Economic Development Specialist

Benefits

• Health Benefits: 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% 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. 12 paid holidays and up to two paid floating holidays and up to two 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: Competitive salaries based on market rates and internal equity. Work‑life balance, opportunities for professional development and recognition from colleagues.

The Economic Development Specialist is responsible for supporting the planning, organizing, and implementing Sound Transit's Economic Development Program – which includes the 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.

• Leads, plans, organizes, and implements assigned program contracting activities including 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; and serving as division representative on Contract Evaluation Team.
• Monitors Prime/General contractor/consultant goal attainment on contracts relative to commitment and recommends corrective action when appropriate.
• 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) reviews, flow down language, prompt payment, return of retained funds provisions, and contract close‑out. Conducts site visits and attends contract progress meetings as appropriate to track and monitor the participation of firms engaged on Agency contracts.
• Engages DBE and small businesses in navigating pertinent agency procurement processes and requirements; provides technical assistance for small businesses.
• Conducts mediations 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.
• Assists with Economic Development Program public disclosure requests as directed.
• Performs special duties as assigned by the Director - Economic Development and Chief Civil Rights, Equity & Inclusion Officer and/or department management.
• Research trends in the corporate, small business, and DBE communities; researches and studies 'Best Practices' of multiple governmental agencies and corporate entities to assist in improving Agency programs; researches DBE trends in specific industries.
• Under general direction, may plan and execute outreach and engagement events.
• May assist with community relations and outreach between diverse groups on all aspects of the Agency's Economic Development programs by attending stakeholder meetings & supporting the agency's working relationships with special interest groups, stakeholders, and public and…