Business Diversity Compliance Specialist

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is a district on the rise, serving over 320,000 students in 500+ schools and employing over 44,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life. In order to fulfill this mission, we make three commitments to our students, their families, and all Chicagoans: academic progress, financial stability, and integrity.

Six core values are embedded within these commitments – student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning.

The Office of Business Diversity is responsible for the administration and monitoring of the Remedial Program (“Program”) for Minority-Owned Business Enterprise and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (“MBE and WBE”). The MBE and WBE Program is intended to help create and sustain an equitable business environment by promoting the participation in public contracting and procurement of all qualified and available businesses owned and controlled by minorities and women.

Reporting to the Senior Manager of Business Diversity, the Business Diversity Compliance Specialist will be responsible for ensuring compliance with Business Diversity initiatives and assisting in the development and implementation of strategies to promote participation in public contracting and procurement of all qualified and available businesses owned and controlled by minorities and women. The Business Diversity Compliance Specialist will support the achievement of departmental and district aspirational goals by monitoring compliance with diversity requirements, identifying opportunities, making recommendations for improvement, and providing information and assistance related to the MBE and WBE Program.

This is a full-time, exempt position that will be paid for time worked on a salary basis.

• Review each solicitation issued by the Procurement Department and ensure compliance with CPS’ Remedial Program Policies. Survey specific industries, marketplace, and supplier or vendor availability through the B2
  
  Gnow Software to establish aspirational goals. Insert appropriate affirmative action language for solicitation and board report.
• Review MBE and WBE plans submitted by suppliers and vendors to assist with the evaluation process for all bids, proposals, and qualifications. Work with suppliers and vendors to identify certified MBE and WBE companies to help achieve solicitation goals. Oversee vendor certification verification process.
• Work directly with internal and external stakeholders to develop and implement strategic plans within their assigned categories and users, thereby helping to ensure the development and capacity building of diverse suppliers for the District.
• Participate in pre‑submittal conferences for RFPs, RFQs, and bids. Facilitate meetings with suppliers, vendors, user departments, and Procurement staff to discuss and remediate performance issues (if any) resulting in non‑compliance on contract.
• Provide MBE and WBE with relevant information and assistance related to CPS procurement practices and procedures, bid specifications, documentation requirements, and prerequisites.
• Assist in the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual program evaluation reports and scorecards to be presented to the board on minority‑owned business enterprise and women‑owned business enterprise performance as it relates to commitments versus the actual utilization of MBE and WBE on contracts.
• Provide training and assistance to CPS staff and other interested persons on program objectives and requirements.
• Represent Chicago Public Schools Office of Business Diversity at community‑based organization events, vendor fairs and other networking opportunities to ensure the Minority‑Owned Business Enterprise and Women‑Owned Business Enterprise community is well informed of upcoming contracting opportunities.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.