Ombudsman bei Prince George's County Government, MD

About the Department

Come join our team!

Prince George’s County Government provides a dynamic and inclusive workplace where employees can thrive, learn, and grow across its 30 diverse agencies, all dedicated to serving the County's residents with essential resources and services. Nestled just minutes away from Washington, DC, Prince George's County combines urban vibrancy with serene surroundings, offering an ideal setting to live, work, and enjoy life.

The Prince George’s County Office of Procurement is currently seeking qualified applicants to fill an Ombudsman position (Administrative Specialist 3G), grade 33, in the Office of Accountability.

About the Position

This position serves as the Small Business Ombudsman for the Prince George’s County Office of Procurement. The role provides guidance, advocacy, and support to small, minority, County-based businesses seeking to do business with the County. The Ombudsman acts as a liaison between the business community and County government, assisting firms in navigating procurement processes, addressing barriers to participation, and ensuring compliance with applicable legislations and policies.
 

About the Agency

The Office of Procurement was launched on July 1, 2024, and comprises three main divisions: the Office of Accountability, Business Services, and Office of Administrative Services. These divisions will house critical functions including Contract Compliance, Contract Administration & Procurement, and Supplier Development & Diversity, formerly managed under the Office of Central Services. The Office of Procurement will help foster transparency and efficiency in our procurement process every day while also providing a high impact means to promote equity. Through the new Office of Procurement, small, local, and minority-owned businesses are supported, creating new opportunities for our residents to work in and improve the community where they live.

Position Duties

• Advisory and Support Services - Provides general guidance, assistance, and advocacy for small, minority, and County-based businesses seeking to participate in County procurements. The Ombudsman serves as a point of contact to help businesses better understand opportunities, processes, and available resources.

• Business Engagement - Leads proactive efforts to connect small, minority, and County-based businesses with Prince George’s County procurement opportunities. The Ombudsman is responsible for strengthening relationships between the County and the business community, increasing awareness of available resources, and fostering an environment of open communication and trust.

• Policy and Program Support - Provides advisory input and recommendations on policies, procedures, and programs that impact small business participation in County procurement. The Ombudsman ensures that the perspectives of small businesses are considered in the development, implementation, and evaluation of procurement policies and initiatives.

• Business Liaison - Serves as the liaison between small businesses, County agencies, and external partners. The Ombudsman facilitates communication, helps resolve concerns, and ensures that small businesses have a clear point of contact within the County government.

• Functions as Acting Director of Deputy of a Department, Office or Agency.

• Coordinates development and preparation of a variety of reports, data, legislation, testimony, etc.

• Supervises a large unit or coordinates several units in a County department, office or agency.

• Serves as communication link between department, office, or agency (including Executive Branch or Legislative Branch) for work development, information and data collection and problem solving.

• Chairs functional management coordinating and oversight groups or ad hoc task forces.

• Represents the executive or legislative branches of County government at sessions of managers and policy makers of regional and national organizations.

• Counsels individuals and civic and private business organizations on the status, intent and/or interpretation of pending and passed legislation, impact of legislation and other significant matters.

• Responds to the most complex requests for information, including media.

• Confers with local, state and federal government officials on the effect of proposed and existing programs in the County; serves as liaison to governing bodies of County municipalities.

• Acts as special assistant to the County Executive, Chief Administrative Officer or County Council executive management staff.

• Originates complex reports and correspondence for signature of senior executive/legislative management staff.

• May be required to use automated equipment in conjunction with assigned duties and responsibilities.

• Willingly and cooperatively performs tasks and duties which may not be specifically listed in the class specification or position description, but which are within the general occupational category and responsibility level typically associated with the employee's class of work.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's Degree from an accredited College or University in Business Administration, Public Administration, or a closely related field.
• Three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in governmental activities related to the examples of work listed above, including at least three (3) years in a supervisory capacity.