Assistant Director, Certification Program

Assistant Director, Certification Program

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:

• Assists the Sr. Director in the day-to-day management of the DBE Certification unit and processes new applications for DBE certification in accordance with federal regulations 49 CFR Part 26.
• Reviews and conducts detailed desk audits of all new DBE certification applications.
• Ensures that managers create comprehensive DBE files for each new DBE certification application.
• Conducts and/or oversees Eligibility Review Meeting for new applications.
• Conducts and/or oversees On-Site Review for new applications for DBE certification, as applicable, and for other certifying agencies upon request.
• Conducts and/or oversees On-Site Review of the Annual Review Process, as required.
• Conducts and/or oversees Job Site Reviews of new applications when the firm is performing on a contract in the MTA service area.
• Reviews and/or prepares a detailed and comprehensive written certification eligibility evaluation for each new application being processed, recommending a certification determination.
• Process annual updates/submissions for continued compliance with federal DBE certification eligibility criteria and prepare written certification eligibility evaluation prior to the firm's annual certification anniversary date.
• Process Proposals to Remove Certification and Removal of DBE Certification for firms that fail to meet regulatory requirements, and prepare a written evaluation to support the recommendation.
• Maintain MTA DBE certification directory for inclusion in NYSUCP
• Provide timely updates to NYSUCP on new applications, status of renewals, and annual updates.
• Provide assistance and serve as liaison to NYSUCP partners and the NYS Empire Development, Division of Minority and Women-owned Business Development.
• Prepare comprehensive certification status reports on all pending and certified firms and other monthly management reports as required, in a timely and complete manner.
• Assist and participate in DDCR MWDBE Outreach activities, as required.
• Coordinate and/or conduct periodic Certification Workshops for prospective MWDBE applicants.
• 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 completing 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 is to ensure that 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 firm's 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 the applicant file and for dissemination to transit properties throughout the country, if required.
• Prepare on-site review report for inclusion in applicant's 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 provide an opportunity to interview staff, review original business documents, and determine issues of independence.
• Prepare a comprehensive written evaluation of certification eligibility for each new applicant, analyzing the applicant's compliance with DBE eligibility criteria as outlined in the governing federal regulations, to ensure that facts support the certification determination rendered 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 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 an 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.
• Select, develop, and motivate personnel within the department. Provide career development for subordinates. Provide prompt and effective coaching and counseling. Responsible for discipline/termination of employees when necessary. Review the performance of staff. Create a professional environment that respects individual differences and enables all employees to develop and contribute to their full potential.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge/Skills/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 interpersonal 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, the 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

Required Education and Experience:

• 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.

The Following is/are 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, or 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.

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.

According to the New York State Public Officers Law & the MTA Code of Ethics, all employees who