Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is a district on the rise, serving over 325,000 students in 500+ schools and employing over 45,000 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. Aligned with our transformed philosophy, we are steadfastly focused on ensuring that the District provides resources equitably to support every student, every school, and every community. Six core values guide the work we do every day for our students – student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning. Each role in the district supports our vision that every student deserves a rigorous, joyful, and equitable learning experience.
The Business Enterprise Development (BED) unit in Procurement, 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.
Job Summary:
Reporting to the Senior Manager for the Business Enterprise Development Unit in Procurement, the Compliance Specialist will be responsible for ensuring compliance with Business Enterprise Development 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 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.
The Business Enterprise Development Compliance Specialist will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:
- Review each solicitation issued/advertised by the Procurement Department and ensure compliance with CPS’ Remedial Program Policies. Survey specific industries, marketplace, and supplier or vendor availability through the B2GNow Software to establish aspirational goals. Insert appropriate Business Enterprise Development language for all advertised solicitations and Board Reports. Outreach advertised solicitations for assigned categories to the MBE/WBE community via the B2GNow Outreach software module.
- Review MBE/ WBE Compliance 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/ WBE companies to help achieve solicitation and aspirational goals. Monitor the compliance of all contracts per assigned category to ensure compliance requirements are met.
- 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. Participate in Vendor Scorecard Performance reviews to provide updates on contracts.
- Assist in the preparation of any monthly, quarterly, and annual program evaluation reports and scorecards to be presented to the Board on MBE/WBE performance as it relates to commitments versus the actual utilization of MBE/ WBE on contracts.
- Provide MBEs/ WBEs with relevant information and assistance related to CPS procurement practices and procedures, bid specifications, documentation requirements, and prerequisites.
- Provide training and assistance to CPS staff and other interested persons on Program objectives and requirements.
- Represent Chicago Public Schools-Department of Procurement at community-based organization events, vendor fairs and other networking opportunities to ensure the MBE/WBE community is well informed of upcoming contracting opportunities.
- 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.
- Other duties as assigned.
In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the Business Enterprise Development Compliance Specialist must possess the following qualifications:
Education Required:
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
Experience Required:
Minimum of three (3) years of professional experience, including a minimum of two (2) years of experience in compliance, business diversity, financial analysis, project management, business development, or a related field
Experience with procurement practices and/or supply chain
Previous experience in engaging different departments, organizations, individuals, communities, and different levels of stakeholders to build partnerships that support aspirational goals and drive results is preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Ability to assess the strengths and weaknesses of a business to provide insightful recommendations to address deficiencies and monitor for future opportunities
Ability to participate and work in diverse environments with strong personalities, great ability to build rapport, and establish working relationships quickly
Ability to deliver high-quality work in a fast-paced environment, successfully meet established deadlines, effectively multi-task high-priority projects, and provide prompt, thorough information to multiple constituencies and stakeholders.
Effective time management skills; demonstrates a sense of urgency in accomplishing goals and objectives to ensure success.
Excellent project management skills; ability to define project goals, deliverables, timelines, milestones, and resource requirements from inception to completion.
Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills, capable of communicating with internal and external stakeholders
Excellent interpersonal skills, project management skills, organizational skills, and attention to detail.
Possess a general understanding of the various affirmative action policies, Minority-Owned Business Enterprise and Women-Owned Business Enterprise nationally, statewide, and locally
General understanding of procurement policies and procedures; knowledge of the solicitation process
Proficient in Oracle, B2Gnow Software, Google GSuite, Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access), project management software, dashboards, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
Capable of success both working independently and as a member of a team, partnering with colleagues and Management in support of key initiatives and projects.
Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, including an ability to think in terms of processes and systems.
Benefits:
Health & Wellness: Your Care, Your Choice
CPS is committed to providing comprehensive health coverage to our employees and their eligible dependents. You'll have access to a variety of choices to best fit your needs:
Medical Plan Options
Pharmacy
Dental
Vision
Behavioral Health & EAP
Employee Wellness Program
Financial Security: Planning for Today and Tomorrow
We understand the importance of financial stability, which is why CPS offers strong retirement and savings options:
Basic Life Insurance
Life and Disability Insurance
Pension Plans
Supplemental Retirement Plans (403(b) and 457(b))
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
Spot Pet Insurance
Work-Life Balance: Supporting Your Personal and Professional Life
CPS values the well-being of its employees and offers competitive paid time off policies:
Paid Leave
Sick Leave
Vacation Days
Parental Leaves
Short-Term Disability
Religious Holidays
Leaves
Reference the Chicago Public Schools: A Comprehensive Benefits Overview or the benefits handbook for comprehensive details.
Conditions of Employment
As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), employees are required to:
Establish/Maintain Chicago Residency - Employees are required to live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of their CPS hire date and maintain residency throughout their employment with the district. The Chicago residency requirement does not apply to temporary/part-time positions; however, all CPS employees must be residents of Illinois.