MWBE Project Specialist

This position is responsible for projects that will encourage growth in the County's Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) program and Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) program. 

Guilford County seeks a highly skilled, innovative, and enthusiastic project specialist capable of implementing projects that will create next level growth for the County’s MWBE. This individual will be a dynamic, transformative leader, capable of managing projects that result in organizational excellence and positive impacts for the community. Assists the Deputy Director with creating, implementing and reporting on program projects. Work may require evening and weekend assignments for some projects. Work performed under the general supervision of the Deputy MWBE Director. 

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

• Manage a project from idea to delivery 
• Identify and implement projects that support capacity building, identification of emerging industries, and cultivation and promotion of small businesses.  
• Manage projects related to disparity study initiatives, outcomes, and recommendations and internal constituencies on operational and policy matters.  
• Determine appropriate project stakeholders and engagement stakeholder engagement strategies 
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders and organizations to manage project requirements, scope, and budget.  
• Provide detailed status reports for projects in an open and transparent manner. 
• Track multiple projects activities against milestones and timelines. 
• Analyze project outcomes to determine their impact on the organization and necessary actions for improvement. 
• Develop a communication protocol for reporting project progress. 
• Other duties as assigned. 

RECRUITMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of project management best practices. 
• Considerable knowledge of SWAT analysis.
• Knowledge and experience in procurement/contracting laws and regulations.
• Knowledge of NC General Statutes and guidelines for federal, state and local funding and related regulations regarding minority participation in contract awards.
• Knowledge and understanding of RFP's (Requests for Proposals), contracts, agreements, payment terms for goods, services, construction and/or consulting and selection of design and professional service as these relate to MWBE programs.
• Ability to execute a project from idea to deliverable.
• Ability to prioritize tasks. 
• Ability to perform KPI and data trend analysis.
• Ability to collect relevant data and use the data to make informed decisions and/or recommendations. 
• Ability to creatively develop solutions to problems and obstacles. 
• Skilled in SWAT analysis.
• Skilled in project proposal creation.
• Ability to creatively adapt to various situations and environmental changes. 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to represent the organization in a professional manner.
• Ability to use common office machines, including popular computer driven word-processing and spreadsheet and file maintenance programs.
• 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 perform outdoor work-related activities associated with on-site visits.
• Ability to generate graphic content for multiple media platforms for internal & external notifications.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Urban Planning, Finance, Accounting, Engineering, Construction, or related field and two years of progressively responsible work experience in project management that includes at least one year of experience managing multiple, concurrent projects or a combination of education and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. 
• Progressive course work towards Project Management Institute (PMI) Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) or Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:  

• Three (3) years of experience working with staff of outside organizations and vendors to accomplish daily assignments and activities. 
• Project Management Institute Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) or Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification or other equivalent nationally recognized project management certification. 
• Experience in a governmental setting is preferred.

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