Director of LMAC Center

Thank you for considering a career with the Research Foundation of The City University of New York (RFCUNY)! We are thrilled that you are interested in exploring opportunities to join our team.

Primary Location:

LAGUARDIA C. C.

Bargaining Unit:

No

The LaGuardia MWBE Advancement Center (LMAC) is part of the Adult and Continuing Education Division, Business Services at LaGuardia Community College. The Center was created to strengthen opportunities for Minority-and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs) and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses (SDVOBs) by delivering cohort-based and specialized training programs.

LMAC equips businesses with the skills required to meet New York's procurement and compliance standards. Training covers financial management, bonding, prevailing wage law, project labor agreements, contract administration, workforce management, and strategies for building relationships with procurement officers, construction managers, and prime contractors.

Under the direction of the Assistant Dean of Business Services, the Director of the LaGuardia MWBE Advancement Center (LMAC) provides overall leadership and management of the Center. The Director provides leadership for MWBE and SDVOB training programs administered under LaGuardia's Business Services, including multi-week cohort programs and specialized initiatives designed to prepare businesses to meet New York's procurement and compliance standards.

The Director is responsible for program planning, delivery, and evaluation, ensuring that training addresses key areas such as financial management, bonding, prevailing wage law, project labor agreements, contract administration, workforce management, and strategies for building relationships with procurement officers, construction managers, and prime contractors. In addition to overseeing the program, the Director leads the Center's funding strategy and initiatives. This includes identifying, writing, and securing grants, building partnerships with public and private stakeholders, and developing fee-based training opportunities to sustain and expand the Center's reach.

The Director represents the Center in its work with external partners and industry stakeholders, advancing LaGuardia's role in expanding opportunities for MWBE and SDVOB businesses and contributing to inclusive economic growth in New York. In addition, the Director works closely with other programs within LaGuardia's Business Services, including the APEX Accelerator, Small Business Development Center, Small Business Transportation Resource Center, Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program, and PowerUp2030to coordinate efforts and maximize resources for the businesses served.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership and Management

Provide overall strategic direction for LMAC, developing and implementing short- and long-term plans to achieve the Center's mission and objectives

Manage the Center's budget, resources, and staff effectively

Ensure programs and services align with LaGuardia Community College's mission and values

Collaborate with college departments and business service programs to maximize impact and leverage resources

Develop and oversee quality assurance measures to ensure program effectiveness

Program Development and Implementation

Oversee the design, delivery, and evaluation of MWBE and SDVOB training programs, including multi-week cohorts and specialized initiatives

Work with subject matter experts, partners, and stakeholders to create and deliver high-quality training

Assess and improve program effectiveness based on data-driven insights and participant feedback

Ensure programs integrate effectively with LaGuardia's broader business support ecosystem

Funding and Sustainability

Lead the Center's funding strategy to ensure long-term growth and stability

Identify, write, and secure grants from government, corporate, and philanthropic sources to sustain Center operations

Develop and implement fee-based training opportunities to diversify revenue streams

Build and maintain partnerships with funders, agencies, and industry stakeholders to expand financial support

Develop multi-year funding plans aligned with the Center's strategic goals and LaGuardia's Business Services priorities

Ensure full compliance with grant requirements, deliverables, and reporting obligations

Represent the Center to funders and position it as a partner of choice for MWBE and SDVOB training initiatives

Stakeholder Engagement and Partnerships

Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including government agencies, prime contractors, financial institutions, and community organizations

Develop strategic partnerships to expand the Center's reach and resources

Serve as the primary liaison between the Center, LaGuardia administration, and external partners

Represent the Center at industry events, conferences, and community forums

Outreach and Community Engagement

Lead outreach efforts to recruit and engage MWBE and SDVOB businesses

Develop and implement marketing and communication strategies to promote training programs and highlight participant success

Coordinate outreach with other business service programs to maximize reach and efficiency

Team Leadership and Development

Supervise and mentor the Center's staff, fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment

Provide staff members with professional development opportunities

Promote cross-program collaboration and knowledge sharing among business services staff

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting

Establish KPIs and metrics to measure impact and success

Oversee data collection and analysis to track outcomes and participant progress

Prepare and present reports to the Assistant Dean, college administration, advisory board, and stakeholders

Contribute to collegewide reporting on business support initiatives and their collective impact

Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration or a related field and a minimum of 7-10 years of leadership experience in business development, procurement, contracting, or related sectors required. Master's degree preferred

Demonstrated knowledge of MWBE and SDVOB requirements in New York State, including bonding, compliance, prevailing wage law, project labor agreements, and contract administration

Proven success in grant writing and securing external funding

Strong ability to design and manage training or professional development programs for businesses

Demonstrated success in building and maintaining partnerships with government agencies, industry, and community organizations

Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage both small and large groups

Proven ability to lead teams, manage budgets, and oversee complex programs

Proficiency with MS Office tools; ability to learn new tools (e.g., Salesforce, data analytics software)

Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in economic and workforce development

Ability to work a flexible schedule, including some evenings and weekends

Appointments are subject to availability of funding and satisfactory performance. This is an in-person position with the option of some remote work.

About LaGuardia Community College

Founded in 1971 in Long Island City, Queens, LaGuardia Community College is one of seven community colleges of the City University of New York (CUNY). LaGuardia offers more than sixty associate degree programs and more than fifty workforce training, ESOL, GED, and pre-college programs. In 2023, LaGuardia served approximately 24,000 students. More than one-third of LaGuardia's degree-seeking students are born outside the United States; they come from 136 countries and speak 43 heritage languages. Sixty percent are first-generation college students.

Virtually all LaGuardia students are ethnic min