Working Title: Vendor Mgmt Spec - Supplier Diversity Manager
Job Class: Vendor Management Specialist
Agency: Minnesota State

• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 03/04/2024
• Closing Date: 03/25/2024
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: MN St Colleges & Universities / MNSCU Central Office-MAPE
• Division/Unit: MnSCU System Office / MNSCU OOC Classified A - E
• Appointment Type: Unlimited, Full-time
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $28.50 - $41.93 / hourly; $59,508 - $87,549 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• Location: (include if different or multiple locations are possible)
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

Make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans.

The work you’ll do is more than just a job. Join the talented, engaged and inclusive workforce dedicated to creating a better Minnesota.

The role of the Supplier Diversity Manager at Minnesota State is established to oversee and guide the Supplier Diversity Program. This program is integral to the commitment of Minnesota State to develop a supply chain that reflects the diversity of its student population and the local business community. The manager's key responsibilities include devising and executing a comprehensive strategy for the Supplier Diversity Program throughout the Minnesota State system. A crucial aspect of this position involves managing the Supplier Diversity section of the Equity Scorecard. This involves monitoring and documenting the performance of colleges, universities, and the system in terms of engagement with women-owned and minority-owned businesses.

Externally, the role requires proactive management and enhancement of relationships with Minnesota State and the supplier community and other public organizations, in alignment with the Board of Trustees' policies, directives, and priorities. The incumbent is tasked with ensuring fair and equitable opportunities for women-owned, minority-owned, veteran-owned, and economically disadvantaged businesses. This includes optimizing their chances to compete for procurement opportunities within Minnesota State.

Furthermore, the position involves promoting effective and responsible interactions between suppliers to Minnesota State and the buyers and contract administrators at the college, university, or system office levels. These personnel are responsible for purchasing products or services from suppliers. The goal is to establish efficient and ethical working relationships between these parties.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree (business, public policy, or related) or an equivalent combination (minimum of 5 years) of education and experience in Supplier diversity, supply chain management, or a related field
• Expertise in Supplier Diversity Management. This includes experience in designing and implementing diverse supplier engagement strategies, identifying qualified diverse suppliers, integrating best practices in supplier diversity, and leading diverse supplier business programs. The ability to create or expand supplier diversity programs, particularly in decentralized environments, is also crucial.
• Strong Interpersonal and Communication Skills: Effective supplier diversity managers must possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills. This includes the ability to cultivate professional relationships and partnerships, both within the organization and externally with diverse suppliers and networks.
• Strategic Thinking and Problem-Solving Abilities: The role requires an ability to work independently with minimal direction, think critically and creatively to evaluate situations, and develop innovative solutions. It also requires the capacity to influence and work well with senior management and across various levels of the organization.
• Project Management and Analytical Skills: A supplier diversity manager should have proven abilities in managing multiple projects and tasks concurrently, along with excellent planning and organizational skills. They should also be adept at synthesizing information into concise reports and possess strong analytical skills for effective decision-making.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced Education or Certification: A Master's degree in a related field or a professional certification in supplier diversity or supply management, such as CPSD (Certified Professional in Supplier Diversity), can be highly advantageous.
• Higher Education Experience: Two (2) years’ experience or more in a higher education environment working with small woman-owned, minority-owned, veteran-owned, and other economically disadvantaged businesses.
• Extensive experience in executing supplier diversity programs in complex or decentralized environments.
• Proven Leadership and Strategic Planning Skills: Demonstrated capability to lead and influence diverse teams and stakeholders, including the ability to develop and execute long-term strategic plans for supplier diversity.
• Advanced Project Management and Analytical Skills: Experience in managing large-scale projects and utilizing analytical skills to assess program effectiveness and identify improvement opportunities.
• Expertise in Diversity and Inclusion Programs: A strong background in diversity and inclusion initiatives, which is particularly relevant in a higher education context where inclusivity is a key value.

Additional Requirements

In accordance with the Minnesota State Vehicle Fleet Safety Program, employees driving on college/university business who use a rental or state vehicle shall be required to conform to Minnesota State's vehicle use criteria and consent to a Motor Vehicle Records check.