Diversity In Contracting Compliance Specialist

In this role you will support the Diversity In Contracting Department, which includes the Women and Minority Business Enterprise (WMBE) and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) programs and all State and Federally Funded Improvement Program Projects.

• You will lead, plan, organize, and implement assigned program contracting activities, review Diversity Availability Analysis Worksheet (AAW) and determine goals applicable to procurement. 
• You will present Diversity Program requirements and coordinate networking and outreach components at pre-bid conferences, vendor drop-in sessions, and represent the division at bid evaluation conferences to assure diversity requirements are properly evaluated and implemented.
• You will ensure compliance with federal, state, and Agency regulations and guidelines in the accessibility and administration of contracting opportunities; develop mutually acceptable goals on contracts and calculate and administer goals in accordance with regulations and guidelines.
• You will participate in pre-bid meetings to deliver division requirements and vision and attend pre-construction meetings with the awarded contractor and serve as the division representative on the Contract Evaluation Team.
• You will monitor prime/general contract goal attainment on large and/or complex contracts relative to commitment and recommend corrective action when appropriate; including prompt pay for contractors and subcontractors, conduct accurate administration of contract terms including commercially useful function (CUF), flow down language, and return of retained funds provisions.
• You will conduct site visits and attend contract progress meetings to track and monitor the participation of firms engaged in Agency contracts.
• You will provide guidance and training to management and staff on a variety of WMBE and DBE procurement related contracting subjects.
• You will promote and support WMBE/DBE participation and development by educating vendors on the contracting process, how to conduct business with the Port of Seattle, information on State certification, and upcoming contracting opportunities. 
• You will lead, facilitate, and participate in various WMBE/DBE workshops and events.
• You will engage small business clients in development of their firms, provide technical assistance, conduct mediations with prime contractors, assist with registration in the Contractor Data System, and develop and conduct small business specific presentations.
• You will perform special duties as assigned by the program manager(s), Director, and/or department managers.
• You will plan, develop, and conduct presentations for external stakeholder events, coordinate and facilitate participation, prepare department management for meetings and presentations before stakeholders, including researching issues, gathering data, preparing briefings, and developing written and audio-visual materials.

• Experienced - You have five (5) years of experience with procurement and contracts.
• Educated - You possess an Associate's degree.
• Desired - We hope you have a Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Accounting, Management, or closely related field; as well as four (4) years of management/project management experience or closely related professional experience including responsibility for procurement, contracts and compliance; background in civil rights or WMBE/DBE compliance. Additionally, we hope you have eight (8) years of experience with State & Federal Regulations per Title 49 Part 26 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
• Committed to Equity - You will apply equity and exemplify shared values, behaviors, and practices in all aspects of the work.  At the Port of Seattle, equity is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all Port employees.
• Knowledgeable - You have a strong understanding of contracting types and compliance as well as construction contracting policies, procedures, and administration; and procurement and fiscal/budget policies and procedures sufficient to analyze reports and monitor contracts. Additionally, you are knowledgeable with DBE and WMBE reporting requirements and federal regulations (CFR 49 Part 26).
• Technologically Savvy/Data Driven - You are proficient with computer applications such as Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, word processing, spreadsheets, statistical databases, methods and techniques for data collection and reporting standards.
• Customer Service Oriented - You have expertise in customer service methods and techniques including conflict management and problem-solving approaches and processes.