The Equity Coordinator, Supplier Diversity is responsible for assisting small businesses and underutilized business groups through the Colorado Supplier Diversity Navigator program (State Equity in Procurement Help Desk) which includes the Colorado Supplier Diversity Directory/Apply and Verify program and the Colorado Resources Directory to include providing guidance with state processes and requirements in coordination with findings and recommendations from the Equity in Procurement State Disparity Report, Stakeholder Group Recommendation Report, Colorado Senate Bill 22-163 and C. R.S. § 24-103-1104.

This position will perform the following functions: deliver real-time solicitation assistance to small businesses and underutilized business groups, collaborate with key stakeholders to maximize compliance and utilization of the Colorado Supplier Diversity Navigator, Colorado Supplier Diversity Directory, and the Colorado Resources Directory programs; develop program training and outreach to businesses; assist with the development of program practices, forms and templates to ensure that procedures are structured for effective consideration and participation of diverse businesses in all programs; and capture success measures and outcomes.

This position supports the Colorado Statewide Equity Office (SEO) by implementing processes and strategies to best support small and underutilized businesses through a solicitation/procurement help desk program and business verification and directory program.

 

A summary of the duties and responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following:

Supplier Diversity Initiatives:
 

• Serve as the contact point for the Supplier Diversity Navigator, business directory, and resource directory and collaborates with key stakeholders to maximize compliance and utilization of the programs.
• Conducts research and assists with improvements and integrations pertaining to the Colorado Supplier Diversity Navigator, the Colorado Supplier Diversity Directory, and the Colorado Resources Directory programs.
• Helpdesk Support – Implement, course correct and review operational issues while logging helpdesk queries.
• Ensure all queries are processed and compliant with DPA policies and procedures. Investigate/results, follow up and resolve open items.
• Provide guidance and clarification on bids and contracts/solicitation assistance.
• Carry out triaging and advise requesters to correct buying channels & respond to Procurement related inquiries.
• Review and approve resource applications for the Colorado Resource Directory.
• Provide Colorado Supplier Diversity Directory business directory guidance and assistance to small businesses and underutilized business groups.
• This position will implement processes and strategies to best support small and diverse businesses through the Supplier Diversity program initiatives, as well as working closely and aligning with the State Purchasing and Contracts Office.

Vendor Assistance and Outreach:
 

• Travel statewide to attend trade association meetings, vendor fairs and provide vendor training and outreach.
• Promote doing business with the State at conferences where vendors are present by staffing resource tables, participating in webinars, and speaking in presentations about state procurement and Supplier Diversity Program resources.

Collaboration and Stakeholding:

• This position will be required to attend all in-person monthly Statewide Equity Office team building micro-retreats/onsites.
• Actively collaborate, participate in and support broader Statewide Equity Office initiatives and attend two annual Statewide Equity Office Community Engagement events of their choosing, outside of the additional Supplier Diversity Outreach events. These may be on the weekend.
• Contribute recommendations from the Supplier Diversity program to cross-functional teams and projects aimed at advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion across state government and its services.
• Collaborate with other SEO staff to align program goals and share best practices.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders to develop targets and sourcing strategies designed to increase the utilization of diverse suppliers and small businesses.
• Act as the administrator of the Supplier Diversity Statewide community of practice with support from the Manager.
• Support your Statewide Community of Practice or others by potential meeting facilitation and guidance, meeting minute taking, event coordination, and consultation services.

Data Collection:

• Leverages technology, digital tools, and data to contribute to program objectives and success measures, reporting outcomes to the Manager, Stakeholder Group, DPA Leadership, and other entities including the General Assembly, Governor’s Office, and others.
• Conduct regular audits of directory listings to ensure contact information, service descriptions, and eligibility requirements remain accurate and active.

Minimum Qualifications:

Experience Only:

At least six (6) years of relevant experience in procurement, small business administration, and/or administrative program support

Or

Education and Experience:

A combination of related education and/or relevant experience in procurement, small business administration, and/or administrative program support equal to at least six (6) years.

The exceptional candidate will possess the proven ability or accomplishment in the following preferred qualifications:

• Previous State Service related to the work assigned to the position
• Well versed in business acumen
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate and manage EDI initiatives within a diverse and fluid organizational dynamic and manage goals and established parameters.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and foster positive relationships with partners and stakeholders
• Proven success in a collaborative, team-oriented environment
• Ability to adapt approach, goals, and methods as necessary to achieve results and respond to changing priorities
• Ability and desire to work in an environment that values, encourages, and supports all differences while aiming to advance equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) through daily work activities
• Ability and desire to respectfully and actively engage with others with cultural identities different from your own
• Awareness of biases, assumptions about human behavior, and values and  a desire to strive for lifelong learning and growth
   

Conditions of Employment:

• A pre-employment criminal background check will be conducted as part of the selection process.
• Travel required: Attend all in-person monthly Statewide Equity Office team building micro-retreats and/or on-sites; attend trade association meetings, vendor fairs and provide vendor training and outreach statewide
   

Comparative Analysis Process 
The comparative analysis process for this position may consist of a structured application review, an online assessment and a structured interview.