional voluntary benefit plans
• Flexible Teleworking Options
• Generous, Flexible Paid Time Off (13 paid designated holidays; Minimum of 10 vacation days annually; Up to 4 personal days annually; and Paid sick leave)
• Pension Plan
• Financial Support Programs and Resources: Life Insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts – Dependent Day Care, Commuter Benefits, Discounted Parking, PSLF Eligibility, Deferred Compensation and Education Tuition Stipend
• Health/Wellness Perks: Flexible Spending Accounts-Health Care, Employee Assistance Program and MyHealth Connections wellness program.

Please review carefully the Employee Benefits page. For benefits questions contact Risk Management at 312-603-6385 or email [e-mail].

SNAPSHOT OF COOK COUNTY

• Serves 5.28 million residents of Chicago and its inner suburbs
  • 2nd largest county in America
  • Larger than 27 states
• Cook County employs over 22,000 employees who work in a variety of skilled jobs and trades.
  • Nearly 80% unionized workforce
  • 15 unions represented
  • 63 separate collective bargaining agreements
• Highway – Cook County maintains almost 600 miles of roads and highways.
• Land – Cook County assesses the value of more than 1.5 million parcels of taxable land and collects and distributes tax funds as a service for local government taxing bodies.
• Safety – Cook County provides vital services to local government, from conducting elections in suburban areas to offering 911 services in unincorporated areas and municipalities.

LOCATION

Located in the Loop District of downtown Chicago, one of the most formidable business districts in the world, the area has an astounding number of cultural foundations, stunning parks such as Millennial Park and Maggie Daley Park, steps away from the Chicago Riverwalk, award-winning restaurants, and plenty of shopping! In addition, Chicago is serviced by multiple bus and train lines for public transportation from the suburbs to the city, taxis are plentiful, public parking garages for motorists, and bicycle share rentals and local bike lanes for bicyclists.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

• Manages the daily operations of the BED unit. Supervises staff in the BED unit including hiring, training, and evaluating the work of staff in the unit.
• Recommends policies and procedures for the department and the MBE/WBE program.
• Certifies firms as MBE/WBE and works to increase the number of firms certified by the County. Participates in public outreach and community programs to promote the participation of minority and women owned businesses in procurement contract programs.
• Designs and implements outreach and training initiatives for internal and external stakeholders; educate internal and external agencies on the Cook County’s MBE/WBE Ordinance.
• Reviews County Board meeting agendas to ensure accuracy and clarity regarding MBE/WBE utilization on each contract and amendment.
• Ensures contracts are monitored effectively and reviews bid analysis forms.
• Evaluates BED unit operations and recommends strategies and policy revisions to improve program operations.
• Verifies that vendors are compliant with utilization plans and assists with contract dispute resolution related to MBE/WBE utilization.
• Informs applicants of non-responsive bids per the Cook County MBE/WBE Ordinance, detailing the deficiencies.
• Represents the Office of the Chief Procurement Officer by attending Local 73 Union meetings.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent analytical skills to elicit and evaluate information and draw conclusions from various sources.
• Good interpersonal relation skills. Must demonstrate the ability to be tactful and exercise diplomacy with diverse individuals.
• Possession of excellent writing skills; ability to clearly articulate, through written documents, a neutral analysis if investigations.
• Excellent organizational skills: demonstrated ability to handle a heavy caseload and coordinate various projects efficiently with attention to details.
• Ability to establish and maintain confidentiality exercise discretion in dealing with sensitive information.
• Ability to provide strategic leadership, insight, support, and direction to support the unit's mission and goals.
• Ability to solve complex problems that have a long-term impact on the unit and organization.
• Ability to implement the strategic vision of a department or organization-wide function.
• Ability to implement plans and objectives and oversee the efficiency and performance of specific processes and operations.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree or higher
• Four (4) years of program management in contract administration, certification, compliance, procurement, Minority-Owned Business Enterprise management, or directly related experience or
• OR an equivalent combination of professional work experience, training and education.

Preferred Qualifications

• Six (6) years of program management of contract administration, certification, compliance, procurement, Minority-Owned Business Enterprise management or directly related experience.
• Four years of previous management or supervisory experience.

Physical Requirements

Sedentary Work

Sedentary Work involves exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally or a negligible amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time.

The duties listed are not set forth for purposes of limiting the assignment of work. They are not to be construed as a complete list of the many duties normally to be performed under a job title or those to be performed temporarily outside an employee’s normal line of work.

EMPLOYMENT TERMS

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: Pursuant to the Shakman Consent Decree, Supplemental Relief Order and the Cook County Personnel Rules, this position is exempt from the County’s career service rules, is at-will and political reasons or factors may be considered when taking any employment action. As an employee in a Shakman Exempt Position, if you do not currently live in Cook County, you will have six (6) months from date of hire to establish actual residency within Cook County.