JOB TITLE: BUSINESS ENTERPRISE PROGRAM DIRECTOR, OVR

JOB CODE: 44270

DEFINITION: This is administrative work directing the Business Enterprise Program within the Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services (BVVS), Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR).

The employee in this job is responsible for planning and directing the Business Enterprise Program (BEP) in BVVS, which creates self-employment opportunities for the blind and visually impaired in Pennsylvania. Work involves developing policies, procedures, and standards for BEP; interpreting and applying federal and commonwealth regulations pertaining to the program; managing staff responsible for enforcing regulations that impact licensees and agreements; administering the program budget, personnel, information technology, and other resources; overseeing the contracting and procurement functions; directing marketing and business expansion initiatives, strategic planning, and program evaluation and analysis; and creating educational programming and training for the upward mobility of business licensees. Supervision is exercised over subordinate administrative staff. Work is reviewed by the bureau director for adherence to policies and the effectiveness of program results.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.)

• Identifies, designs, and implements program activities to increase self-employment opportunities for individuals who are blind or visually impaired.

• Oversees the referral process for enrollment of qualified blind and visually impaired individuals to the program.

• Ensures effective and timely business consultation services and support are provided by staff to program licensees across the commonwealth.

• Directs the compliance and quality control functions for BEP, including the enforcement of licensure requirements for licensees under the program.

• Develops administrative systems, policies, and procedures for the personnel, budget, and general operations of the program.

• Participates in the development of policies and procedures for the bureau, including the OVR annual plan, to meet program objectives for the delivery of services.

• Oversees the development, negotiation, and administration of procurement and other contracts; ensures compliance with the requirements of multiple third-party contracts, memoranda of understanding, and interagency agreements with federal and commonwealth agencies.

• Recommends criteria and standards to evaluate licensee performance and ensure adherence to program requirements.

• Designs and implements recruitment and marketing strategies to expand the scope and impact of the Business Enterprise Program.

• Provides training to subordinate and program staff on new or revised policies and procedures.

• Fosters positive and collaborative relationships with the Elected Committee and the BEP licensees, supporting active participation in regulatory and policy development.

• Testifies in hearings to represent the interest of OVR in legal actions initiated by licensees.

• Analyzes program budgetary needs, establishes priorities, and allocates resources for successful administration of federal and state funds.

• Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

• The employee in this job may participate in the performance of subordinates’ work consistent with operational and organizational requirements.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of business administration.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of marketing and business development.

• Knowledge of budgeting principles and practices.

• Knowledge of procurement, contracting, and technical writing principles.

• Knowledge of the use and functionality of Microsoft Office Suite software.

• Ability to develop and analyze policies, procedures, and standard business practices.

• Ability to apply critical thinking skills to identify and resolve problems.

• Ability to analyze written and numerical information.

• Ability to conduct public speaking engagements and promotional activities.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILL, AND ABILITIES: (NOTE: These are expected of an employee performing the work of this job at the full performance level. These will not be used for merit system evaluation or examination purposes and are not position-specific performance standards.)

• Knowledge of Commonwealth of Pennsylvania statutes and regulations governing the licensure and incorporation of commercial vending businesses.

• Knowledge of federal and state health and safety requirements for food service operations.

• Knowledge of supervisory principles and practices.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities)

• One year as an Administrative Officer 3 (commonwealth title) within the OVR program area;

or

• Three years of professional experience in business or program development or management and a bachelor’s degree in business administration or a related field;

or

• Two years of professional experience in business or program development or management and a master's degree in business administration or a related field;

or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training.