Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program Specialist (9006)

Septa•Philadelphia, PA

95d•$82,342 - $102,908

About The Position

The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program Specialist provides staff support to the Director of SEPTA’s DBE Program Office in the day-to-day implementation, administration, and evaluation of the DBE Program in accordance with federal, state, and local requirements. The role helps ensure socially and economically disadvantaged businesses have an equal opportunity to participate in SEPTA contracts and purchases through goal-setting initiatives and outreach. The specialist serves as a program and project liaison, supports certification and verification reviews, establishes DBE participation goals, and helps contractors and consultants understand program requirements and contract compliance. The position also monitors projects, maintains program records, prepares communications, and provides technical assistance to internal and external customers.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and at least five years of project management, program management, business management, or direct people management experience.
An equivalent combination of experience and education may be considered in lieu of the stated education and experience requirements; two years of related experience equates to one year of formal post-high-school education.
Strong presentation, writing, original communications research, records management, organizational, and analytical skills.
Must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Experience in small business development or technical assistance, contract monitoring or compliance, financial analysis, or auditing.
Knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations and requirements pertaining to DBE utilization or similar programs.

Responsibilities

Support the DBE Program in ensuring equal opportunity in SEPTA contracts and purchases in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
Serve as a primary program or project liaison on DBE matters with other departments.
Assist with outreach to recruit firms owned, operated, and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals that can provide goods and services.
Conduct in-depth reviews of DBE certification applications and SBE verification applications, including on-site reviews, and prepare evaluation reports to support determinations.
Review contract, goods, and services requisitions and requirements to establish DBE participation goals.
Provide information and guidance to contractors and consultants about DBE requirements and contract compliance at pre-bid, pre-construction, pre-proposal, and post-award meetings.
Analyze bids and proposals for compliance with DBE participation requirements and prepare bid evaluations.
Monitor SEPTA projects with DBE goals for post-award compliance and progress toward goal achievement.
Maintain certification and project files in accordance with DBE Program requirements and procedures.
Assist in developing, publishing, and distributing DBE Program newsletters, informational brochures, and handbooks.
Provide technical assistance to internal and external customers on DBE Program issues.
Prepare correspondence regarding DBE Program requirements and procedures.
Respond to inquiries and requests from internal and external sources.
Participate in outreach, training, technical assistance, and networking activities conducted by the DBE Program Office.
Perform other duties as required.

Benefits

Medical, prescription, dental, and vision plans with little to no employee premiums.
Defined Benefit Pension Plan.
457B Deferred Compensation Plan.
Paid parental leave.
Generous vacation time.
Paid holidays.
Employee wellness programs and resources.
Tuition reimbursement.
Eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
Free SEPTA Transportation Pass with unlimited access to SEPTA services.