VP, Business Development & Agency Services

*Applicants MUST submit a cover letter with resume to be considered.

*This position will require in-office presence. Hybrid work schedules may be possible based on specific job duties and consistent with ESD policy.

*Minorities, women, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Please contact Human Resources if you require an accommodation.

Basic Function: Under the general direction of the Minority & Women’s Business Development (MWBD) Executive Vice President (EVP) and Executive Director, the Vice President, Business Development & Agency Services develops and executes programs and policies to promote Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) engagement and utilization on NYS procurements. They will lead the agency services and business development activities of the Division. They will coordinate with all State agencies on MWBE participation and oversee the operations of the assigned units related to marketing and outreach, certification, agency training, MWBE programs, business development, and reporting.

Work Performed (List duties of this position):

• Oversees business development and agency services programming, consisting of various technical and financial assistance initiatives to help MWBEs secure government contracts, access financing, improve business operations, and grow their businesses 
• Manages the Business Development and Agency Services Units, regularly improving its efficiency and developing strategies as necessary
• Participates in working groups, task forces, and forums on MWBE issues, and ensures the visibility of State MWBE activity throughout the MWBE stakeholder community
• Values collaboration especially with other members of the Division’s executive leadership team as well with Division staff overall 
• Responds to inquiries and concerns from members of the public, MWBEs, and NYS agencies
• Organizes public events and training sessions on MWBE issues
• Delivers remarks at conferences and other public gatherings
• Works with business development and agencies/authorities, MWBEs, and external stakeholders to promote and encourage full engagement in programs authorized under Article 15-A (such as MWBD related procurement practices and reporting protocols), as well as policies and practices relating to new initiatives
• Creates evaluation metrics and conducts quarterly evaluations to analyze business development and agencies/authorities’ initiatives. 
• Hosts meetings aimed at helping participating stakeholders and agencies/authorities improve outputs. 
• Holds annual evaluation meetings with the business community as well as agencies and authorities, to review metrics, measure effectiveness, and elicit feedback on any improvements needed for the program
• Represents ESD on behalf of the Division by participating on panels for various business seminars, agencies, authorities, community-based organizations, and business trade groups.
• Perform other special projects as assigned.
• Statewide travel required.

Minimum Requirements

Education Level required: A bachelor’s degree in government, business, public administration, economics, or relevant field. Graduate degree preferred.

Relevant experience required: Eight (8) plus years of relevant experience with community and economic development issues and business finance. Five (5) plus years’ experience in a leadership role, which involved developing and/or implementing strategic plans, process and procedure improvements, and/or long-term sustainable efficiency measures. Five (5) plus years of management experience. Experience in the field of executive level management and/or management consulting experience preferred. A J.D. or master’s degree may substitute for two years of relevant experience.

Knowledge required: MWBE/Affirmative Action and/or community economic development. Knowledge of government, policy and program development Excellent written and oral communications skills.