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 disabilities****are 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.)