Senior Contract Compliance Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY The Senior Contract Compliance Specialist under direct supervision of Manager or designate is responsible for the following: handling complex compliance audit tasks and related issues; providing training and technical assistance in-house and to external stakeholders when required; ensures that Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Women Business Enterprise (WBE), Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), Davis-Bacon, and Section 3 compliance is adhered to on all CHA contracts; Apply leadership skills, critical thinking and problem solving in exercising the day-to-day activities as a subject matter expert and as a Senior project team member; and employ Senior level technical and organizational expertise on complex $20M plus new construction projects . DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Conducts comprehensive analysis utilizing compliance monitoring systems (i.e., B2Gnow, LCPtracker, Financial Management System & Section 3 Hiring System) and physical records including contract documents, invoices, lien waivers/cancelled checks, sworn statements and CPRs. Preparation of various types of correspondence to CHA vendors, Housing Urban Development (HUD), Department of Labor (DOL), Inspector General's office, External Auditors, FOIA responses, CHA staff and other parties as appropriate. Report production including statistical findings on MBE/WBE/DBE utilization, Davis-Bacon adherence, and Section 3 contract requirements including any other economic opportunity provisions. Perform research, analytics and assist in the implementation of best practice opportunities. Determines and implements the appropriate course of action to ensure the required MBE/WBE/DBE, Section 3, and Davis Bacon fair labor standards are met on applicable CHA, local, state and federal levels. Perform vendor outreach activities communicating CHA's Compliance contract requirements and opportunities, procedures and processes. Participation activities may include but not be limited to vendor fairs, workshops, trainings and other Section 3 related enterprise assistance events. Work closely with DPC Buying Team in reviewing procurement documents to determine the proper language in the solicitation that supports CHA Section 3 and M/W/DBE participation goals. Assist DPC Management with special projects, reports, and participates in meetings and trainings as required. Work directly with MBE/WBE/DBEs, Section 3 Business Concerns and other stakeholders to develop reasonable corrective action plans to address compliance issues. When applicable prepares and submits recommendations to CHA management staff and project manager to withhold vendor payment due to compliance violations. Creates and maintains project files and other documentation and ensure files are properly stored on CHA network. Perform any and all other duties that may be required or assigned. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the Key Responsibilities if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this position. QUALIFICATIONS This position requires a bachelor’s degree with a major in business, public administration, urban planning and policy, related applicable field of study or the equivalent combination of education and related management experience with a minimum of five (5) years' experience in, contract administration, construction site monitoring, Business Enterprise utilization monitoring, program auditing and progressive project management. The following additional experience is considered a plus in any of the following areas: Supply Chain Diversity, a construction background on $20M plus projects; or working with federal, state, local agencies. Demonstrated knowledge of the federally mandated Davis-Bacon Act and related laws, prevailing wage laws, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Section 3 requirement to employ low and very low-income Chicago area residents, M/W/DBE requirements, and general contracting procedures. Skilled in performing audit reviews, methodology and practices. Demonstrated ability in critical thinking problem solving, analytical, planning, and organizing. Requires effective verbal, business writing and inter-personal skills to work with a diverse staff of managerial and professional employees. The ability to exercise objective judgment, discretion, maintain confidentiality, and work on multiple projects simultaneously is required. Demonstrate advanced proficiency in MS Office applications. Emphasis on advanced Excel skills which must include the ability to produce graphs, build charts and tables, use spreadsheets efficiently, perform calculations, formulas, functions and automation to process large volumes of data. Strong technical skill in Microsoft PowerPoint proficiency including advanced features like animations, custom templates and data visualization. Experience in embedding videos, images and other elements into presentations. BENEFITS AT-A-GLANCE Vacation, Sick and Personal, competitive PTO package Medical (HMO, PPO, and No employee cost High-Deductible PPO) Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance Long-Term Care Insurance Pet Insurance Parking Transit Prepaid Legal Services Brightstar 529 College Savings Plan Identity Theft Protection Hospital Indemnity Insurance Voluntary Critical Illness Insurance Deferred Compensation Plan: Empower 457/401(a) with a 3% employer match Pension Plan: CHA makes contributions on behalf of the employee, along with the employee's 3% contribution; 100% vesting occurs after 6 years of continuous employment or opt-out of CHA's Retirement Plan and continues to participate in the Municipal Employees Annuity and Benefit Fund of Chicago Hybrid work schedule (position specific) This position may be eligible for remote work following a successful completion of a 90-day probationary period according to CHA’s established policies and procedures. "Applications will be accepted for 30 days from the date of posting. However, the position may be closed at any point if a sufficient number of qualified applications are received.” Salary: $85,000 Grade: S8 FLSA: Exempt Union: None