Description

About the Role

Reporting to the Assistant Director - Compliance Management in the Business Diversity Unit of the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (ODEI), the selected candidate will be responsible for monitoring the Minorities, Women and Small Business Enterprises (MWSBEs), Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and/or Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses (MWBE/ DBE/ SDVOB) participation performance for all agency contracts and agreements to ensure compliance with approved participation plans and/or contract goals. The Port Authority has a long-standing commitment to maximize business opportunities available to minorities, women, and small business enterprises (MWSBEs) and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses (SDVOB) in the New York/New Jersey region. The Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion has responsibility for overall administration of the Port Authority's MWSBE and federal Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) programs.

• Responsible for ODEI's efforts associated with the oversight of MWBE/DBE, SDVOB and SBE participation performance on projects/contracts to ensure compliance with approved participation plans and/or contract participation goals.
• Use monthly dashboard and/or reports to determine whether contracts are meeting approved participation plans and goals and work with the departments and contract managers to develop corrective actions, if necessary, to address performance shortfalls.
• Monitor prime contractor MWSDBE and SDVOB goal attainment relative to commitment and recommend corrective action where appropriate. Prepare MWSDBE reports to communicate participation performance results to the agency departments.
• Attend pre-construction and project kick-off meetings to ensure that prime contractors are aware of post contract award of MWBE/DBE, SDVOB and SBE participation requirements.
• Attend contract progress meetings to ensure the contract approved participation plans and/or contract goals are being met.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including Line and Staff departments to review, evaluate and provide input on authorization documentation for project increases and/or extensions. Efforts shall include review and/or development of participation plans for contract modifications, increases and extensions to ensure that MWBE, DBE and SDVOB subcontractor opportunities are maximized.
• Review contractors, consultants and/or vendors past performance and provide information to include in authorization documents associated with the award of contracts.
• Collaborate and help contract administrators/managers to ensure that contract data is current in the agency's supplier diversity management system (Business-to-Government (B2G)). Support departments by in their review of MWBE performance results to reconcile missing data in B2G.
• Advocate for MWSBE/DBE and SDVOB programs by troubleshooting and resolving issues relating to MWSDBE consultant/contractor/vendor performance and non-payment issues.
• Respond to contractor issues and follow up with responsible departments regarding the matter. Schedule meetings and mediation discussions, if needed. Document in detail course of actions and resolutions.
• Ensure that MWSDBE and SDVOBs subcontractors are performing commercially useful functions as indicated on approved participation plans.

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Public Administration or relevant field.
• At least 3 years' experience in MWBE/DBE/SDVOB compliance and/or related field.
• In lieu of a bachelor's degree, a min of 5 years of demonstrated progressive work experience in the above-mentioned fields required with increasing levels of responsibility.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and interpersonal skills, with demonstrated success in influencing outcomes through exchanges and interactions with contractors, vendors, and professional service firms.

• Candidate must have a thorough knowledge of the Port Authority's MWBE, DBE, SDVOB, and SBE policies, programs, and procedures in the construction industry, and operations and professional services.
• Knowledge of the capital authorization processes related to project development, implementation and management. This includes Board and/or Contract Authorizations.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Port Authority operating policies and procedures, including those related to contract administration.
• Demonstrated ability to problem-solve, use analytical and decision-making skills in a variety of contexts including investigative research.
• Ability to work with individuals at all levels, both from within and outside the organization.
• Demonstrated strong attention to detail, critical thinking, and documentation skills.
• Demonstrated research and investigative skills.
• Proficiency in working with PC applications, such as Microsoft Office Suite, including SharePoint. Knowledge of Business to Government (B2G) Now software (supplier diversity management) desirable.
• Ability to multi-task, function effectively in a fast-paced environment, balance competing tasks, and meet deadlines.