Assistant Director, Certification Program

Description

Assistant Director, Certification Program

Department:
Department of Diversity and Civil Rights (DDCR)

Location:

2 Broadway

Full-time; salary range $112,508 - $120,000

Teleworking:
One day per week (new hires eligible to apply 30 days after effective hire date)

MTA:
North America’s largest transportation network, serving 15.3 million people across a 5,000-square‑mile area surrounding NYC, Long Island, southeastern NY state, and Connecticut.

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 regulations set forth at 49 CFR Part 26. The role also manages annual reviews of DBE-certified firms, oversees the federally mandated NYSUCP, and determines eligibility of businesses seeking Minority/Women‑Owned Business Enterprises (MWDBE) certification per New York State Executive Law Article 15‑A Sections 310‑317.

The incumbent supports 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 NYS directory of certified firms.

• Assist the Sr. Director in day‑to‑day management of the DBE certification unit and process new applications in accordance with federal regulations 49 CFR Part 26.
• Conduct detailed desk audits and prepare comprehensive written certification eligibility evaluations for new applications.
• Oversee Eligibility Review Meetings and, as needed, On‑Site Reviews, Job Site Reviews, and other audits for new and annual applications.
• Process annual updates/submissions for continued compliance and prepare evaluations prior to firms’ annual certification anniversary dates.
• Manage proposals to remove certification and removal of DBE certification for firms that fail to meet regulatory requirements.
• Maintain the MTA DBE certification directory for NYSUCP inclusion and provide timely updates on new applications, renewals, and annual updates.
• Serve as liaison to NYSUCP partners and the NY S 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.
• Assist in reviewing, assigning, and completing new applications throughout the entire certification review process to ensure processing within 90 days.
• Support MWDBE outreach activities and coordinate periodic Certification Workshops for prospective MWDBE applicants.
• Provide support to the MTA’s capital program by expediting MWBE certification reviews for minority or woman‑owned business enterprises on capital projects.
• Maintain electronic database of certified DBEs in accordance with NYSUCP provisions to ensure completeness and accuracy.
• Develop certification files, communicate with qualifying owners to request additional information, and serve as a resource for referring certified MWDBEs to procurement opportunities.
• Lead personnel within the department, providing career development, coaching, counseling, performance review, and disciplinary actions as necessary.
• Other duties as assigned.

• General knowledge of small businesses and various business structures.
• Experience developing and implementing an M/W/DBE certification program.
• Deadline‑driven self‑starter with proven ability to work under pressure.
• Attention to detail.
• Independent thinking, interviewing, investigative, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to independently research information.
• Excellent organizational and writing skills.
• Strong communication and interaction with external agencies, including state, city, and federal agencies.
• Excellent managerial skills with strong oral and written communication abilities.
• Leadership abilities to guide, coach, and encourage staff.
• Ability to complete short‑ and long‑term projects effectively and efficiently.
• Analytical capabilities and quantitative skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).