Business Opportunity Director en City of Detroit, MI

About the Department

This is not a Civil Service Position.  DWSD employees are subject to provisions of Court Orders entered in United States District Court, Eastern District of Michigan, Southern Division, Case No. 77-71100 with regard to certain terms and conditions of employment.  DWSD does not honor reversion rights for internal candidates.

Applicants for open positions at the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. The Detroit Water and Sewerage Department is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time. 

SUMMARY:
Develop, plan, and execute a workplan and strategic vision that includes supplier and employee diversity and
inclusion initiatives. Lead outreach and recruitment initiatives by planning, developing, and attending internal
and external outreach events and activities. Report, measure, and recommend actions to improve DWSD’s
Business Opportunity program effectiveness. Establish metrics for reporting and establishing performance
indicators.

Position Duties

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Outreach and engagement to construction and professional services firms with a focus on opportunities
and inclusion for minority and Detroit-based contractors.
• Conduct and attend program meetings, procurement/trade fairs, corporate supplier diversity networks,
community-focused events, and other outreach activities.
• Monitor DWSD contracts who need to comply with Mayor Duggan’s Executive Order 2016-1 that
requires at least 51% of the hours performed on City contracts more than $3M is done by Detroit
residents.
• Support procurement team members in identifying diverse vendors for inclusion in solicitations.
• Capture and measure diversity spend for goods and services, professional services, and construction.
• Report on supplier diversity utilization, identification, and engagement of diverse vendors.
• Partner with Public Affairs to develop and execute a communication plan for Business Opportunity
programs.
• Partner and collaborate with the City of Detroit Civil Rights, Inclusion and Opportunity (CRIO) and Detroit
at Work to ensure DWSD is consistent with City ordinances, executive orders, etc.
• Work with local diversity groups and organizations to identify opportunities to leverage activities with
DWSD’s diversity goals.
• Help to embed diversity, equity and inclusion across the department including the Talent Pipeline and
Procurement processes, policies and resources.
• Serve on related internal and external diversity committees where appropriate.
• Effectively works in a team environment to garner resources and support for the program.
• Measure, report, and recommend action to improve program effectiveness.
• Prepare well-written and meaningful presentations and board-level reports.
• Effectively supports and develops team members to ensure program sustainability.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
KNOWLEDGE OF:
• Networking (Departmental, Community, Contractors, Vendors, etc.)
• Marketing, social media, publicity protocol, and techniques
• Project management
Internet research

SKILL TO:
• Articulate professionally with the public in person, by phone and e-mail
• Write articles, emails, speaking points, etc.
• Create and publish presentations, newsletters, and publications
• Perform research
• Plan events and coordinate meetings
• Develop and manage marketing and outreach programs and projects
• Deal tactfully with departmental personnel, contractors, internal customers, program participants, and
the public including public officials
• Design strategic external communications plans
• Assist with DWSD website content

ABILITY TO:
• Work effectively in a team-based, flexible workforce with minimal supervision
• Coordinate events
• Create publications
• Maintain regular and reliable attendance
• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Understand and follow verbal and written instructions
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
• Communicate frequently with team members and other units across the Department about
processes, equipment or potential problems
• Direct team activities or work as team member
• Interact with contractors in person, by phone and email
• Perform work related duties as assigned

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE (position requirements at entry)
• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, economics, supply chain
management, law, communication, or a related field
• A minimum of five (5) years’ experience in procurement, economic development, business partner
engagement, business inclusion, and diversity, public administration, or public affairs
• Demonstrated experience and expertise related to diversity, equity, and inclusion programs

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
• Master’s degree in public administration, business administration, supply chain management,
economics, or communications
• Knowledge of Public Procurement
• Certification in one or more of the following: Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM),
Certified Professional in Supplier Diversity (CPSD), Certified Purchasing Professional Manager (CPPM),
Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO), or Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB)

Other Qualifications

Physical Requirements:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to
successfully perform the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable
individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

This position may require sitting and standing for prolonged periods of time, light to moderate lifting, reaching,
pulling, and carrying. Manual dexterity and audiovisual/linguistic acuity is required.
Environmental Working Requirements:
Work may be physically performed in, but not limited to, an office environment, in the field, in public settings
or from the employee’s home office, with exposure to computer screens and noise.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS
• Valid Michigan Driver’s License
The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to the
class. Incumbents may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in
this specification. Specific job duties may vary from position to position. Employees in this class are required to
undergo alcohol and drug screening and are subject to a criminal background investigation