MWBE Coordinator - Project Planning & Development Advisor

About the Role:

Reporting to the Manager, Project Planning and Development, in the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (ODEI), the selected candidate will be responsible for ODEI’s efforts associated with supporting all Agency departments during the project planning and development phases for construction projects. Support efforts include procurement strategy evaluation, Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) / Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) / Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business (SDVOB) / Small Business Enterprise (SBE) vendor availability identification, and solicitation process support. This position will be responsible for the project planning and development of contracts mainly associated with construction contracts. 

Responsibilities:

Construction Contracts Planning Support:

• Review Gate documents associated with the Capital Plan Oversight Committee (CPOC) Project Review process to ensure that efforts for the development and implementation of construction contracts associated with projects maximize use of certified MWBE/DBE/SDVOB firms.
• Provide guidance to internal stakeholders on list of construction contracts to include in the annual forecast of both the Small Contracts Program and the SBE Set-Aside Program, for use in Executive reporting and tracking throughout the year.
• Work with the Project Management Office, Management & Budget Department, and Procurement to review the agency’s Capital Plan and Annual Budget forecast to identify projects with potential for MWBE/DBE/SDVOB participation.

Contract/Project Development Support:

• Evaluate contract and project scopes of work to determine the best contracting and solicitation strategy to maximize opportunities for MWBE/DBE/SDVOB participation.
• Determine the pool of PA certified MWBE/DBE/SDVOB businesses, including consultants, contractors, and vendors, available to support or perform contracts/projects or a portion of the contracts/projects via the Small Contracts Program or the Small Business Enterprise set-aside programs.
• Represent ODEI on various Request for Proposal (RFP) selection committees by reviewing submitted participation plans for federal and non-federal procurements.
• Attend pre-bid meetings with potential bidders to give an overview of the agency’s good faith effort requirements, as needed.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, engineering or other related field.
• In lieu of a Bachelor’s degree, a min of 5 years of demonstrated progressive work experience in MWBE/DBE/SDVOB compliance and/or related field.
• A minimum of 3 years of project planning and development, including contract procurement process experience within the Port Authority or other similar organization.
• Strong problem solving, decision-making, conflict resolution and interpersonal skills, including demonstrated experience interacting with Executive Management within and outside the Port Authority.
• Demonstrated proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office Suite including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.

Desired Qualifications:

• Superior oral, written and presentation skills with the ability to present technical information to management and stakeholders.
• Clear understanding of cross-departmental interrelationships.
• Experience in collaborating and influencing diverse work groups, project teams and internal stakeholders.
• Experience coordinating and implementing policies, standards, processes, procedures, and guidelines.
• Knowledge of Business-to-Government (B2G) Now software (supplier diversity management) desirable.
• Knowledge of construction, professional services (Architecture & Engineering and Non-Architecture & Engineering), and goods & services industries.
• Ability to review contract requirements.
• Understanding of federal procurement practices/regulations related to DBE programs.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Port Authority operating policies and procedures, including those related to contract administration, and the contract authorization process, desirable.
• Demonstrated research and investigative skills.
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task and complete projects on time and with attention to detail.
• Ability to function effectively in a fast-paced environment and to balance competing tasks and meet tight deadlines.

 Selection Process:

The application process varies by position, but typically includes an initial phone interview for qualified candidates, followed by a more in-depth interview(s) and/or assessment(s). Selected candidates who are made a conditional job offer will be asked to undergo a background check.

Compensation & Benefits:

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey offers a competitive benefits package, hybrid work options for many positions, and a professional environment that supports development and recognizes achievement.

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