City of Charlotte Home

Small Business Program Specialist #2408-351600-01

Date Opened
Friday, August 02, 2024 8:00 AM
Close Date
Sunday, August 25, 2024 11:59 PM
Section
Charlotte Business Inclusion Office
Salary
  • $68,000 - $72,000 Commensurate With Experience
Go Back View Benefits

Introduction

The City of Charlotte is renowned for its commitment to creating an inclusive, diverse, and competitive business environment.  This dedication is crucial in enhancing the participation and success of Minority, Women, and Small Business Enterprises (MWSBEs) within city contracting. These efforts are central to promoting economic growth and sustainability throughout Charlotte.  To further these goals, the Office of Charlotte Business Inclusion (CBI) seeks a dedicated and experienced Small Business Program Specialist.

Overview

The City of Charlotte is the largest municipality in North Carolina and the 15th largest city in the United States, with a total population of more than 897,000 citizens. A major commerce center, Charlotte hosts several of the nation’s largest banks and technology companies.

Also known as the Queen City, Charlotte is home to the Carolina Panthers, the Charlotte Hornets and the NASCAR Hall of Fame. We work hard to ensure that the community will be a winning city for everyone – a truly remarkable place to live, work, learn and play. Join us in helping to keep our City thriving, ensuring upward mobility and advancement in the workplace.

Function

Professional

Summary

Under the direction of the Charlotte Business Inclusion (CBI) Business Inclusion Officer, the Small Business Program Specialist is responsible for performing the certification and verification process for diverse suppliers as outlined in the City Council adopted Charlotte Business Inclusion Policy.  The CBI Policy seeks to enhance competition in City contracting and procurement opportunities for Minority, Women, and Small Business Enterprises (MWSBEs) headquartered in the Charlotte Combined Statistical Area.

Work involves collaboration with City departments and the diverse business community to communicate, educate, and engage stakeholders in meeting Policy objectives.  Work involves the exercise of initiative; ability to review, gather and analyze data; make sound business decisions based on the CBI Policy; and the ability to communicate effectively.  Work assignments are generally received by written or oral communications and are performed under general supervision.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

Strategy Development & Implementation:
  • Apply knowledge of supplier diversity principles to assist in the development and implementation of strategic and business opportunities for diverse vendors.
  • Provide strategic recommendations, along with specific actions, to increase MWSBE certifications/registrations and spending opportunities.
  • Partner with City Departments to proactively identify, recruit, and certify/register MWSBEs in the City's vendor management system and supplier diversity software.
  • Develop methods to identify barriers in recruiting MWSBEs, recommend corrective actions, and assist in the overall achievement of MWSBE initiatives.
Relationship Management:
  • Build strategic relationships and develop opportunities for dialogue with key stakeholders, prime suppliers, and diverse suppliers.
  • Proactively identify MWSBE vendors in support of the City's current and future spend opportunities.
  • Represent the CBI Office at meetings, workshops, and seminars.
  • Perform outreach activities directed toward engaging the diverse business community.
  • Perform in-house outreach activities directed toward Department professionals at various levels.
Technical Expert:
  • Process the City's SBE certification and recertification process and MWBE registration process, staying abreast of certification best practices and issues.
  • Provide technical direction to others, as required, to meet organizational goals of increasing MWSBE spending.
  • Monitor MWSBE certification/registration process to ensure application of the CBI Policy.
  • Assist in developing and creating formal documentation of certification compliance, practices, and procedures in support of the CBI Policy.
  • Conduct investigations of policy violations and prepare investigative report findings.
Results Analysis & Support:
  • Review, gather, and analyze certification documentation in support of SBE and MWBE certification and eligibility per the CBI Policy.
  • Prepare correspondence, reports, and other supportive documentation to City Departments, City Council, and legislature on MWSBE participation and other initiatives.
  • Provide data to support strategies and drive results.
  • Operate with a sense of urgency, diligence, and accuracy.
Charlotte Business Inclusion Advisory Committee Liaison:
  • Administer communications between city staff and committee members.
  • Schedule meetings (in-person and virtual).
  • Take meeting notes and perform other essential duties.



Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

  • Demonstrated knowledge of supplier diversity programs, preferably SBE/MWBE Programs, laws and regulations, and policies and procedures.
  • Strong business and analytical skills, including financial reporting, strategic planning, and industry knowledge.
  • Ability to analyze information and draw logical and objective conclusions; perform investigations; interpret and apply laws and regulations, policy and procedures.
  • Excellent written and presentation skills, and excellent people and communication skills needed for vendor relations and community involvement.
  • Commitment to diversity and inclusion and continual personal learning and growth.
  • Perform other work as required.
  • Some travel required within the Charlotte region, including occasional travel within a 100-mile radius of North Carolina.

Preferred Qualification

  • Experience with diversity and business inclusion in purchasing and contracting preferred.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Undergraduate degree required in business, public administration, economics, or a closely aligned field preferred.
  • Experience with diversity and business inclusion in purchasing and contracting preferred.
  • Must have a valid driver’s license.

Conditions of Employment

The City’s Background Check Policy requires background checks to be conducted on final internal or external candidate(s) applying for any position with the City of Charlotte. The type of information that will be collected as part of a background check includes, but is not limited to: reference checks, social security verification, education verification, criminal conviction record check, and, if applicable, a credit history check, sex offender registry and motor vehicle records check.

Background checks must be in compliance with all federal and state statutes, such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The checks must be consistent with the guidelines set forth by these laws requiring organizations to obtain a candidate’s written authorization before obtaining a criminal background report, motor vehicle records check or credit report; and to properly store and dispose of information derived from such reports.

Final candidates must pass a pre-employment drug-screening test. During the selection process, candidates may be asked to take a skills test, and/or participate in other assessments.

The City of Charlotte is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

How To Apply

Apply online.

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job.

You are welcome to visit the City of Charlotte Human Resources Department lobby where we have workstations available. Our office is located at 700 East 4th Street, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28202. Our hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (EST), excluding official City holidays.

Anyone seeking an accommodation to apply for a job may call (704) 336-2285 for assistance or you may email questions to CityHrJobPostingsNotify@ci.charlotte.nc.us.

Benefits

The City of Charlotte provides a comprehensive benefits package to all employees.

Click here to learn more about the City of Charlotte’s benefits.

The City of Charlotte is a drug and alcohol-free workplace.

In Conclusion

If you have technical issues submitting your application, click here.