Business Inclusion Certification Specialist

City of Charlotte • Charlotte, NC

10d • $62,091 - $77,614

About The Position

The City of Charlotte is committed to building an inclusive and competitive business environment that expands opportunities for Minority Business Enterprises, Women Business Enterprises, and Small Business Enterprise firms. The Office of Charlotte Business Inclusion supports this mission through equitable access, strong policy application, and sustained engagement with diverse firms. The Business Inclusion Certification Specialist plays a critical role in certification, compliance, retention, and long-range supplier development. The Business Inclusion Certification Specialist reports to the Business Inclusion Officer and processes MBE, WBE, and SBE certification and recertification applications. The role involves reviewing documentation, applying policy requirements, communicating with business owners and departments, and supporting the long-range success of certified firms. The position requires strong analytical skills, accuracy, and effective relationship building.

Requirements

• Knowledge of supplier diversity programs, procurement processes, and City policy.
• Ability to apply requirements consistently.
• Strong analytical skills for reviewing detailed documentation.
• Ability to prepare clear and accurate findings.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Effective with vendors, staff, and community partners.
• Ability to manage sensitive information with discretion.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
• Ability to work independently and maintain accuracy in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organizational ability.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and continuous improvement.
• Support the mission of CBI.
• Strong relationship management and communication skills.
• Ability to build rapport and provide clear guidance.
• Ability to track and manage multiple renewal cycles accurately.
• Maintain precise and organized records.
• Skill in identifying retention risks and offering practical solutions.
• Help firms remain active and compliant.
• Ability to explain requirements clearly and support firms through the process.
• Promote confidence and long-range success.
• Bachelor’s degree in business, public administration, economics, or a related field.
• Comparable experience may be considered.
• Valid driver license required.
• Travel may be needed for outreach or meetings.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with supplier diversity, procurement, compliance, or business inclusion preferred.
• Familiarity with certification programs is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Support strategies that expand participation of MBE, WBE, and SBE firms in City contracting.
• Assist with program alignment, targeted outreach, and participation growth.
• Identify and recruit eligible firms and guide them through the certification process.
• Provide clear instructions and support to applicants.
• Recommend solutions that reduce participation barriers and increase readiness.
• Help strengthen access and engagement across industries.
• Align outreach efforts with upcoming departmental contracting needs.
• Coordinate information sharing that supports supplier preparedness.
• Contribute to improvements in certification procedures and program efficiency.
• Support consistent and accurate application of policy requirements.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with diverse firms, prime contractors, and City staff.
• Serve as a reliable and informed point of contact.
• Represent the Office at workshops, outreach events, community meetings, and training sessions.
• Promote awareness of CBI programs and opportunities.
• Assist firms with certification questions, document needs, and program expectations.
• Provide guidance that supports long range engagement.
• Support departments by explaining certification requirements and the value of certified firms.
• Help connect departments to available certified vendors.
• Share information about contracting opportunities and guide firms in preparation.
• Encourage active participation and vendor readiness.
• Process MBE, WBE, and SBE certification and recertification applications from intake to decisions.
• Evaluate documentation thoroughly and consistently.
• Review ownership, control, operational, and financial materials for eligibility.
• Ensure compliance with the Charlotte Business Inclusion Policy.
• Conduct interviews or follow up conversations with business owners when clarification is needed.
• Confirm control, management, and operational structure.
• Maintain complete and organized certification records.
• Support transparency, quality control, and program accountability.
• Review potential policy violations and prepare investigative summaries.
• Document facts clearly and recommend next steps.
• Provide technical guidance to City departments regarding certification status and policy interpretation.
• Assist in achieving departmental and program goals.
• Review and analyze certification documentation to support accurate determinations.
• Assess information with precision and consistency.
• Prepare written correspondence including requests for information and decision letters.
• Communicate decisions clearly and professionally.
• Assist with reports for leadership, City Council, advisory groups, and internal partners.
• Contribute data and insights on program performance.
• Track participation metrics, certification trends, and retention data.
• Support long range planning and program improvements.
• Provide insight that strengthens outreach, readiness efforts, and supplier engagement.
• Help advance the City’s supplier diversity objectives.
• Monitor certification expiration dates and notify firms well in advance.
• Support timely renewal and prevent avoidable lapses.
• Provide guidance on recertification documentation and requirements.
• Help firms prepare accurate and complete submissions.
• Conduct outreach to firms showing reduced activity or approaching expiration.
• Reconnect firms to opportunities and support continued engagement.
• Identify trends contributing to lapses or disengagement.
• Recommend strategies to support stronger retention outcomes.
• Communicate updates on policy or procurement changes that may affect eligibility.
• Ensure firms remain informed and prepared.
• Collaborate with business support partners to connect firms to needed resources.
• Strengthen stability and contract readiness.
• Strong relationship management and communication skills.
• Ability to build rapport and provide clear guidance.
• Ability to track and manage multiple renewal cycles accurately.
• Maintain precise and organized records.
• Skill in identifying retention risks and offering practical solutions.
• Help firms remain active and compliant.
• Ability to explain requirements clearly and support firms through the process.
• Promote confidence and long-range success.

Benefits

• The City of Charlotte provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees.
• Click here to learn more about the City of Charlotte’s benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees