Small and Minority Business Development Specialist

Hiring Range:  $$63,604.37 - $71,491.31; commensurate with experience.The best consideration date is July 11, 2024.

The Economic Development Department is currently recruiting for a Small and Minority Business Development Specialist.  The Small and Minority Business Development Specialist will exercise considerable initiative in developing management-level concepts, planning, and execution of Program elements and is expected to produce professional results with minimal supervision and guidance.  Must work collaboratively on business development initiatives yet function independently in managing Purchasing Programs. and utilize customer-centric methods and approaches to service delivery.

Essential Job Functions

• Engages in and supports service delivery in the Economic Development Department’s (EDD) business development division and provides primary coordination and management of the Small/Local Business Enterprise (SLBE) and Minority & Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) MWBE Programs.
• Provides professional assistance and senior-level administrative support to senior business development staff.  Responds directly to business requests as appropriate.
• Acquires and maintains familiarity with major employers, businesses, industry clusters, County assets, important initiatives, and other matters potentially affecting location and retention decisions as needed to effectively support business development division activities.
• Facilitates assistance to businesses through the use of partner resources and a knowledge of the regulatory processes associated with operating a business and in government contracting. 
• Coordinates and oversees enrollment in CCG’s SLBE and MWBE programs, verifying eligibility and maintaining an accurate database of Program participants.  Monitors program compliance and re-certifies or re-verifies participants as needed.  
• Facilitates and provides technical assistance to small, local, and minority businesses through the use of county, state, federal, and other business development assistance programs. 
• Serves as the technical advisor to facilitate maximum participation by small, local, and minority businesses in County procurement. 
• Interacts with department leaders and other key staff in addressing SLBE/MWBE questions and developing specifications and scope of services for proposals in use of procurement solicitations. 
• Maintains knowledge of small business programs and processes associated with local, state, and federal governmental contracting certifications.  Assists qualified County businesses in accessing and participating in these programs.
• Serves as the department’s primary resource and lead for programs, resources, initiatives, and opportunities related to businesses working in local, state, and federal government contracting arenas.
• Recommends, prepares applications for, and remains up to date on local designations that facilitate business participation in government procurements including HubZone(s), Enterprise and CDFI zones, Priority Funding Areas, and similar designations.
• Recommends best practices and develops innovative initiatives and procedures for managing and expanding small, local, and minority business government procurement programs.  Develops and manages required forms, spreadsheets, and electronic data collection.  Engages in the collection of data and reporting of SLBE/MWBE participation.  Provides statistical and demographic reports reflecting past and current participation in County procurement, and to project future participation.
• Resolves issues, complaints, and conflicts related to the SLBE/MWBE programs or as needed. Serves as an advocate and/or facilitator to Charles County small businesses, SLBE’s, and MWBE’s with regulatory agencies.  
• Coordinates closely with the Purchasing Division in issues and initiatives related to SLBEs/MWBEs.  May assist in the review of vendor or consultant bids and proposals in order to assign SLBE preferences.
• Maintains contact with appropriate local, state, and federal agencies, business groups, and other economic development resources in support of EDD departmental goals and SLBE/MWBE objectives.  
• Collaborates with the marketing and research teams, developing promotional media for the SLBE/MWBE programs.  
• Writes and maintains current program information and lists for the EDD web site.
• Provides leads to marketing team on topics of utility (e.g., resources/events) for small and minority businesses to promote through departmental media.
• Plans and assists in preparations for departmental events; may serve on inter-agency committees in support of departmental objectives.  
• Attends public meetings and events and speaks publicly to market and promote the SLBE/MWBE programs.
• Performs other related job duties as assigned. 

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Education and Experience:
Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Economic Development, Marketing, or related field. Two (2) years of experience in Business Administration, Economic Development, or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training.
Licenses or Certifications:
Must possess a valid driver’s license.
Special Requirements/Qualifications:
Employee is subject to work beyond normal scheduled work hours. 
Travel may be required on an infrequent basis for training and economic development events.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Knowledge of business contracting and/or government procurement policies, regulations, processes.
• Knowledge of small business practices, financing, and business cultures.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; Adobe Acrobat
• Skill in creating executive-level reports & exhibits.
• Ability to exercise critical thinking and use sound judgement..
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects.
• Ability to plan, organize, and execute initiatives with minimal supervision.
• Ability to apply SLBE/MWBE regulations. 
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others encountered in work.
• Ability to speak publicly before groups.
• Ability to understand and clearly articulate processes and requirements associated with government contracting.
• Ability to collect and analyze data.
• Ability to work semi-independently, and to provide innovative and effective responses to new requirements, unusual problems, and deviations encountered in the work.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The work is sedentary with frequent periods of physical activity and is performed in office surroundings.  Typical positions require workers to walk to stand for long periods; lift and carry up to 20 pounds; climb stairs, bend, reach, hold, grasp, and turn objects; and use fingers to operate computer or typewriter keyboards; and requires the ability to speak normally and to use normal or aided vision and hearing.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Principal duties of this job are performed in a general office environment.

Department:                      Economic Development
Pay Grade:                         114
FLSA Status:                      Exempt
Telework Eligible:             Yes     
Reports to:                         MWBE/DBE Compliance Manager
Supervises:                        None

AgencyCharles County GovernmentDepartmentEconomic DevelopmentAddress10665 Stanhaven Pl., Ste. 206

White Plains, Maryland, 20695

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/charlescountymd/jobs/4546025/small-and-minority-business-development-specialist?page=2&pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs