JOB SUMMARY
The Director of Small and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (S/DBE) at Austin Transit Partnership develops, implements, and monitors all aspects of the organization’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program and initiatives to support small, and local business programs in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations and ATP’s plans and policies. Other duties include reporting on such programs to the Board of Directors, management, staff, and outside organizations, providing public information services and technical support and trainings, and conducting outreach to encourage participation, processing and resolving or making recommendations to management on DBE complaints, and monitoring DBE compliance by subrecipients and contractors. Reporting to the Senior Vice President, Procurement & Contract Management, for functions related to the DBE program and other small, and local business programs, this role is also ATP’s DBE Liaison Officer, reporting to the Executive Director operationally for DBE related issues.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
The essential duties and primary responsibilities below are intended to describe the general requirements of this job and are not intended to be an exhaustive statement of duties. Other duties may be assigned.
DBE Liaison Officer Duties and Responsibilities
- Serve as the DBE Liaison Officer with responsibility for developing, implementing and monitoring the DBE program, in coordination with the SVP, Procurement and Contracts Management and other appropriate management and officials, including gathering and reporting statistical data and other information as required by DOT/FTA; reviewing third party contracts and purchase requisitions for compliance with the DBE program; working with all departments to set overall annual goals; ensuring that bid notices and requests for proposals are available to DBEs in a timely manner; identifying contracts and procurements so that DBE goals are included in solicitations; analyzing ATP’s progress toward attainment and identifies ways to improve progress; participating in pre-bid meetings; advising management and the Board of Directors on DBE matters and achievement; ensuring that management is aware of the DBE policy and commitment to DBE participation, matters, and achievement.
- Oversee DBE information tracking, data analysis, and reporting by reviewing databases, preparing and analyzing statistical reports, assessing DBE utilization, performing contract compliance with DBE regulations, preparing various DBE related program updates for Board approval, submitting reports to the Board, management, staff, and appropriate outside agencies, and developing and maintaining data regarding the DBE Program.
- Conduct outreach, encourage participation, and provide technical assistance for DBEs, including providing DBEs with information and assistance in preparing bids; plan and participate in DBE training seminars; provide outreach to DBEs and community organizations to advise them of opportunities; maintain ATP’s updated directory on certified DBEs; attend related events.
- Provide public information services by preparing and distributing annual goal setting documents to various organizations, responding to requests for information pertaining to the DBE program, competing for ATP’s contracts with DBE requirements, scheduling and facilitating public review of the annual DBE goal setting proposals, providing technical supports regarding all aspects of the DBE program to vendors interested in or participating in the DBE program, planning, coordinating and conducting DBE and small business outreach events and conferences; process and resolve or make recommendations to management following DBE complaints.
- Monitor ATP’s contractors and subrecipients for DBE activities as required by ATP or federal, state, or local law to ensure compliance with implementing all required aspects of a DBE program.
- Work with contractors and subrecipients to provide technical guidance as well as identify and correct noncompliance.
Small Business Duties and Responsibilities
- Serve as the executive lead for ATP’s other small, and local business programs; responsible for developing, implementing, reviewing, and analyzing all aspects of such programs; developing the strategy for ATP’s outreach efforts to applicants and firms, employees, transportation-related organizations, and various community and business groups to advise on contract opportunities to encourage participation
- Monitor ATP’s use of local and small businesses and find unique and creative ways of maximizing the use of local and small businesses.
- Track and create detailed reports of ATP’s use of small and local businesses.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS-EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Public Administration, business administration, communications, or a related field.
- A minimum of eight (8) years of experience in procurement, contract compliance, contract management, regulatory compliance, or program administration. Experience in planning, organizing, and administering small business development programs, including experience in the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise area at the federal or state level or as a recipient of federal funds, is preferred.
- OR An equivalent combination of education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics consistent with the required qualifications
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES
- Expertise in customer relations, procurement, contract administration, and outreach strategies, with the ability to manage complex situations and maintain ATP’s positive image.
- Exceptional presentation skills and proficiency in PowerPoint and other communication tools.
- Strong team management skills, capable of harnessing the talents of diverse team members.
- Effective conflict management skills and advanced interpersonal abilities to navigate diverse socio- economic and cultural environments.
- Adept at producing professional documents.
- Must be proficient in using business and communications software, preferably Microsoft Office 365 which includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams
LEADERSHIP EXPECTATIONS
- Demonstrates visionary leadership in program administration, setting clear priorities and fostering an environment of transparency and collaboration.
- Recruit, develop, and mentor staff, promoting a culture of excellence and innovation in public involvement strategies.
- Effectively manage employee relations, ensuring a cohesive team dynamic and high levels of staff motivation and performance.
WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Work is generally performed in an office environment, but occasionally requires attendance at public meetings, stakeholder meetings, and/or job sites. ATP promotes a safe and healthy work environment and provides appropriate safety and equipment training for all employees as required.
COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY
ATP is committed to building a workplace where inclusion is valued. ATP is an equal opportunity employer and committed to creating a welcoming and diverse environment. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, pregnancy, age, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. ATP makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and organization needs at the time.
