Assistant Director, Certification Program Job ID: 7744Business Unit: MTA HeadquartersLocation: New York, NY, United StatesRegular/Temporary: RegularDepartment: Office DBE Cert and MWDBE OutDate Posted: Jun 11, 2024Description JOB TITLE : Assistant Director, Certification Program SALARY RANGE : $95,000 ‐ $115,000 HAY POINTS : 634 DEPT/DIV : Department of Diversity & Civil Rights (DDCR) SUPERVISOR : Senior Director, Certification Program LOCATION : 2 Broadway HOURS OF WORK : 9:00am – 5:30pm (7 ½ hours) DEADLINE : Open Until Filled This position is eligible for telework which is currently one day per week. New hires are eligible to apply 30 days after their effective date of hire. SUMMARY : This position is responsible for determining the initial eligibility of businesses seeking certification as Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) with the MTA and the New York State Unified Certification Program (NYSUCP) in accordance with federal regulatory requirements set forth at 49 CFR Part 26. This position is additionally responsible for the annual review of DBE certified firms for compliance with certification eligibility criteria and assisting in the management of the federally mandated NYSUCP. This position is also responsible for determining the eligibility of businesses seeking Minority/Women-owned Business Enterprises (MWDBE) certification. in accordance with the New York State Executive Law Article 15-A Section 310-317. The incumbent will support the New York State Empire Development Corporation’s Division of Minority and Women’s Business Development (DMWBD) Program to increase the number of certified firms listed in the New York State directory of certified firms. (MTA does not certify MWBE firms, this was added as part of a recently created initiative). RESPONSIBILITIES :
Provide support to the MTA’s $54.8 billion capital program by expediting MWBE certification review for minority or woman-owned business enterprises seeking to work directly with the MTA, its agencies and prime contractors identified on capital projects.
Assist the Sr. Director in reviewing, assigning, and certification determinations rendered by Managers for pending and certified firms.
Assist the Sr. Director in reviewing, assigning, and completion of new applications throughout the entire certification review process to ensure applications are processed within 90 days by Managers in compliance with the federal regulatory requirements of 49 CFR Part 26.
Assist the Sr. Director to ensure written denial evaluation and documentation are legally sound and able to withstand challenges in compliance with USDOT federal regulations 49 CFR Part 26.
Conduct a comprehensive and investigative Eligibility Review Meeting for new applicants seeking DBE certification with the MTA, to gather information relative to the applicant’s compliance with certification eligibility criteria as set forth in the governing federal and state regulations.
Conduct a site visit to the applicant firms principal place of business for each new applicant firm, as mandated by governing federal regulations and prepare a site visit review report for inclusion in applicant file and for dissemination to transit properties throughout the country, if required.
Prepare on-site review report for inclusion in applicant’ file and for dissemination to transit properties throughout the country, if required. On-site reviews ensure that an applicant is in the location represented and provides an opportunity to interview staff, review original business documents and determine issues of independence.
Prepare comprehensive written evaluation of certification eligibility for each new applicant analyzing applicant’s compliance with DBE eligibility criteria as set forth in the governing federal regulations, to ensure that certification determination rendered is supported by facts and that only bona fide disadvantaged businesses receive DBE certification.
Review and update annual submissions of certified DBE firms to ensure continued compliance in the DBE Program.
Assist in any and all special projects, outreach activities and development of reports, as may be required. Manage inactive certification files for storage in accordance with MTA Records Management Policy.
Maintain electronic database of certified DBEs, in accordance with the provisions of NYSUCP, to ensure completeness and accuracy of vendor file information.
Develop a comprehensive certification file and communicate with qualifying owners to request additional information to complete the application, as required.
Serves as a resource in referring certified MWDBEs to the mta.info website and external sources for specific procurement opportunities.
Other duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Must have general knowledge of small businesses and of the characteristics of the various business structures.
Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing an M/W/DBE certification program.
Deadline driven self-starter with proven ability to work under pressure.
Attention to detail is required .
Independent thinking skills are essential along with proven interviewing, investigative, and inter-personal skills.
Proven ability to independently research information.
Excellent organizational and writing skills.
Demonstrated ability to communicate and interact well with external agencies. External agencies may include the Governor’s Office for New York State, New York City government, elected and other public officials, as well as any staff located at other federal or state agencies or authorities.
Excellent managerial skills with strong oral and written communication abilities.
Must possess excellent leadership abilities to guide, coach, and encourage staff.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with key internal and/or external stakeholders.
Demonstrated ability to complete short- and long-term projects effectively and as efficiently as possible.
Demonstrated analytical capabilities and quantitative skills.
Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite or comparable applications, i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE :
REQUIRED:
Education and Experience Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business, or a related major or an equivalent combination of education from an accredited college and experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
Minimum of 8 years of work experience in M/W/DBE certification, auditing/financial analysis, and/or conducting insurance or fraud investigations of which at least 4 years are in a managerial role.
PREFERRED:
Master’s degree in a related field.
A general background in law is preferred and or progressively responsible experience in an Affirmative Action, Procurement, Public Administration position.
Experience with MWDBE programs
Prior experience conducting investigative review meetings and/or hearings.
Knowledge and understanding of federal regulations governing 49 CFR Part 26.
Familiarity with and understanding of public benefit organizations and the operation of MTA and its operating agencies.
Working knowledge of the contracting, construction, professional service and manufacturing and supply industries.
OTHER INFORMATION:
Pursuant to the New York State Public Officers Law & the MTA Code of Ethics, all employees who hold a policymaking position must file an Annual Statement of Financial Disclosure (FDS) with the NYS Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (the “Commission”).
May need to work outside of normal work hours (i.e., evenings and weekends)
Travel may be required to other MTA locations or other external sites.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including with respect to veteran status and individuals with disabilities.
The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.