Specialist, MBE Compliance and Contracts

ABOUT US
The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is one of the leading school systems in Maryland and the nation. To learn more about us and our 2024 -2029 Strategic Plan, please visit our website and our careers page. Join our award-winning workforce and make a difference in the lives of our students!
ABOUT THE APPLICATION PROCESS
Before you begin, please read the job posting below carefully including the Application Requirements specific to this position. Be sure your application reflects experience and education required to meet the minimum and any preferred qualifications listed. Our application guide includes detailed instructions to assist you. Once your application has been submitted, you will not be able to add documentation or make any changes.
Please note that application submission will be available only through 11:59 PM on the date prior to the indicated end date. If no end date is indicated, the posting will remain open indefinitely.
Job Posting End Date:
10-26-2026
Reminder: Current permanent and temporary employees must apply through the Jobs Hub in Workday, not the external career site.
DESCRIPTION
Under the direction of the Director of Procurement, the MBE Compliance/Contract Specialist shall assist with the implementation and facilitation of the school system's Minority Business Enterprise, Women Business Enterprise and Small Business Enterprise program as well as prepare American Institute of Architects (AIA) and school related contracts as needed. Reviews contract solicitations for MBE/WBE/SBE contracting opportunities and determines certification eligibility by reviewing new and re-certification application submissions. Serves as outreach liaison and MBE/WBE/SBE information facilitator and attends local outreach conferences. Prepares a variety of contracts, reports, and correspondence, as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
A combination of education and experience may be considered.
Education:
Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Education requirements may be met by substituting experience for education on a year-for-year basis (up to four years).
Experience:
Three years of contracting experience, including at least two years in public procurement.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal candidate for this role will also possess a combination of the additional qualifications below. If you don’t meet every one of the preferred qualifications, we still encourage you to apply, as we welcome applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in business, finance, public administration, or a related field.
Experience in a PreK-12 public education or government setting.
Experience with Workday, eMaryland Marketplace advantage System, or another procurement management software.
Experience with COMAR Title 21 and other Maryland state procurement laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
At least one year of work experience with computer technology to include Microsoft Office Suite (e.g., Outlook, Excel, Word, Access, PowerPoint, Teams) and Google Workspace (e.g., Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Meet).
Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB), NIGP Certified Procurement Professional (NIGP-CPP)
ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES
The below list is a summary of the functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties.
Reviews pending contract solicitations for MBE/WBE/SBE contracting opportunities and determines appropriate participation goals.
Reviews bid submissions to ensure all required documentation is included and conducts follow-up if necessary for additional information.
Reviews and processes MBE/WBE/SBE certification eligibility.
Evaluates information submitted by contractors to ensure MBE/WBE/SBE compliance.
Determines if suppliers contracted with the school system are following federal and state guidelines.
Prepare AIA and School related contracts for review and processing.
Track AIA and School related contracts in the review and signature process.
Tracks participation of school system procurements identifies deficiencies and makes appropriate recommendations for corrective actions as required.
Works closely with various departments and staff to develop contracts to meet their specific requirements.
ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
The below list is a summary of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for success in this position, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list.
Knowledge
Regulatory Compliance: Understanding of federal, state, and local procurement guidelines, regulations, and reporting requirements.
Supplier Diversity Programs: In-depth knowledge of Minority, Women, and Small Business Enterprise (MBE/WBE/SBE) certification criteria, policy frameworks, and compliance standards.
Public Procurement Processes: Comprehensive understanding of public sector solicitations, competitive bidding procedures, contract drafting, and vendor evaluation metrics.
Skills
Contract & Bid Auditing: Skilled in analyzing compliance documentation for accuracy, completeness, and goal alignment.
Data Tracking & Reporting: Ability to monitor procurement metrics, track MBE/WBE/SBE participation data, identify compliance gaps, and generate actionable corrective strategies.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Strong interpersonal skill in working across organizational dep