Business Development Coordinator Certification Officer

Position Overview

ALL PERSONS INTERESTED

Working Title: Business Development Coordinator Certification Officer

Division: CERTIFICATION

Reporting Location: 611 Walker Street, 7TH Floor

Workdays & Hours: Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm *Subject to Change*

Description Of Duties / Essential Functions

The Office of Business Opportunity (“OBO”) is committed to creating a competitive and diverse business environment in the City of Houston by promoting the growth and success of small businesses and developing Houston’s workforce. The OBO places a special emphasis on historically underutilized businesses and disenfranchised individuals by ensuring their meaningful participation in the government procurement process. The OBO provides business assistance to start-up companies, helps businesses navigate the city permitting and licensing process, provides referrals for educational and financial resources, as well as certifies Minority, Women, Small and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (MWSDBE) and Persons with Disabilities Business Enterprises. The OBO is also charged with ensuring that city departments and prime contractors identify and connect with certified companies to participate in contracting opportunities on City funded MWSDBE goal-oriented contracts. The primary objective for the OBO is to significantly increase the number, capacity and success of businesses in Houston. Our motto is: Educate. Connect. Grow.

Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following tasks:

• Utilizing an understanding of local, state, and federal regulations and a detail-orientation to review, analyze and make recommendations on Certification applications submitted by business owners.
• Businesses applying for certification may include businesses that are owned, operated and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, minorities, women, or persons with disabilities, small businesses, as well as businesses located within the City or local area.
• Analysis will focus on business ownership and control, operations, management structure, expertise, functionality, independence, and Small Business Administration size standards.
• Providing recommendations on Certification decisions.
• Utilizing a Certification database.
• Conducting on-site visits and job site visits to verify the location, functionality, and legitimacy of a business through examination of the physical premises, equipment, inventory, day-to-day operations, staffing and business records such as bank statements, leases, payroll records, invoices, etc. May include visits to construction sites, offices, and other business.
• Conducting informational pre-certification workshops for business owners and responding to inquiries regarding MWSDBE certification programs or application status.
• Routinely disseminate information about MWSDBE program requirements to businesses, the public, outside agencies, and City staff, including via workshops and seminars.
• Compiling data and preparing periodic reports, as requested.
• Communicating effectively with business owners, executives, administrators, elected officials, employees, and the general public.
• Prioritizing work effectively and adjusting to changing and/or competing priorities without issue.
• Performing special projects, as needed, and other position-related duties, as assigned.
• Driving is an essential function of this position
  
  

WORKING CONDITIONS

This position is physically comfortable; the individual has discretion about walking, standing, etc. There are no major sources of discomfort in a normal office environment.

Minimum Requirements

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

Requires a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Liberal Arts or a related field.

Experience Requirements

One year of responsible, professional administrative experience is required.

Directly related professional experience may be substituted for the education requirement on a year-for-year basis.

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: Yes

Driving is an essential function of this position, as the selected candidate must have a Valid Driver's License and be compliant with the City of Houston policy on driving (AP 2-2).

PREFERENCES

Preferences Will Be Given Candidates With The Following Skillsets

• Effective time management and organization skills.
• Finance, accounting, and/or analytical experience.
• Superior customer service skills.
• Excellent problem solving and analytical skills, with an ability to gather and synthesize information for reporting purposes.
• Considerable skill in oral and written communications, with the ability to analyze complex information succinctly for reporting purposes and varying audiences.?
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including relationship building and “roll-up the sleeves” type of collaboration within a diverse, cross-functional team.
• Good judgment and an ability to make recommendations to leadership and defend your position while working with subjective information.
• Knowledge of governmental regulations and guidelines relative to Minority/Women/Small/Disadvantaged Business Enterprises and Persons with Disabilities Business Enterprise programs is a bonus.
• Bilingual English/Spanish
  
  

**Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6. **

GENERAL INFORMATION

Selection / Skills Tests Required

Department may administer skills assessment test

SAFETY IMPACT POSITION: YES

If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.

SALARY INFORMATION

Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate’s qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.

PAY GRADE: 18

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during posting opening and closing dates shown. Applications must be submitted online at: www.houstontx.gov .

To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting:

http://agency.governmentjobs.com/houston/default.cfm or call 832-393-6051.

If you need special services or accommodations, call. 832-393-6051 (TTY 7-1-1)

If you need login assistance or technical support call 855-524-5627.

Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process.

All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information provided.

EOE - Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.