Business Development Counselor II (Austin Small and Minority Business Resources Department)

Job Description:

Business Development Counselor II (Austin Small and Minority Business Resources Department)

Description

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer-we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles - Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity - anchors in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference : Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
  
• Value and Innovation : Work in an environment where employees are valued and innovation thrives.
  
• Competitive Benefits : Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
  
• Retirement Security : Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
  
• Sustainable Transportation Options : Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
  
• Focus on Wellness : Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
  
• Career Growth : Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
  
• Modern Workspaces : Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.
  

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

Job Description:

Business Development Counselor II

Purpose:

This position ensures that all parties involved in the City of Austin's purchasing/contracting activities comply with the Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprise (MBE/WBE) Procurement Program Ordinance.

• Works with City staff, prime contractor/vendors, MBE/WBE firms, and other entities to increase MBE/WBE participation in City procurements or contractual obligations.
  
• Identifies and formulates solutions to barriers faced by MBE/WBE firms in conducting business with the city and works with City staff, prime contractor/vendors, and subcontractors to identify and resolve problems related to MBE/WBE participation.
  
• Responds to requests for information on the City MBE/WBE Procurement Program, and compliance documents, City business opportunities, or assistance available for small business.
  
• Acts as single point of contact, or department liaison to other City departments.
  
• Determines an MBW/WBE applicant's eligibility to participate in the program by reviewing relevant business records, conducting site audits, or conducting other relevant research into the state of the applicant firm.
  
• Recommends approval/denial of application for MBW/WBE certification.
  
• Develops policies and procedures for MBE/WBE certification.
  
• Conducts pre-bid and pre-performance meetings to instruct prime contractor/vendors on their responsibilities under the program.
  
• Monitors projects to ensure the actual MBE/WBE participation reflects the contractor's compliance plan by reviewing expenditure reports and performing phone and site audits as necessary.
  

Minimum Qualifications:

Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in a field related to the job plus two (2) years of related experience. Experience may substitute for the education up to a maximum of four (4) years.

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• None
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge and/or experience with the City’s MBE/WBE Program, DBE Program, HUB Program, or similar small and minority business programs.
  
• Knowledge and/or experience with procurement and contracting procedures, laws and policies.
  
• General contracting and construction industry experience and knowledge.
  
• Experience with audit procedures.
  
• Experience in data compilation, data analysis, and reporting.
  
• Experience making presentations and communicating programmatic requirements to multiple stakeholders.
  
• CCA or MCA compliance professional certifications or the ability to obtain within 2 years of employment.
  
• Ability to travel to more than one work location.
  

Notes to Candidate:

Notes to Candidate:

Austin Small and Minority Business Resources assists small, minority-owned, women-owned, and disadvantaged businesses compete for City of Austin contracts. We administer the City’s Minority-Owned, Women-Owned, Small Business Enterprise, Disadvantaged Business Enterprise and Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise procurement programs and work to expand access, equity, and economic opportunity for local businesses.

Position Overview

This position is responsible for performing various pre-award solicitation and post-award compliance monitoring tasks associated with City procurements. Tasks include, but are not limited to:

• Reviewing scopes of work and MBE/WBE availability to establish solicitation goals for City procurements.
  
• Developing MBE/WBE/DBE Compliance packets for City procurements.
  
• Attending pre-bid/pre-response and other contract meetings to communicate MBE/WBE/DBE Procurement Program requirements; creating and sending opportunity notices, Good Faith Effort verification notices, and performing targeted outreach on solicitation notices, as needed.
  
• Performing various types of compliance audits for City projects.
  
• Routine maintenance and audit of compliance files.
  
• Researching and compiling data to develop compliance reporting for internal and external stakeholders.
  
• Developing and providing presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
  
• Creating letters, memos, emails, reports, and other documentation related to solicitations and contracts.
  
• Responding to phone calls and emails associated with compliance monitoring activities.
  

The ideal candidate will have experience in small business development, construction industry experience managing information, making compliance recommendations to management and executives, performing compliance monitoring, and working with diverse stakeholders. This position requires strong written and verbal presentation skills in the role of presenting and communicating with contractors, consultants, City project staff and applying programmatic requirements in determining compliance outcomes.

Days/Hours :

8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday - Friday.

Hours may vary depending on business need. Telework opportunities are available. Employees may be required to occasionally work early mornings, after hours, weekends, and special events due to business needs.

Salary Range :

$62,280.00 - $77,850.00 annually. Please note, your detailed and complete employment application will be used to evaluate your qualifications and determine your salary if you are selected for this position.

Location: 505 Barton Springs Rd., Ste 510, Austin, TX 78704

When completing the City of Austin employment application:

The City of Austin employment application is an official document; incomplete applications will not be considered. Please be sure that your application reflects your entire work history.

• Please be sure to detail on the application all previous employment that you wish to be considered as part of your qualifications.
  
• A detailed, complete employment application is required. It helps us to better evaluate your qualifications and will be used to determine salary if you are selected for this position. Be sure to provide job titles and employment dates for all jobs you wish to be considered. Describe your specific experience for each position. Include all job duties, responsibilities, and employment dates.
  
• A résumé is required, but will not substitute for a complete employment application. Please include contact information from previous employers.
  
• A cover letter is also required. In the cover letter candidates should describe, in concise detail, their interest in this position and highlight any prior experience that is relevant to this position.
  

Travel:

If you are selected for this position and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program, you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.

If you are selected as a top candidate:

Verification of your education (which may include high school graduation or GED, undergraduate, and/or graduate degrees) will be required. Proof of education from an accredited organization/institution and proof of your professional licenses or certifications.

Benefits:

Working with the City of Austin provides a number of health and welfare benefits such as low-cost medical, dental, vision, paid leave time, a highly competitive retirement plan, training opportunities, and more. Please click HERE for more information.

Important Note to Applicants:
Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply, but the posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed. All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time.

We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job posting for your records. Once a posting has closed, it will no longer be viewable in the system.

EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

Closing Date/Time: 2026-04-08