Program Associate, MWBE

• *Applicants MUST submit a cover letter with resume to be considered.
• *This position will require in-office presence. Hybrid work schedules may be possible based on specific job duties and consistent with ESD policy.
• *Minorities, women, and individuals with disabilitiesare encouraged to apply. Please contact Human Resources if you require an accommodation.

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.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

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.)