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Undersecretary of Commerce for Minority Business and Development

Undersecretary of Commerce for Minority Business and Development, Department of Commerce
Responsibility
Management Scope

In fiscal 2023, the MBDA had a budget of $70 million and 70 full-time equivalents.3 In fiscal 2022, MBDA facilitated access to $1.2 billion in capital and $1.6 billion in contracts for MBEs.4

Primary Responsibilities
  • Advises the secretary of Commerce on matters related to minority business development.
  • Facilitates the organizational development of the MBDA in tandem with its emergent network of business centers and community partners.
  • Maintains internal engagement with MBDA activities among department leadership.
  • Coordinates with other federal agencies to further initiatives and programs that support socially or economically disadvantaged businesses.
  • Oversees relationship and engagement with Minority Agency Business Centers through a nationwide network of regional and rural offices.
  • Manages and develops relationships with key partners in local communities such as historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), minority-serving institutions  nonprofit organizations and different chambers of commerce.
  • Assists minority business enterprises to secure capital as well as private and government contracts.
  • Leads the development of services and programs that can support minority businesses5
Strategic Goals and Priorities
Depends on the policy priorities of the administration.
Requirements
  • Strong knowledge and background of minority-owned businesses and enterprises.
  • A postgraduate degree in a relevant field.
  • Government experience at the federal, state or local level, particularly with advising lawmakers and public stakeholders on entrepreneurship, counseling, contracting and financing of small businesses.
  • Experience in contracting with public and private sector partners preferred.
  • A sense of ingenuity and robust understanding of MBDA’s history and mission as an older agency with newer mandates.
Competencies
  • Ability to build relationships across agencies and with other government actors both domestic and international.
  • Comfortability fostering community connections that are key for minority business development such as civil rights organizations, local government officials and chambers of commerce.
  • Strong managerial ability and leadership skills with diverse sets of stakeholders.
Past Appointments
  • Donald Cravins Jr. (2022 to 2024): Executive vice president and chief operating officer, National Urban League; adjunct professor, George Washington University; vice president, policy & external Affairs, Charter Communications.6
AGENCY

Department of Commerce

Mission: The mission of the Department of Commerce is to create the conditions for economic growth and opportunity.

COMPENSATION

Level III $187,300 (5 U.S.C. § 5314)2

REPORTS TO

Secretary of Commerce

SENATE COMMITTEE

Commerce, Science and Transportation

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Footnote
  1. https://www.commerce.gov/bureaus-and-offices/mbda
  2. https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/salary-tables/22Tables/exec/html/EX.aspx
  3. https://www.commerce.gov/sites/default/files/2023-04/MBDA-FY2024-Congressional-Budget-Submission.pdf
  4. https://www.mbda.gov/sites/default/files/2024-06/FY%202022%20Annual%20Performance%20Report.pdf
  5.  

    https://www.mbda.gov/minority-business-development-agency-announces-departure-donald-r-cravins-jr-first-ever-under

  6. Leadership Directories.
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