Economic Inclusion & Community Affairs Specialist

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Job description

Overview:
The Economic Inclusion & Community Affairs Specialist will be responsible for implementing business and workforce inclusion programs and activities to maximize the involvement of targeted business and workforce on key construction programs. This role supports a portfolio of construction programs in the execution of economic inclusion plans.

Responsibilities:
Community Outreach

Coordinate community outreach activities including audience identification, marketing, venue selection, logistics, execution and budget management under the direction of the program leadership.

Engage and partner with industry associations who support targeted constituencies, underrepresented populations, community-based organizations, and advocacy groups to facilitate the participation of their members on construction projects or in special programs;

Participate in industry-related activities and events; identify opportunities to present content and training;

Develop and maintain a calendar of outreach activities, training, and procurement-related events; and

Develop, submit, and manage a comprehensive plan/budget on a fiscal year basis.

Targeted Business Utilization Program Implementation

Manage the ongoing implementation of an established Economic Inclusion program for the business unit based on established goals and objectives;

Collaborate on the economic inclusion strategy with program leadership, procurement and operations regarding business and workforce participation during the procurement process to ensure targeted firms are well represented;

Manage business contracting compliance with economic inclusion reporting requirements for internal and external stakeholders, and, in conjunction with our accounting department, ensure performance reporting is reviewed, verified and reported on a consistent basis for the lifecycle of the program;

Identify potential targeted firms and collaborate with risk management, procurement and other internal stakeholders to qualify the firms; and,

Monitor and track good faith efforts across the program portfolio.

Workforce Development

Implement workforce development strategies to maximize representation of targeted workforce in the program;

Support and work with local workforce development organizations and resources; and,

Manage workforce utilization compliance with economic inclusion reporting requirements for internal and external stakeholders, and, in conjunction with our accounting department, ensure performance reporting is reviewed, verified and reported on a consistent basis for the lifecycle of the program;

Operations

Actively promote employee awareness of an overall inclusion plan that includes subcontractors and workforce utilization;

Advise management on relevant policy and issues regarding underrepresented populations in the construction industry;

Participate in interview for potential projects;

Develop and direct project-specific programs; and

Serve as the representative of and liaison to Gilbane's national diversity & community affairs peer group.

Communicate and coordinate with Gilbane's Director of Diversity & Community Affairs to ensure awareness of and alignment with corporate diversity strategies.

Qualifications:
KEY COMPETENCIES

Communicate Effectively - Listen to understand and clearly convey information in all forms based on the audience to ensure shared meaning of the message

Act Inclusively - Ensure that actions and behaviors are respectful; show empathy and treat others with dignity. Leverage capabilities and insights of individuals with diverse perspectives, abilities and motivation.

Solve Problems - Identify, prioritize and implement alternatives for a solution.

Demonstrate Agility/ Adaptability - Maintain effectiveness and adjust to change by exploring the rationale, trying new approaches, and collaborating with others to make the change successful. Create an atmosphere of open-mindedness to change.

Drive for Results - Show passion and commitment while delivering on business outcomes. Create a sense of individual ownership and accountability.

Champion Innovation - Identify opportunities for new and improved ways of doing things that result in value added, unique and differentiated solutions.

EXPERIENCE / EDUCATION

Bachelor's degree preferred in business, public relations, communications or a related field, or equivalent experience.

Minimum five years of professional experience in progressively responsible positions, with a background in management, consulting, or community relations.

Experience in utilizing business contractor and/or workforce compliance platforms

Experience in leading and driving diversity and inclusion is strongly preferred.

Or equivalent combination of education and experience

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Strong project management and communication skills, both written and verbal

Abilities to thrive in a fast-paced environment

Passion for the diversity and inclusion advocacy

Requires travel throughout Wisconsin and northern Illinois (15%)

Demonstrated problem solving, analytical and fact-finding abilities

Must be able to work without supervision and take direction without follow-up

Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, with emphasis in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook; advanced Excel abilities & use of spreadsheets and database systems required

Proficient with the use of business contractor and/or workforce compliance platforms Construction knowledge or experience a big plus

Construction knowledge or expereience a plus

Great relationship-building and collaboration skills. Strong presentation skills a plus

Gilbane offers an excellent total compensation package which includes competitive health and welfare benefits and a generous profit-sharing/401k plan. We invest in our employees' education and have built Gilbane University into a top training organization in the construction industry. Qualified applicants who are offered a position must pass a pre-employment substance abuse test.

Gilbane is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or disability status.