Senior Economic Development Specialist

Salary range is $70k to $165k with a midpoint of $115k. New hires typically receive between minimum and midpoint, however, we may go slightly higher based on experience, internal equity and market. 

Sound Transit also offers a competitive benefits package with a wide range of offerings, including:

• Health Benefits: We offer two choices of medical plans, a dental plan, and a vision plan all at no cost for employee coverage; comprehensive benefits for employees and eligible dependents, including a spouse or domestic partner.
• Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Retirement Plans: 401a – 10% of employee contribution with a 12% match by Sound Transit; 457b – up to IRS maximum (employee only contribution).
• Paid Time Off: Employees accrue 25 days of paid time off annually with increases at four, eight and twelve years of service. Employees at the director level and up accrue additional days. We also observe 12 paid holidays and provide up to 2 paid floating holidays and up to 2 paid volunteer days per year.
• Parental Leave: 12 weeks of parental leave for new parents.
• Pet Insurance.
• ORCA Card: All full-time employees will receive an ORCA card at no cost.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Sound Transit will pay up to $5,000 annually for approved tuition expenses.
• Compensation Practices: We offer competitive salaries based on market rates and internal equity. In addition to compensation and benefits, you’ll find that we provide work-life balance, opportunities for professional development and recognition from your colleagues.

GENERAL PURPOSE:

The Senior Economic Development Specialist is responsible for planning, organizing, and implementing the agency’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and the Small Business Program (SBP). Ensures contract compliance, provides support and technical assistance to DBEs and SBs, and ensures compliance with applicable federal, state, and Agency regulations and guidelines.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
The following duties are a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

• Leads, plans, organizes, and implements assigned program contracting activities including, but not limited to developing mutually acceptable goals on contracts; calculating and administering goals in accordance with regulations and guidelines; participating in pre-bid meetings and pre-construction meetings; serving as division representative on Contract Evaluation Team.
• Monitors Prime/General contractor/consultant goal attainment on large and/or complex contracts relative to commitment and recommends corrective action when appropriate.
• Partners with the project manager and project teams for large/complex contracts to ensure progress toward inclusion goals. May participate in project team meetings to provide guidance in establishing and ensuring achievement of inclusion strategies to include capacity building of DBE and Small firms. 
• Ensures compliance with federal, state, and Agency regulations and guidelines in the accessibility and administration of contracting opportunities; assists in process improvement efforts.
• Provides support and engages contractors; trains on use of B2GNow (contract monitoring system) including prompt pay for contractors and subcontractors; conducts accurate administration of contract terms including commercially useful function (CUF), flow down language, prompt payment, and return of retained funds provisions; conducts site visits and attends contract progress meetings to track and monitor the participation of firms engaged on Agency contracts.
• Engages DBE and small businesses in navigating and understanding pertinent agency procurement processes and requirements; provides technical assistance for small businesses.
• Conducts mediations and facilitates conflict management between DBE and small businesses and prime contractors to create a safe and open environment to air concerns and shared goals.
• Provides guidance and training to management and staff on a variety of Disadvantaged Business Enterprise & Small Business (DBE/SB) processes, guidelines, requirements, and procurement related contracting subjects.
• May serve as lead regarding Economic Development Program related public disclosure requests.
• Performs