Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Liaison

Description

EFFECTIVE DATE:  June 2026

FLSA:                          Non-Exempt                           

JOB TITLE:               Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Liaison

DEPARTMENT:        Safety (Compliance)

REPORTS TO:           Chief Legal &Compliance Officer

JOB FUNCTION:   
The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Liaison is responsible for conducting recruitment and outreach activities with minority and women-owned businesses to increase DBE certifications and participation in contracts with MATA.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Serves as a supplier diversity advocate for Memphis Area Transit Authority.
2. Performs outreach activities to encourage minority and women-owned businesses to become certified disadvantaged businesses and vendors with MATA.
3. Collects, validates, and inputs data from the businesses to generate monthly supplier diversity reports.
4. Checks emails and voice messages daily and refers to the appropriate person or department.
5. Maintains, organizes, and updates office files as necessary including DBE certification documents.
6. Responds to supplier, customer, and advocacy organization inquiries.
7. Monitors and maintains supplier diversity database.
8. Works with internal partners and external organizations to facilitate attendance, payment, and support of supplier diversity events.
9. Collaborates with MMBC to accomplish DMWBE objectives by notifying certified DBE firms of contract opportunities with MATA.
10. Reviews and researches supplier and community inquiries and issues regarding MATA's DBE program.
11. Assists with designing and facilitating seminars/workshops for DMWBEs throughout the geographic community on purchasing and contracting procedures relative to MATA DBE policies.
12. Designs and administers specific outreach programs to recruit potential M/WBE suppliers, including creating an awareness of the supplier diversity and business assistance program.
13. Partners with internal partners to help implement outreach strategies.
14. Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:
An associate degree in business or a related course of study is required. A bachelor's degree is desirable. Will consider an equivalent combination of work experience and education.

Other:

1. At least three years of experience working with local small businesses in business development.
2. The ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, is critical. Should be comfortable working with all levels of management and possess strong interpersonal skills.
3. Must be a self-starter, be self-motivated with a can-do attitude, and be able to work independently as required, as well as be a team player.
4. Must demonstrate a willingness and ability to provide world-class customer service to internal and external customers with a service-oriented attitude.
5. Must be able always to maintain confidentiality without exception.
6. Must be able to successfully use a personal computer and have a mid-level proficiency with Microsoft Office products and SharePoint. Experience with a console-style telephone switchboard is a plus.
7. Should have basic statistical analysis skills.
8. Requires ability to handle numerous activities at one time and move between tasks. Able to organize tasks in accordance with company and department priorities and complete them efficiently and on time.
9. Experience or knowledge of the transportation industry and familiarity with FTA/ DOT rules and regulations is a plus but is not required.
10. Must be willing to comply with MTM’s Drug and Alcohol Policy.
11. Must always comply with safety and COVID protocols.
12. Regular and consistent attendance is required.
13. Must have and maintain a valid driver's license. 

Environment:

1. Extensive sitting is required while using office equipment such as computers, phones, etc. Some standing and walking during a normal workday will also be required, as well as bending, stooping, and crouching. Work that will be performed inside working conditions should be able to tolerate changes in the building environment, such as with or without air conditioning or heating. Most duties will be performed primarily in an office-type environment and may require outside duties in different weather environments.
2. May be required occasionally to move up to 20 pounds by lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, or otherwise repositioning objects.
3. Close visual acuity to perform detail-oriented activities and activities at or within arm's reach with accuracy, skill, and control, such as preparing and analyzing data, viewing a computer screen, or significant reading of documents and other materials.
4. Fingering and repetitive motions will be required for data entry while picking items up, filing, or operating office equipment.
5. Able to express or exchange ideas with others accurately through oral communication or phone and at an audible volume. Able to differentiate between sounds in the environment.
6. Work will, at times, require more than 8 hours per day or an irregular work week to perform the essential duties of the position.
7. Must be able to travel to external locations and agencies.