
Assistant Vice President, Opportunity M/W/DBE
Our Vision: To make New York City the global model for inclusive innovation and economic growth, fueled by the City’s diverse people and businesses.
Our Mission: Creating a vibrant, inclusive, and globally competitive economy for all New Yorkers.
Position Overview:
Sitting within the Equity & Community Impact pillar, Opportunity M/W/DBE aims to address disparities in public procurement by expanding access and increasing opportunities for minority-owned, women-owned, and disadvantaged businesses. The Assistant Vice President will support strategy development and execution of NYCEDC’s M/W/DBE initiatives, with a focus on the construction and waterfront industries.
The AVP will lead key capacity-building programs, including ConstructNYC and Waterfront Pathways, and support the expansion of business growth and support initiatives within the Program Innovation & Capacity Building team.
This role combines strategic vision, data-driven decision making, policy development, and stakeholder engagement to advance M/W/DBE firms in construction and waterfront development.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
- Program Strategy & Leadership – Direct the strategic vision, planning, and execution of ConstructNYC and Waterfront Pathways, including comprehensive program assessments, evaluation frameworks, and measurable impact reporting.
- Program Expansion & Innovation – Lead the evolution of ConstructNYC into a two-track model from concept through funding, curriculum design, and implementation.
- Stakeholder Engagement & Advocacy – Serve as the primary liaison between Opportunity M/W/DBE leadership and internal/external partners, fostering relationships with M/WBE firms, industry leaders, construction management firms, developers, and ecosystem stakeholders to expand market access.
- Policy Development & Compliance – Develop and implement M/W/DBE goal-setting and compliance processes for projects using alternate delivery methods; negotiate contractual requirements to advance supplier diversity and inclusion.
- Program Operations & Administration – Manage program consultants, vendors, and contracts to ensure efficient delivery of capacity-building and technical assistance services. Oversee operational standards, including advanced payment strategies, cash flow tracking, and contract administration.
- Market Research & Industry Trends – Conduct market research on the construction and waterfront sectors, including emerging technologies, sustainable building practices, and green infrastructure opportunities, to inform program design and expansion.
- Impact Measurement & Evaluation – Design and execute longitudinal studies to track M/W/DBE firm growth trajectories, using data to inform continuous program improvements.
- Financial Oversight – Oversee the Contract Financing Loan Fund in collaboration with Accounting, the NYC Department of Small Business Services, and CDFI partners; work with Budget, Accounting, Contracts, and Legal teams to secure ongoing program funding, including IDA allocations.
- Cross-Departmental Leadership – Facilitate interdepartmental working groups (Contracts, Legal, Project Management) to enhance M/W/DBE program procedures, drive process improvements, and align initiatives with broader NYCEDC strategies.
- Outreach & Engagement – Lead high-profile events, forums, and conferences to facilitate industry networking, stakeholder engagement, and market entry for M/WBE firms. Implement advanced outreach strategies to maximize M/W/DBE utilization across portfolios.
- Reporting & Representation – Prepare executive-level presentations, strategic reports, and policy briefs for NYCEDC leadership, the Mayor’s Office of M/WBE, government agencies, and industry partners; represent NYCEDC’s Opportunity M/W/DBE division at public and private forums.
- Advocacy for Inclusive Growth – Champion policies, financial incentives, and technical assistance measures that increase M/WBE participation in construction and waterfront development, promoting equitable economic opportunities citywide.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Urban Planning, Business, Economic Development, or related field; Master’s degree preferred.
- 5+ years’ experience in program management, procurement, capacity building, or economic development, with a track record of measurable impact.
- Knowledge of M/W/DBE program development, supplier diversity, and construction or waterfront industry engagement strongly preferred.
- Experience managing budgets, contracts, consultants, and multi-stakeholder initiatives.
- Proficient in program evaluation, policy development, compliance, and data-driven decision-making.
- Skilled in communication, presentation, and relationship management abilities, with experience engaging senior executives and diverse stakeholders.
- Demonstrated leadership in cross-departmental collaboration and strategic planning.
- NYC residency within 180 days of hire required.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in designing and managing small business programs that facilitate M/WBE access to construction and waterfront development industries
- Familiarity with the construction sector and waterfront development within New York City
- Established network within New York City's construction and waterfront development sectors
- Experience managing including recruitment, business development, and service delivery
Salary Range
$95,000 - $98,000 USD
About Us: New York City Economic Development Corporation is a mission-driven, nonprofit organization that works for a vibrant, inclusive, and globally competitive economy for all New Yorkers. We take a comprehensive approach, through four main strategies: strengthen confidence in NYC as a great place to do business; grow innovative sectors, with a focus on equity; build neighborhoods as places to live, learn, work, and play; and deliver sustainable infrastructure for communities and the city’s future economy.
NYCEDC is committed to offering competitive benefits to support employee health, happiness, and work-life balance. We offer comprehensive benefits and unique perks to ensure NYCEDC employees flourish in their professional and personal lives:
- Generous employer subsidized health insurance
- Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
- Vision and hearing benefits
- Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care
- Short term and long-term disability coverage
- 100% employer covered life insurance and supplemental life insurance coverage
- Up to 25 vacation days
- Floating Holidays and Summer Fridays
- Parental leave - up to 20 paid weeks
- Retirement savings programs
- Company-paid 401(a) defined contribution plan
- 457(b) tax-advantaged retirement savings plan
- Tuition Reimbursement program
- Continuing education and professional development
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer
- College savings plan
- Backup childcare
- Gym membership discounts
- A Calm.com membership for mindfulness and mental health support
- Employee discounts through Plum Benefits and much more
Benefits listed above may vary based on the length and nature of your employment with New York City Economic Development Corporation. These benefits are subject to be modified at any time, at the discretion of the organization.
The New York City Economic Development Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our Diversity, Equity, and Social Responsibility Mission is to create a People First strategy by attracting, retaining, and engaging a diverse and talented workforce. Like the city of New York, NYCEDC knows our strength comes from each of our connected parts, making the fabric of our organization better and stronger because of our unique employees' talents.
For more information, visit our website at edc.nyc.
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