Business Inclusion Certification Specialist

Date Opened:
Thursday, February 19, 2026 12:00 AM

Close Date:
Friday, March 06, 2026 12:00 AM

Department:
Contracting and Procurement Department

Salary: $62,091.00 - $77,614.00 Commensurate with Experience

Welcome to the City of Charlotte

Charlotte is America's Queen City, opening her arms to a diverse and inclusive community of residents, businesses and visitors alike. Here you will find a safe, family-oriented city where people work together to help everyone thrive. The mission of the City of Charlotte is to deliver quality public services and promote the safety, health, and quality of life for all residents.

Our guiding principles include:

* Attracting and retaining a skilled and diverse workforce

* Valuing teamwork, openness, accountability, productivity, and employee development

* Providing all customers with courteous, responsive, accessible, and seamless quality services

* Taking initiative to identify, analyze, and solve problems

* Collaborating with stakeholders to make informed decisions

SUMMARY

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.

Strategy and Implementation

* 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.

Relationship Management

* 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.

Certification and Compliance

* 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.

Data and Reporting

* 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,…