Certification Program Manager

Who We Are

Our mission is to create systems that increase individual and community access to information, knowledge, and financial opportunities that help people thrive economically. We work across sectors and industries with a focus on offering holistic approaches and holistic solutions to economic access and opportunity.

Strong & Starlike Consulting, Inc. (Strong & Starlike) provides two types of services: (1) Consulting and (2) Educational. Our consulting services focus on building more programs, policies, and practices that are people centered; research driven; and data informed with an ultimate impact goal that our finished product may lead to more people in more communities thriving. Our educational offerings seek to expand industry knowledge and community access on issues pertaining to economic access and opportunity.

To find out more about Strong & Starlike, please visit www.strongandstarlike.com

Position Overview

We are looking for a full-time Certification Program Manager. The Certification Program Manager leads the team working on certification of small and diverse businesses for Strong & Starlike clients. This position is responsible for determining the initial eligibility of businesses seeking certification as a small business enterprise or diverse small business within the certification programs for Strong & Starlike Consulting, Inc.’s clients. This position requires a diverse skill set, encompassing strategic planning, budget management, program administration, and forging partnerships to enhance small business certification program efforts.

What You Will Do On the Job

• Lead the team and work of Certification & Outreach Specialists.
• Develop and implement comprehensive strategies, initiatives, and action plans that align with Strong & Starlike’s mission, informed by national certification program best practices.
• Actively engage in Strong & Starlike consulting projects to drive certification of small and diverse businesses, reflecting a commitment to including such businesses in contracting opportunities for our clients.
• Develop, track, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) for Strong & Starlike programming, using data analysis to drive strategic decisions and measure impact.
• Provide support, guidance, and expertise to the team working on certification program projects.
• Manage employees by carrying out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, selecting, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
• Ensure that certification program team members are meeting customer service standard timelines and adhering to customer service policies and procedures.
• Maintain a comprehensive knowledge regarding Strong & Starlike and client certification policies and procedures.
• Review new, recertification, and reciprocal applications for small business enterprise (SBE); emerging small business enterprise (ESBE), minority-owned business enterprise (MBE) and women-owned business enterprise (WBE) certification and for completeness by conducting a detailed desk audit.
• Support our client’s SBE/ESBE/MBE/WBE certification processes. The Manager will act to ensure that the certification requirements for those applying are fully met and are accurate and timely in an effort to protect Strong & Starlike and our clients against any allegation of arbitrariness.
• Maintain excellent detailed records to not only assist the applicant firms but also to protect Strong & Starlike and our clients against any charges in case of denial of certification.
• Assist in any and all special projects, outreach activities and development of reports, as may be required.
• Maintain electronic database of certified small and diverse businesses, in accordance with the provisions of Strong & Starlike and our clients, to ensure completeness and accuracy of vendor file information.
• Lead team efforts to routinely engage in database clean-up of the certified business directory to foster the reliability and integrity of the database.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual reports.
• Maintain certification program data dashboards.
• Research, develop, and present information on public and private sector entities allowing Strong & Starlike to certify SBEs/ESBEs/MBEs/WBEs for our client’s supply chain to the senior leadership, clients, and respective boards.
• Research, develop, and present information on certification guidelines.
• Research, develop, and present findings that correctly evaluate and rank Strong & Starlike managed certification programs compared to other certification program key metrics.
• Maintain a comprehensive knowledge regarding the certification policies and procedures, the Certification Portal, and the certification program related data.
• Manage the submission of all applications for certification into Strong & Starlike managed certification programs.
• Develop a comprehensive certification file and communicate with qualifying owners to request additional information to complete the application, as required.
• Obtain information and documentation from other sources, as required, and analyze all information associated with determining a firm’s eligibility for certification in accordance with program requirements.
• Prepare comprehensive written evaluation of certification eligibility for each new application, analyzing applicant’s compliance with eligibility criteria as set forth in the governing policies and procedures, to ensure that certification determination rendered is supported by facts and that only bona fide businesses receive certification.
• Conduct certification workshops and training.
• Assist in performing informational certification sessions.
• Other duties as directed based on the needs of the organization and assigned by management.

What Education & Experiences Are Required for the Job

• Bachelor’s degree in economics, business administration, public administration, law, public policy, finance, accounting, a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school, or a related field.
• In lieu of a bachelor’s degree, an associate's degree with 3 years of experience
• In lieu of an associate's degree 5 years of relevant experience.
• In lieu of an associate's degree 10 years of experience in public and/or private sector business inclusion programs.

What Additional Education & Experiences Are Preferred

• Experience with business inclusion programs (ex: DBE, SBE, MBE, WBE certification or contract compliance);
• Knowledge and understanding of local, state, and federal laws governing business inclusion programs;
• Experience with the software system B2Gnow;
• Experience with project management software systems (ex: Asana);
• Experience in a government or business office environment;
• Familiarity with and experience in applying statutes and regulations to make determinations about eligibility and using applicable provisions to support the determination;
• Proven ability to develop and maintain significant rapport with customers and clients;
• Proven ability to understand, interpret, and apply applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations;
• Proven ability to review, interpret, and analyze complex business and legal documents;
• Proven ability to reach detailed, logical conclusions utilizing critical thinking strategies;
• Proven ability to provide deliverables and to meet established deadlines;
• Strong interest and commitment to advancing economic access, economic justice, and equal economic opportunity is desired.

What You Will Gain In Working With Us

• Hybrid ability to work from home structure
• Opportunities for free and paid professional development (ex: conferences, certificate programs)
• Vision insurance
• Dental insurance
• Health reimbursement
• Retirement options
• Sick Leave (parameters dependent upon geographic location)
• Mentorship
• Opportunities for advancement
• Possibility for discretionary year-end profit-sharing bonuses

Location & Travel

Strong & Starlike operates out of Minnesota and Maryland. In person client and team meetings may occasionally necessitate travel.

How to Apply

Interested applicants must reside in Maryland or Minnesota. Please submit the following:

• Your resume (required);
• A one-page cover letter explaining why you want to be selected for the position (required); and
• A work or writing sample that may demonstrate your abilities (optional)

You may apply through really or directly through our website here: https://www.strongandstarlike.com/employment/cpm-position

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $24.00 - $36.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Upper Marlboro, MD 20772

Salary : $24 - $36