Introduction
GRADE
19\r\n\r\n
LOCATION OF POSITION
301 West Preston Street\r\n\r\nBaltimore, MD 21201\r\n
Main Purpose of Job
The Socio-Economic Preference Program Manager is responsible for leading the Department of General Services (DGS) efforts to effectively implement and manage the Maryland State Finance and Procurement Annotated Code and the Code of Maryland Regulations, ensuring compliance with all statutory, regulatory, and policy requirements pertaining to the Small Business Reserve, Minority Business Enterprise, and Veteran-Owned Small Business Enterprise programs. This individual will serve as the subject matter expert for all agency goal-setting initiatives, playing a pivotal role in the strategic oversight of the process and workflow both within DGS and across other executive agencies. Key responsibilities include managing the Procurement Review Group (PRG) team member as well as the process flow, developing and implementing standard operating procedures for market research, and ensuring the proper training of stakeholders across agencies.\r\n
POSITION DUTIES
Duties for this position include but�are not limited to:\r\n-�Lead and manage comprehensive market research to explore opportunities for setting supplier diversity goals in Maryland state procurements. Assess current practices, identify barriers, and pinpoint areas for implementing diversity goals. Develop race-neutral strategies to enhance participation of Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs), Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (VSBEs), and Small Business Reserve (SBR) firms.\r\n\r\n- Develop and lead training programs for DGS OSP and executive agencies to support supplier diversity and race-neutral initiatives. Conduct educational sessions on MBE and VSBE goals, guide Procurement Review Groups on applying diversity standards, and maintain training resources to promote best practices in supplier diversity.\r\n- Collaborate with state agencies, contractors, business groups, and minority organizations to promote supplier diversity. Serve as a liaison between executive agencies and the Department of General Services to ensure consistent implementation of the Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) program. Participate in inter-agency meetings to monitor and support diversity goals in procurement and contracts.\r\n- Track and analyze Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) participation in state procurements, identify gaps, and suggest improvements. Create reports and dashboards showing MBE, VSBE, and SBR participation, trends, and effectiveness of race-neutral strategies. Ensure all contracts over $200,000 comply with MBE requirements and are reviewed by Procurement Review Groups.\r\n- Continuously assess and enhance the supplier diversity program by incorporating feedback, research, and adapting to evolving state and federal regulations, while staying informed on best practices, legal requirements, and emerging trends in supplier diversity and procurement.\r\n
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education:\r\n- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Public Administration, Business Administration, Law, Procurement, Economics, or a related field. \r\n- Relevant certifications (e.g., Certified Public Procurement Officer - CPPO, or Maryland-specific procurement training).\r\nExperience: \r\n- Expertise in market research and developing strategic supplier diversity initiatives.\r\n- Strong skills in policy implementation, compliance auditing, and performance monitoring.\r\n- Analytical ability to assess procurement practices and support diversity goal setting.\r\n- Experience delivering training, workshops, and presentations to diverse stakeholders.\r\n- Skilled in developing performance dashboards and generating reports for decision-making.\r\n- Proven collaboration with state agencies, contractors, business associations, and minority business groups.\r\n- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and procurement/contract management software.\r\n
DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Strong preference will be given to applicants who possess the following�preferred qualification(s). Include clear and specific information on your application regarding�all qualifications.\r\n-�Master’s degree in business administration, Public Policy, Law, or a related field.\r\n\r\n- Professional certifications such as CPPB, CPPO, or Supplier Diversity Certification preferred.\r\n- Experience developing and executing race-neutral strategies to increase small and minority business participation.\r\n- Strong expertise in government contract compliance, risk management, dispute resolution, and procurement regulations.\r\n- Proven ability to interpret and apply legal statutes related to procurement and socio-economic preference programs.\r\n- Experience with legislative policy review, procurement program development, and managing or participating in Procurement Review Groups (PRGs).\r\n- Excellent communication skills for liaising with state agencies, vendors, and advocacy groups to promote transparency and collaboration.\r\n- Skilled in promoting supplier diversity through strategic partnerships.\r\n- Strong analytical, research, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.\r\n- Ability to identify compliance gaps and implement corrective actions.\r\n
SELECTION PROCESS
Please include all experience and education that is related to this position.� All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date; information submitted after the closing date will not be considered.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nNote that for any position requiring a college degree or college credit, you will be required to submit a college transcript prior to being offered a position.� You may submit your transcript as part of the application process.�Please note, selected candidates may be required to complete and successfully pass a State and Federal fingerprint background check prior to being hired.\r\n\r\n\r\nPlease note, selected candidates may be required to complete and successfully pass a State and Federal fingerprint background check prior to being hired.\r\n\r\n\r\nYou must be legally authorized under the United States Immigration Reform and Control Act to be hired in the position for which you apply.\r\n\r\n
BENEFITS
The State of Maryland offers a generous benefits package that includes:\r\n- Tuition reimbursement for those who qualify\r\n- Flexible work schedules and telework opportunities for many positions\r\n- Free mass transit in Baltimore & Annapolis\r\n- Generous paid leave that increases with years of service\r\n- Paid holidays\r\n- Health coverage with low out-of-pocket costs\r\n- Employee & employer contributory pension plan�\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nClick on the link below for more information.\r\nSTATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS\r\n
FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS
TO APPLY:\r\n\r\nInterested applicants should e-mail a resume and cover letter to�dgs.resumes@maryland.gov�– include�“Socioeconomic Preference Program Compliance Manager”�in the subject line of the e-mail.\r\n\r\n\r\nFor questions, call our HR Office at 410-767-4985.�For more information about DGS, please visit:�https://dgs.maryland.gov/.�\r\n\r\n\r\nDGS is an Equal Opportunity Employer\r\n
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