Program Associate, MWBD

Empire State Development, LLC; New York (NY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive Benefits Package

Job summary

Empire State Development, LLC is seeking a Program Associate to serve as the MWBD liaison for assigned agencies, ensuring MWBE reporting compliance and the use of MWBEs on state contracts. The role involves reviewing agency goal plans and quarterly utilization reports, conducting trainings, and assisting MWBD program reviews, with regular coordination with MWBD Division management.

Travel is required. Strong written and verbal communication, organizational skills, and MS Office proficiency are

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred; 3 years direct related experience may substitute.
• 1–3 years relevant experience required.
• Experience in economic development or MWBD context is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Serve as MWBD Program Associate to assigned agencies/authorities.
• Analyze agency/authority annual goal plans and quarterly utilization reports for compliance with Article 15-A and MWBD protocols.
• Attend periodic meetings with agencies/authorities to discuss MWBD reporting and needs; report and recommend follow-up.
• Assist in MWBD program reviews of contracts, documents, and procurement records to assess compliance.
• Monitor and conduct periodic surveys related to 15-A programs.
• Plan and conduct training, orientation and technical assistance on MWBD reporting and compliance.
• Help agencies search the MWBE database to locate qualified firms.
• Identify agencies to be placed on remedial plans or enhanced technical assistance; monitor progress and report.
• Perform other special projects as required; travel will be required.

Skills

Communication skills

Verbal communication

Organizational skills

Multitasking

Problem solving

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

3 years related experience may substitute

Tools

MS Office Suite

Job description

Basic Function

Under the general direction of the Minority and Women’s Business Development (MWBD) Director of Agency Services, the Program Associate will act as primary MWBD associate for assigned agencies/authorities regarding their MWBE reporting and related procurement activities as determined by New York State Executive Law Article 15-A and related regulations, and the MWBD Division, concerning the utilization of certified MWBEs on state contracts.

Work Performed

• Serve as MWBD Program Associate to assigned agencies/authorities.
• Receive, analyze, and evaluate, and conduct primary review and take corrective actions on agency/authority annual goal plans and quarterly utilization reports for compliance with Executive Law Article 15-A, MWBD Division protocols, and other related sources of law and policy pertaining to the MWBD program.
• Attend periodic meetings with agencies/authorities to discuss MWBD reporting and related progress and needs. Report and provide recommended follow-up to MWBD Division management.
• Upon request by the Director of Agency Services, assist in the conducting of MWBD program reviews of agency/authority contracts, documents, and procurement records to assess compliance with Article 15-A and associated regulations, related laws, rules, and MWBD Division directives.
• Monitor and conduct periodic surveys related to agency/authority 15-A programs.
• Plan and help conduct training, orientation and technical assistance programs for agencies/authorities regarding MWBD reporting and compliance, including the use of the New York State Contract System (and any successor system), agency/authority program responsibilities under Article 15-A (such as MWBD related procurement practices and reporting protocols); and policies and practices relating to new initiatives.
• Help train and assist agencies/authorities with searching the database of certified MWBEs to locate qualified firms for their procurements.
• Identify those agencies/authorities that are to be placed on remedial plans or other MWBD Division enhanced technical assistance initiatives and, upon request by the Director of Agency Services, and/or Executive Director, issue notices of such requirement to said agencies/authorities. Then meet with, monitor, make recommendations and report on agencies/authorities’ remedial plans or enhanced technical assistance initiative progress.
• Perform other special projects as reasonably required by the Director of Agency Services or Executive Director.
• Travel will be required.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree preferred. Minimum of 3 years of direct related experience may be substituted.

Relevant Experience Required: Minimum of 1-3 years of relevant experience. Experience working in economically distressed communities or with Minority or Woman-Owned Business Enterprises economic development program or audit/compliance experience is a plus.

Knowledge Required: Strong written and verbal communications and interpersonal skills; excellent organizational skills with high level of accuracy and attention to detail; ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment; excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to respond effectively to unexpected challenges; ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and independently with minimal supervision; proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel and PowerPoint.)

Additional Comments

Salary range as specified.

Comprehensive Benefits Package.

Minorities, women, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Please contact Human Resources if you require an accommodation.