OVERALL DESCRIPTION

Function as lead liaison to the Office of Business Advancement & Engagement Management team, in the day-to-day outreach, implementation, administration, and evaluation of SEPTA’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program in accordance with federal, state and local requirements. Ensure that socially and economically disadvantaged business enterprises (DBEs) and Small Business Enterprises (SBEs) are provided an equal opportunity to participate in the design, construction, operation and procurements of contracts, goods and services through goal setting initiatives and creative outreach efforts.

Serve as senior DBE Program liaison for all major small business outreach and engagements and special assignments. Provide training and quality assurance supervision in completing critical DBE Program workflow products. Develop, promote and coordinate training sessions, technical assistance and networking activitie

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Oversee and develop a comprehensive Small Business Outreach Plan, Strategic Plan, Charter, Calendar of Events and Measurable Participation Goals to sustain small business participation in Federally funded contracting opportunities within the Authority.

2. Identify and build relationships with small businesses, potential DBE and SBE firms, trade associations, local legislative branches, community organizations and internal stakeholders to promote upcoming contracting opportunities and how to do business with SEPTA.

3. Design and tailor a comprehensive Outreach Annual Report Summary, a 30 and 90 days follow up engagement tracking process and an event sponsorship strategy.

4. Plan and host workshops and seminars.

5. Administers the DBE Program to ensure equal opportunity to DBEs/SBEs in SEPTA’s contracts and purchases in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations.

6. Interprets, develops and implements DBE Program policies and procedures in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations.

7. Functions as lead DBE Program liaison on all major projects and special assignments requiring advanced knowledge, experience and independent decision making.

8. Develops, promotes and coordinates outreach, training sessions, technical assistance and networking activities for DBEs/SBEs and prime contractors.

9. Coordinates the development, publication and dissemination of DBE newsletters, informational brochures and handbooks concerning the DBE Program.

10. Provides expert technical assistance to internal and external customers on DBE Program issues.

11. Conducts presentations and prepares correspondence relative to the DBE Program operations and procedures.

12. Performs other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college/university in Public/Business Administration, Management or Economics, with a minimum of six (6) years direct experience in a minority or small business development, technical assistance, procurement, administration or grant management program required, which includes in-depth knowledge of federal, state and local regulations, and requirements pertaining to DBE Utilization and/or similar programs.
• An equivalent combination of experience and education (i.e., two (2) years of related experience, equating to one (1) year of formal post high school education) may be considered in lieu of the above degree requirement.
• Must have strong analytical, written and verbal communication, research, records management, organization, and analytical skills. 
• Advanced ability in the operation of personal computer and standard office software required.

IDEAL QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Experience in small business development/technical assistance, procurement or outreach preferred.
• Knowledge of federal, state and/or local regulations and requirements pertaining to DBE utilization or similar programs preferred.