MWBE Project Specialist

This position is responsible for projects that will encourage growth in the County’s strategic diversity and inclusion efforts. 

Guilford County seeks a highly skilled, innovative, and enthusiastic project specialist capable of implementing projects that will create next level growth in the County’s strategic diversity and inclusion efforts. This individual will be a dynamic, transformative leader, capable of managing projects that result in organizational excellence and positive impacts for the community. The ability to, implement projects through a strategic diversity and inclusion lens will be critical. Work may require evening and weekend work assignments for some community outreach events/ activity. Work performed under the general supervision of the MWBE Program Director.

Essential duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Identify projects for business process and policy improvements through application of internal controls framework and continuous improvement strategies.
• Identify and implement projects that support capacity building, identification of emerging industries, and cultivation / promotion of small businesses.
• Manage projects related to disparity study initiatives, outcomes, and recommendations and internal constituencies on operational and policy matters.
• Design, and implement projects to improve the program’s various compliance processes.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders and organizations to manage projects impacting the vendor community.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of county management, other governmental officials, employees, and the public.
• Other duties as assigned.

RECRUITMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge and experience in Public procurement systems and processes.
• Knowledge and experience in procurement/contracting laws and regulations.
• Knowledge of NC General Statutes and guidelines for federal, state and local procurement and inclusion laws, as well as contracting methodologies that support diverse inclusion.
• In-depth knowledge and understanding of diversity and inclusion issues and best practices.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to effectively express ideas on technical subjects clearly and concisely orally and in writing.
• Ability to use common office machines, including computer hardware and software, printer, scanner, fax machine, telephone, calculator.
• Ability to determine, recommend, and manage projects.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing and make effective presentations; and
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with county staff, elected officials, the community, and other stakeholders and partners.
• Demonstrated minority, women, and small business enterprise initiatives and outcomes.
• Demonstrated interpersonal, collaboration, leadership, management and supervision skills.
• Demonstrated competencies of emotional and cultural intelligence.

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited college or university with major course work in Business Administration, Public Administration, Urban Planning, Finance, Accounting, Engineering, Construction or related field and 2 years of considerable and progressively responsible work experience with diversity programs, MWBE or procurement; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the essential job duties.

Preferred Qualifications

Professional credential training and/or certifications necessary to support organizational change.

Experience in a governmental setting is preferable.

Physical Demands and Work Conditions
 Work is sedentary.  Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to do the work.  However, there may be some walking, standing, bending, carrying of light items such as papers, books, small parts, driving and automobile, outside work for site visitation, or use of a PC to accomplish work objectives.  No specific physical demands required.  Mental demands and normal stress regarding achieving work deadlines are present.

May Require Driving 

This position may require driving for this position whether driving a County owned or personal vehicle to conduct county business such as but not limited to attending conferences, meetings, outreach events, or any other county related functions.   Motor Vehicle Reports may be verified for valid driver’s license and that the driving record is compatible with the county’s driving criteria. 

If a personal vehicle is operated for county business proper insurance is maintained as per Guilford County’s vehicle use policy. 

Special Note: This generic class description gives an overview of the job class, its essential job functions and recommended job requirements.  However, for each individual position assigned to this class, there is available a completed job description with physical abilities checklist which can be reviewed before initiating a selection process.  They can provide additional detailed information on which to base various personnel actions and can assist management in making legal defensible personnel decisions.

Salary : $59,118 - $70,942