Minority & Women Owned Business Enterprises Program Manager

Job Description:

Minority & Women Owned Business Enterprises Program Manager

Description

What You'll Be Doing

The Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (OEDI) is seeking a Program Manager for the Minority and Women Business Enterprises (MWBE) program within the Division of Business Inclusion to join our mission-driven team and create lasting change in Wake County. This role is ideal for a creative, adaptable, and passionate professional committed to advancing minority procurement and supporting minority- and women-owned businesses.

Driven by the County's vision, the Program Manager will lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of a comprehensive Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) program. This role will focus on strengthening outreach efforts and streamlining internal processes to deliver impactful results.

The ideal candidate will possess a strong ability to build and manage a division within OEDI, a deep understanding of creating and sustaining successful MWBE programs, and a commitment to fostering collaborative partnerships. They should thrive in a dynamic, evolving environment, adapting to the division's and County’s needs with ease.

The Program Manager must demonstrate flexibility and the ability to adjust to shifting priorities, whether managing a single program or overseeing the growth of a team and a portfolio of diverse program initiatives.

The MWBE Program Manager will:

• Develop and implement programs, policies, and procedures that strengthen connections between MWBEs and Wake County departments
• Lead the development and implementation of procedures and program infrastructure to enhance MWBE participation and compliance, including: development and timely submission of plans for MWBE participation goals; collection and compilation of reports on MWBE utilization; support for departments with compliance auditing and approval of audit methodologies; and general programmatic reporting
• Support MWBEs through the NC Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB) certification process and provide customer-focused services like technical and financial assistance to help them bid for contracts, access funding, and grow their businesses
• Engage with community working groups, task forces, and forums to address MWBE opportunities and keep stakeholders informed about Wake County's MWBE initiatives
• Host community forums to share upcoming contract opportunities across industries like construction, engineering, professional services, and goods, empowering MWBEs to participate and succeed
  
  This position offers a flexible hybrid work schedule with time in the office required.

About Our Team

The mission of the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is to promote a culture that is welcoming, affirming, diverse, equitable, and inclusive in order to foster a sense of belonging for (Team) Wake and beyond, with the goal of advancing human potential and growth. From interpersonal development to reimagining systems - this team keeps equity at the center. Our primary impact can be seen in our 4,700+ employee enterprise, but more importantly to our 1 million+ residents. Join and become a part of a transformative team that seeks to innovate and reimagine how we work across differences.

The Basics (Required Education and Experience)

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, urban planning, finance, accounting, or a related field
• Three years of job-related experience

Equivalent experience and education will be accepted

• Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.

Beyond the Basics (Preferred Education and Experience)

• Five or more years of professional experience designing and employing MWBE participation strategies with successful outcomes
• Five or more years of professional experience researching, developing, managing, and implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies and programs, preferably in the public sector
• Experience growing programs to include additional focus areas and staff
• Experience in local or state government

How Will We Know You're 'The One'?

• Professional experience developing, implementing, and determining the success of MWBE programs
• Demonstrated knowledge of best practices for addressing procurement disparities and building capacities of MWBEs
• Strong project management skills, including leading projects, driving urgency in meeting milestones, coordinating meetings, follow-ups, and ensuring consistent progress
• Proven ability to create and deliver engaging presentations and training sessions tailored to diverse audiences
• Exceptional organizational skills with attention to detail, capable of managing multiple priority projects and meeting deadlines
• Effective collaboration skills, including building relationships across teams and lateral reporting relationships. Proven ability to engage, influence and mobilize others, working at multiple levels within an organization
• Ability to gather, organize, edit, analyze, synthesize and communicate large amounts of information clearly and concisely
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to be flexible and adaptable to changing dynamics and priorities

About This Position

Location: WCOB Raleigh, NC USA

Employment Type: Regular

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 5:15 pm

Hiring Range: $66,270 - $112,663 (starting salary determined based on experience, market considerations and equity)

Market Range: 66,270.00 - 112,663.00

Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.

Posting Closing Date: Review of applications will begin January 3, 2025. The posting will remain open until a qualified applicant pool has been identified

What Makes Wake Great

Home to the State Capital, Wake County is one of the fastest growing areas in the nation and the most populous county in the state, with more than 1.1 million residents. The County has received national and international rankings and accolades from publications such as Money, Fortune, and Time magazines as being one of the best places to live, work and play. The central location of the County allows for a short drive to the spectacular mountains or coast. Wake County Government is governed by a seven-member Board of Commissioners, who are elected at-large to serve two-year terms. Wake County Government has a general operating budget of $1.874 billion, employs over 4400 employees, experiences minimal turnover, and is an award-winning leader in wellness and technology initiatives; such as offering employees and covered spouses free access to the Employee Health Center. Wake County Government offers a wide range of training and development opportunities, a stable career in public service with a balance of work and family life, flexible work schedules and a competitive salary and benefits package.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Wake County provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.

Background Check Statement

Position may require a background check that may include: criminal, credit, motor vehicle, education, and sexual offender registry or others based on job requirements. Unless required by state law, a record of conviction will not automatically exclude you from consideration for employment. Wake County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Emergency Service Worker Statement

In the event of an emergency, as determined by the County Manager or designee, participation in preparedness and response operations should be expected. Employee may be required to fill a temporary assignment in a role different from standard duties, work hours and/or work location in preparation for, during and after the emergency. Employee may also be required to participate in relevant exercises and regular preparedness training.

Salary:

$66,270 - $112,663 (starting salary determined based on experience, market considerations and equity)