ACDBE Liaison

Purpose:

The purpose of the JFK ACDBE Liaison position is to expand relationships between the company and the Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) community by acting as an advocate partner within the John F. Kennedy International Airport. The Liaison represents the Company’s interests to the ACDBE Joint Venture Partners and serves as the primary point of contact when resolving operational issues.

Essential Functions:

• Develops and expands relationships between the company and the JFK ACDBE community,
• Promotes economic development and identifies business opportunities for the company and JV Partners.
• Establishes and nurtures relationships with key ACDBE community representatives, including activists, community organizers, or employees of economic development commissions or offices.
• Obtains community support for business operations, which may include expansion of service offerings or physical facilities.
• Drafts business proposals and prepares analyses detailing the economic impact of the organization on the surrounding community.
• Represents the company in various civic and community functions to further enhance its image and develop additional business.
• May assist with permitting or zoning applications.
• Maintain relationships with JFK ACDBEs for ongoing and potential business opportunities and source new, qualified DBEs in select markets for ventures or subtenancy.
• Advise senior management on legislative and regulatory issues that impact relationships between airport, DBEs, and the company.
• Enhance the company’s industry image and relationships with minority groups, city governments, airport commissions and staff, and the FAA to secure profitable contracts.
• Assist in ensuring DBE candidates are properly qualified, certified, and ready to propose.
• Works with D&C Procurement and Supply Chain to identify consultant/contractor and supplier diversity opportunities for possible leverage for HMSHost in competing for contracts.
• Ensures that JV Members’ and Management Committee meetings are occurring. Maintains standard template identifying minimum meeting requirements (e.g., agendas, economic reviews, minutes, etc.).
• Follows up on implementation of corrective measures to ensure contract compliance, including DBE Joint Ventures and DBE Subleases.
• Supports VPSA in efforts to influence governmental regulators in adopting policies consistent with company’s DBE best practices.
• Supports VPSA in efforts to garner support and recognition of HMSHost DBE program. Follows up on industry and media feedback.

Reporting relationships and other important information:

• The JFK ACDBE Liaison position as described falls under the Fair Labor Standards act as an Exempt position.
• The JFK ACDBE Liaison position reports to the JFK Director of Operations, and maintains a strong dotted line relationship with the VP Strategic Alliances

Requirements: Minimum Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Work Environment:

• Requires business knowledge and acumen typically gained through a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, Business, Finance, Law, or a related, equivalent field and 4-6 years of experience working with the minority community, government entities such as the FAA, airport commissions and staff, and city governments.
• Requires a demonstrated working knowledge of the government contracting process.
• Requires a demonstrated successful track record managing relationships with both public and private clients and stakeholders (City Councils, Airport authorities, developers, landlords, DBEs, Unions, and joint venture partners).
• Requires strong analytical skills and excellent business judgment with the ability to communicate persuasively at all levels of management. Strong writing, editing and verbal skills essential.