Senior Executive Officer, Diversity and Economic Opportunity

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) has retained DeSanti to recruit a Senior Executive Officer, Diversity and Economic Opportunity, to assist in executing Metro’s mission to provide a world-class transportation system that enhances quality of life for all who live, work and play within LA County. This position is a member of Metro's Senior Leadership Team. This is an opportunity to join one of the nation’s largest and most innovative transportation systems.

Job Summary:
Oversees and directs the daily activities of Metro's Diversity and Economic Opportunity Department in the implementation and administration of the projects and programs relating to Project Labor Agreements, and Labor Wage Compliance, Contract Compliance, and Small and Disadvantaged Business Programs, including Outreach, Certification, and Goal Attainment. Serves as Metro's Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Liaison Officer for the Agency. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provides executive direction and management of Metro?s Diversity and Economic Opportunity Department (DEOD)/Programs implementation and administration; establishes and develops policies, goals, and strategies
• Directs and oversees various policies and programs in support of Metro's diverse and disadvantaged business goals, including Metro’s Medium Size and Local Business Programs
• Oversees the enforcement of Metro?s Labor Wage Compliance Program to ensure workers performing on construction projects are paid the appropriate predetermined prevailing wage rate
• Provides  executive direction over Metro’s Living Wage and Manufacturing Careers Policy
• Provides  executive direction and guidance over construction mitigation support programs, specifically the Business Interruption Fund and Business Solutions Center
• Oversees the implementation of an aggressive Small Business Outreach Program which communicates contracting opportunities and develops methods to facilitate small business participation in all contracting areas
• Directs and oversees the Construction Careers Policy and the Construction Project Labor Agreement
• Provides direction in the oversight of activities of Metro?s Transportation Business Advisory Council (TBAC)
• Represents the department with members of the senior leadership team, particularly Vendor/Contract Management and Program Management
• Represents Metro at meetings, conferences, and public events
• Oversees and responds to audits on DEOD programs and activities
• Interfaces with the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) on DEOD reviews, investigations and audits 
• Directs the establishment and monitoring of long-range goals, budgets, schedules, and strategies
• Directs studies, investigations, and analyses; presents oral and written reports; and drives consensus in support of recommendations
• Develops and manages financial forecasts, plans, and budgets
• Oversees and reviews all funding for various projects to determine the appropriate application of Small Business Program requirements
• Provides executive review and editing of sensitive and complex data and reports
• Prepares and presents reports to the CEO (Chief Executive Officer), Board of Directors, and management
• Supervises and develops assigned staff and fosters an open, professional, and team-working environment
• Develops and maintains liaison with federal, state, and local transportation regulatory agencies
• Communicates Metro's safety vision and goals; oversees the implementation of agency and departmental safety rules, policies, and procedures; and maintains accountability for the safety performance of all assigned employees
• May be required to perform other related job duties

Knowledge:

• Theories, principles, and practices of Small Business, Labor Wage Compliance, Outreach, and Certification Programs, Project Labor Agreements, Construction Impact Mitigation Programs, and Workforce Development Programs
• Applicable local, state, and federal laws, rules, and regulations governing Small Business, Labor Wage Compliance, Outreach, Certification, and Targeted Hiring Programs
• State and federal government contracting laws, processes and procedures
• Local, state, and federal institutional structures and funding sources
• Financial forecasting, planning, and budgeting
• Administrative methods, including goal setting, program and budget development and implementation, capital and operating budgets, and funding sources
• Modern management theory

Skills:

• Directing the overall operations of all Diversity and Economic Opportunity Programs
• Determining and executing strategies to meet Metro's goals to utilize diverse and disadvantaged businesses
• Performing statistical and financial forecasting, budgeting and planning
• Analyzing situations, identifying problems, recommending solutions, and evaluating outcomes
• Exercising sound judgment and creativity in making decisions
• Establishing and implementing policies and procedures
• Communicating effectively orally and in writing with emphasis in public speaking
• Interacting professionally with various levels of Metro employees and outside representatives

Abilities:

• Mentor and coach internal and external resources in support of developing and supporting diverse and disadvantaged businesses programs
• Represent Metro before the public and with other agencies
• Plan financial and staffing needs
• Make financial decisions within a budget
• Compile, analyze, and interpret complex data
• Understand, interpret, and apply laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, contracts, budgets, and labor/management agreements
• Prepare and present comprehensive reports and correspondence
• Supervise, train, and motivate staff to enhance professional development
• Read, write, speak, and understand English

Minimum Qualifications
Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Law Administration, or a related field; Master’s Degree in a related field preferred

Experience:

• Eight years of relevant senior management-level experience developing and implementing equal opportunity/small business/labor wage compliance programs

Preferred Qualifications:

• Preferred Qualifications (PQs) are used to identify relevant knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) as determined by business necessity. These criteria are considered preferred qualifications and are not intended to serve as minimum requirements for the position. PQs will help support selection decisions throughout the recruitment. In addition, applicants who possess these PQs will not automatically be selected. The following are the preferred qualifications:
  • Experience leading public or private agency economic inclusion initiatives for historically underutilized workers and businesses, including Disadvantaged Business Enterprise/Small Business (DBE/SB) programs and/or Project Labor and Local Hire Agreements Experience engaging with Federal, State, and Local funding partners and adjudicating agencies on grant, contractual, and regulatory requirements
  • Experience leading teams that effectively collaborate with public agency procurement and client departments to advance historically underutilized business and worker inclusion compliance programs
  • Experience preparing and presenting complex programs and data to multiple audiences, including Boards, Unions, and elected officials
  • Certification as a Contract Compliance Administrator (CCA) or a Master Compliance Administrator (MCA) from the American Contract Compliance Association (ACCA), or equivalent, is preferred but not required

Certifications/Licenses/Special Requirements:

• A valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions preferred
• American Contract Compliance Association (ACCA) Contract Compliance Administrator Certification or Master Compliance Administrator Certification preferred

Special Conditions:

• This job specification is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or requirements
• The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job
• Metro provides reasonable accommodation to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions
• This classification is at-will and the incumbent serves at the pleasure of the hiring authority
• Contributes to ensuring that the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policies and programs of Metro are carried out

Working Conditions:

• Typical office situation
• Close exposure to computer monitors and video screen

Physical Effort Required:

• Sitting at a desk or table
• Operate a telephone or other telecommunications device and communicate through the medium
• Type and use a keyboard and mouse to perform necessary computer-based functions
• Communicating through speech in English language required