Position Information

NY HELPNo

AgencyEmpire State Development, NYS

TitleEconomic Development Program Specialist 3

Occupational CategoryOther Professional Careers

Salary Grade27

Bargaining UnitPS&T - Professional, Scientific, and Technical (PEF)

Salary RangeFrom $111708 to $137590 Annually

Employment Type Full-Time

Appointment Type Permanent

Jurisdictional Class Competitive Class

Travel Percentage 30%

Schedule

Workweek Mon-Fri

Hours Per Week 37.5

Workday

From 9 AM

To 5 PM

Flextime allowed? No

Mandatory overtime? No

Compressed workweek allowed? No

Telecommuting allowed? No

Location

County New York

Street Address 5 Grand Central East

City New York

StateNY

Zip Code10017

Job Specifics

Duties Description Under the general direction of the Minority and Women’s Business Development (MWBD) Director for Business Development, the incumbent will act as the primary liaison to assigned regional areas, agencies/authorities, internal offices and key stakeholders. The incumbent will also work closely with the Director for Business Development to develop strategic plans and initiatives, lead special projects and research and serve as program manager for certain business development programs.

The incumbent promotes growth and opportunity for MWBE firms through education and outreach to agencies and prime contractors throughout New York State. Such activities will include but not be limited to: finding and disseminating information on contracting opportunities; providing information and training regarding tools for launching/expanding a business; technical support; marketing access to capital programs; and participating in and/or developing local/regional events and workshops. The incumbent will manage select subordinate staff, develop programs/initiatives and keep Division management apprised - on a timely basis - of significant issues, trends, or developments, with supported written findings and recommendations.

Duties include but are not limited to:
• Develops and conducts complex business development and economic development research projects on MWBE industry trends including collecting and analyzing quantitative and qualitative data, translating complex ideas, reporting findings to management and developing recommendations for new and active programs.
• Provides critical and analytic thinking and vision to support the development of strategic plans that inform unit mission and initiatives.
• Reviews and analyzes procurement contracts with a focus on alignment of NAICS codes/industries to smaller, separate scope of work components.
• Partners and collaborates across departments, including the Empire State Development Small Business Department and Regional Offices, to align on project objectives and drive strategic initiatives.
• Maintains relationships with agencies/authorities and provides support in identifying viable MWBEs for their opportunities. Support activities include but are not limited to assisting with the NYS Directory of Certified Firms, pulling MWBE data based on parameters including business location and NAICs codes, promoting agency/authority procurement events and meeting with agencies to develop business development strategies.
• Monitors assigned New York State agency/authority procurements, Request for Proposals (“RFPs”) and contracting opportunities in the New York State Contract Systems (“NYSCS”), and via partnership meetings and general research for MWBE matchmaking.
• Develops and provides training and technical assistance workshops and resource materials to agencies/authorities, municipalities and businesses in identifying and accessing MWBE contracting opportunities, access to capital, marketing to government agencies and general business strategies.
• Assists in a program management role for Division programs including the Business Growth Accelerator Program. This role includes but is not limited to leading weekly check-in meetings with Incubator leads, reviewing programmatic reports, providing oversight on program delivery and reporting progress to management.
• Works with agencies/authorities, MWBEs, and external stakeholders to promote and encourage full engagement in programs authorized under Article 15-A (such as MWBD-related procurement practices and reporting protocols), as well as policies and practices relating to new initiatives.
• Creates evaluation metrics, measures effectiveness, and elicits feedback for specific business development programs.
• Assists in event development and planning for Division-led events including the MWBE Regional Opportunities Expo Series and MWBE Forum. Planning assignments include but are not limited to developing panel/workshop topics, identifying recommended speakers, participating in briefing meetings and developing MWBE resource guides.
• Based on assignment, develops and maintains relationships with agencies/authorities, regional business organizations, banking institutions and prime contractors to connect MWBEs to business opportunities and promote Division events and programs.
• Represents Empire State Development and the Division in business events. Participation includes but is not limited to exhibiting, presenting, panelist/moderator roles and developing social media content.
• Monitors and responds to inquiries submitted to the Business Development Unit from MWBE vendors, agencies/authorities, prime contractors, and external organizations.
• Approximately 30% statewide travel to regions including, but not limited to, Western NY and Finger Lakes are required.
• Special projects and other relevant tasks as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Open to current NYS employees with one year of service in an Economic Development Program Specialist 3 position and
to those reachable on the Economic Development Program Specialist 3 eligible list.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Advanced knowledge of the minority-and-women-owned business certification processes and/or advocacy programs.
• Adept in analyzing qualitative and quantitative data and translating complex concepts into presentations and memos.
• Advanced knowledge of New York State small business financial programs.
• Demonstrated command in program management.
• Advanced experience in partnership development.
• Exceptional writing and presentation skills.
• Proficient in developing presentations using programs including PowerPoint.
• Experience in supervision preferred but not required.

Reinstatement Eligibility: Previously held the title on a permanent competitive basis or held a title as indicated under the transfer eligible section on a permanent competitive basis.

Additional Comments SALARY RANGE: $111,708 - $137,590 (plus $4,150 location pay if filled in NYC)
Note: The starting salary for candidates with no prior State service will be at the minimum hiring rate.

This position can be filled in Albany or New York City.

Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.

How to Apply

Name Gabby Serafin

Telephone 5182925130

Fax

Email Address ded-hr@esd.ny.gov

Address

Street 625 Broadway

City Albany

State NY

Zip Code 12245

 

Notes on ApplyingIf interested in this position, please forward a cover letter and resume to the e-mail address below by October 23, 2026. Be sure to indicate the position title and location you are applying for and specify how you meet the minimum qualifications in your cover letter.

INQUIRE
NYS Department of Economic Development
Human Resources Office
625 Broadway
Albany, NY 12245
Fax: (518) 292-5852
E-Mail: DED-HR@esd.ny.gov

New York State is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Minorities, women, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Please contact Human Resources if you require accommodation.