Welcome to CUPPA Careers!

The College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs at UIC is the University of Illinois System's home for the study of public policy and contemporary urban challenges. We are CUPPA.

In the heart of Chicago, we offer degrees in fields of study that can change your life and change the world. CUPPA students and alumni are uniquely skilled to build and transform sustainable urban neighborhoods and communities and to address the challenges presented in the 21st century. Find our more about our Bachelors, Masters, and Doctorate degrees at cuppa.uic.edu.

Follow our job postings below and our national job tweets at @CUPPACareers. For student internships and student opportunities, head to the CUPPA Student Opportunities Blog

Have a job or internship to post? Send an email with the title, location, job description, and contact information to cuppa@uic.edu

Certification Specialist-Diversity Dept - CTA - Chicago, IL

Certification Specialist-Diversity Dept
CTA
Chicago, IL


SALARY TARGET IS $61,050.01. Final salary will be determined in part by the qualifications of the selected candidate and may be higher or lower than target.

Under general supervision, performs activities related to Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) certification functions in accordance with applicable federal and state laws and assists in coordinating opportunities to promote business development programs.

Primary duties and Responsibilities
  • Oversees document preparation and management.
  • Analyzes financial data, corporate documents, and personal net worth statements submitted with DBE certification applications to determine eligibility.
  • Prepares documents for DBE certification approval, proposed removals, and denials.
  • Assists with the data preparation for documenting results and providing proper notices of all matters concerning reconsideration hearings.
  • Develops and coordinates regular meetings with DBE firms, industry associations, community organizations, and other governmental entities to promote a better understanding of the DBE program.
  • Monitors the DBE certification process.
  • Prepares statistical reports, tabulations, and charts for the DBE certification process.
  • Assists with tracking the certification process on various CTA systems.
  • Provides technical assistance to DBE owned businesses on program policies, processes, and eligibility.
  • Plans and participates in outreach activities to recruit potential DBE groups in an effort to increase DBE contracting opportunities and the pool of available DBE firms.
  • Conducts on-site visits to confirm authenticity of information provided on DBE eligibility applications.
  • Performs related duties as assigned. 
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Business, Public Administration, or related field, or a combination of education and experience related to the position.
  • Must possess a valid driver's license.
  • Requires sitting for extended periods of time, standing, visual acumen, manual dexterity and fingering for working with computer keyboards.
  • Requires navigating through construction sites to perform site visits.
  • Working knowledge of applicable laws and regulations.
  • Working knowledge in accounting, finance, tax, credit analysis, procurement, contracts, or construction practices and principles is preferred.
  • General knowledge of the methods and techniques of operations analysis.
  • General knowledge of the needs and concerns of participants in the DBE program
  • Strong oral and written communications skills and organizational skills.
  • Strong interpersonal skills in dealing with external groups and/or organizations.
  • Good customer service skills.
  • Ability to review and analyze financial information, scope of work documents, and other contract documents preferred.
  • Ability to develop and coordinate informational meetings on DBE programs.
  • Ability to plan and participate in outreach activities.
  • Ability to work independently.
  • Ability to work with sensitive information while maintaining strict confidentiality.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with other operational departments i.e., Law and Purchasing Departments.
  • Applicants, if hired, must comply with CTA's residency ordinance.

CTA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.  IT IS THE POLICY OF THE CHICAGO TRANSIT AUTHORITY THAT NO EMPLOYEE OR APPLICANT FOR EMPLOYMENT WILL BE DISCRIMINATED AGAINST BECAUSE OF RACE, COLOR, CREED, RELIGION, SEX, MARITAL STATUS, NATIONAL ORIGIN, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, ANCESTRY, AGE, UNFAVORABLE MILITARY DISCHARGE OR DISABILITY, PROVIDED THAT THE INDIVIDUAL WITH THE DISABILITY IS ABLE TO PERFORM THE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB WHICH HE/SHE DESIRES TO HOLD WITH REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION BY THE AUTHORITY.