Senior Compliance Specialist

at  Port of Portland

THE POSITION

The Port of Portland is hiring TWO Senior Compliance Specialists!
We understand the importance of compliance in fostering trust and accountability with our clients and stakeholders. Our culture is built on collaboration, transparency, and continuous improvement, ensuring that we not only meet but exceed regulatory requirements. Join us as we navigate the complexities of compliance and work together to drive our mission forward!

ABOUT US

The Port of Portland is a key economic driver in the Pacific Northwest, dedicated to enhancing trade and transportation while promoting equity and inclusion. As a public agency, we are committed to supporting small businesses through our compliance programs. Our Compliance team plays a crucial role in ensuring adherence to regulations, fostering an environment where diverse businesses can thrive. We prioritize transparency, community engagement, and sustainable practices, empowering our employees to drive responsible growth.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelors degree in Business or Public Administration, or related field.
• Minimum five (5) years experience in administering a compliance program, such as Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT), federal housing, or similarly regulated program. Or, the equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Understanding of federal laws and regulations to contracts and procurements is a plus.
• American Contract Compliance Association (ACCA) certification is preferred.

Demonstrated skills and knowledge:

• Demonstrate commitment to valuing differences among individuals and a passion for being inclusive.
• Focus on safety improvements, and comply with safety and health policies and procedures.
• Show the utmost respect for others and act as a team player.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate with a team, including managing conflict.
• Experience in compliance tracking software and program management.
• Proficient in being organized, planning, and prioritizing, including contract administration.
• Comprehend grants and associated requirements and finance principles and concepts.
• Knowledge of small business development practices and concepts.
• Comfortable in reviewing/tracking data and identifying issues gaps, this includes running and reviewing reports.

ABOUT US:

At the Port of Portland, we use everything we have – our three airports, four marine terminals, five business parks, and all the resources, expertise, and experience behind them – to move with purpose, connecting people with powerful opportunities and creating value for our region. We know that every person we hire, business we work with, contract we sign and decision we make is a chance to make someone’s life better. And we’ll use our power and influence to pull down barriers, unlock new opportunities, ensure more people share in our region’s success and include those who have been excluded in the past. With YOUR help – together with our partners, customers, and community – we’ll help drive meaningful change!

DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS JOB?

Contact us: careers@portofportland.com
Safety: The Port promotes safety as a guiding principle and practice in accomplishing work by complying with safety and health policies and procedures and consistently seeking improvements that support operational excellence.
Diversity and Inclusion: At the Port, we don’t just accept difference; we value and support it to create a culture of inclusiveness and fun. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.
EEO/Affirmative Action Policy Statement: The Port of Portland is dedicated to maintaining and improving a work environment, which extends equal opportunity to all individuals, regardless of their race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability or sexual orientation. Employment decisions shall be made in such a manner as to further the principle of equal employment opportunity and to comply with state, federal and local laws. We affirm through this policy statement our continuing commitment to the principles of nondiscrimination and affirmative action.
Veterans Preference: Under Oregon law, qualified veterans may be eligible for veterans preference when applying for Port of Portland positions. If you are a veteran and would like to be considered for a veterans preference for this job, please provide the qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.
Background Checks and Drug Testing: The Port of Portland will conduct background checks and/or drug tests for positions where such tests are required by regulation and for other safety-sensitive positions.
ADA Accommodation: Accommodations will be considered for applicants or candidates with a qualifying disability that prevents them from participating in this process. Accommodations will be made where the Port can reasonably do so without imposing an undue hardship on the business or compromising the integrity of the recruitment process. An applicant with any disability who believes that they need an accommodation should contact Human Resources: call 503-415-6690 or email careers@portofportland.com.
At the Port of Portland, we strive to offer a holistic and comprehensive benefits package for employees and their families. We care about your health by offering highly-subsidized healthcare plans that include alternative care. We look out for you and for family by paying for life and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, short-term and long-term disability coverage. We participate in the Oregon Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) retirement program. We provide access to additional coverage and benefits including pre-tax spending accounts, voluntary term life insurance, a deferred compensation plan, and critical illness and accident insurance policies.
We go above and beyond by offering an award-winning wellness program for all employees to engage in. Employees can tend to their physical and mental health, earn rewards, and create community. Our employee assistance program supports the Port’s commitment to emotional and mental well-being by providing mental health services, discounts on local gyms, and pet insurance for companions.
Our commitment to work-life balance ensures you have time to spend with loved ones and do the things you enjoy. We offer generous vacation time that accrues with length of service, sick leave that never expires and can be used for dependent care, health maintenance and mental health, and 8 weeks of paid parental leave – all in addition to 10 paid holidays. As an added bonus – because we know employees use their time off differently – once a year we give employees the opportunity to convert sick leave to personal leave, and to convert vacation leave to either cash, a retirement plan contribution, or a contribution to a Health Savings Account.
Please note: Some benefits vary by job type/group, so please be sure to review your comprehensive benefit guide and/or collective bargaining agreement upon hire to confirm what is available to you.

YOUR ROLE

Serve as a subject matter expert for the small business program. Promote small business participation and inclusion in the Port’s projects and programs. Manage the small business program and ensure compliance with all related laws and regulations. Advocate for small businesses to promote equity and inclusion!

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

• Manage the compliance of Port Small Business programs including the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program, Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) program and local Small Business Enterprise (SBE) program.
• Develop project goals, ensure compliance with regulations, and participate in Request for Proposal (RFP) evaluations.
• Develop and/or maintain desk manuals and process documentation.
• Serve as a subject matter expert for the Port in providing information to the Port regarding the small business program.
• Design and administer reports, dashboards and scorecards using the online reporting system.
• Prepare and file required Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) DBE and ACDBE uniform reports.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on the small business program to the FAA on behalf of the Port.
• Ensure contractors are meeting project goals.
• Identify compliance gaps and issues and develop and implement remediation strategies.
• Monitor corrective actions and engage with others to ensure completion.
• Identify and correct payment issues.
• Proactively collaborate with leaders at the Port to identify and create opportunities for small business participation and inclusion.
• Serve as a subject matter expert in pre-bid meetings.
• Proactively reach out to small businesses to promote opportunities, provide technical assistance, and resolve issues.
• Visit job sites to ensure compliance with all relevant regulations.