COMMERCE PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Position Summary

The Commerce Program Coordinator functions as the Workforce Support Specialist, providing administrative support to the Workforce Development Coordinator, state office, and field. The position will ensure the WAGE Curriculum stays current in both digital and paper format, customizes it to those in institutional settings, provide ongoing training on the WAGE course through the Learning Management System, provide Career Service Provider training to the field, and serve on committees as requested. The Workforce Support Specialist provides mentoring, coaching, and support to adult education and literacy programs to develop, enhance, and evaluate WAGE, Integrated Education and Training, career development, and other workforce-focused initiatives. This includes developing career exploration and career-planning tools and strategies, job search strategies, and training Career Coaches in techniques that motivate students to identify their interests, strengths, career goals, and pathways. In addition, this position will participate in site visits, program reviews, trainings, and grant reviews as applicable.

This position maintains current knowledge of changing occupations, employer needs, workforce trends, and education and training opportunities. This position serves as a liaison between employers, workforce agencies, educational institutions, and community organizations to strengthen connections between students, education and training opportunities, and careers that support economic mobility and self-reliance.

The role includes directing operational management of WAGE, supporting approximately thirty-four centers. Statewide travel, including occasional out-of-state and overnight travel, is required. Irregular work hours, including some weekends, may be necessary.

This position requires on-site employment with no remote or hybrid options available.

Preferred Qualifications

The formal education equivalent of a bachelors degree in education, business management, workforce development, social science, or a field directly related to the assigned program area; plus three years of experience in the field of education, business, workforce development, or a related field. Other job-related education and/or experience may be substituted for all or part of these basic requirements, except for certification or licensure requirements.

Preferred Additional Position Requirement: Must obtain an approved Career Development certification or instructor credential from the National Career Development Association within one year of hire.

Master's degree preferred in a related field. Five years of professional experience in counseling, business management, higher education, workforce development, adult education, career development, or a related field. Knowledge of workforce training needs, career development practices, and business and industry partnerships. Experience in career coaching, education, mentoring, professional development, and technology-supported career services. Professional certification or specialized training in career development is preferred.

• Strong analytical, communication, and organizational skills, including the ability to analyze data, prepare reports, and deliver presentations.
• Experience managing state and federal grants is preferred.
• Demonstrate initiative, sound judgment, integrity, and the ability to work independently.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products is required.
• Knowledge of federal and state laws regarding licensure within the field of education.
• Knowledge of educational program development, career development practices, and presentation techniques.
• Knowledge of teaching principles, workforce trends, and career coaching methods.
• Ability to interpret and apply applicable portions of federal and state regulations governing educational programs.
• Ability to research, develop, modify, and conduct educational and career development programs using appropriate technology and digital tools.
• Ability to prepare, categorize, and document reports.
• Ability to evaluate applications and their supporting documentation.
• Ability to prepare and present information to various groups orally and in writing.

Job Responsibilities and Expected Results

• Support the Workforce Development Coordinator in the statewide implementation, operational management, and continuous improvement of WAGE, Integrated Education and Training (IET), and career development initiatives, including certificate standards, credential attainment, scholarship administration, and alignment with workforce needs and student career outcomes.
• Assist adult education programs in developing career pathways and incorporating workforce preparation, occupational training, and career development into instructional programs aligned with student goals and regional workforce needs.
• Develop and implement statewide career development strategies, tools, and resources that help students identify interests, strengths, career goals, and pathways to employment, career advancement, or continued education.
• Coordinate statewide professional development for Career Coaches, Adult Education Instructors, and program personnel on career exploration, motivational coaching, career planning, employment preparation, and strategies that support student success.
• Coordinate and deliver statewide Career Services Provider (CSP) training and other professional development opportunities to strengthen Career Coaches' knowledge and skills in career development practices and student support techniques.
• Maintain statewide records of Career Coaches, including CSP training completion, program assignments, professional development participation, and certification status, when applicable.
• Develop and share innovative career coaching techniques, including virtual services, AI-assisted career exploration, and digital resources that allow Career Coaches to effectively support students across multiple counties and geographically dispersed programs.
• Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the career development process within the ConnectAble Learning Management System (LMS), including student education and career planning, career exploration, and pathways to employment or further education.
• Provide training, mentoring, and technical assistance to Career Coaches and Adult Education Instructors on using ConnectAble and other career development resources to support student engagement, career planning, and progress toward career goals.
• Develop strategies that strengthen collaboration among Career Coaches, Adult Education Instructors, and workforce partners to help students transition from adult basic education and workforce preparation into employment, career training, or postsecondary education.
• Support the Workforce Development Coordinator in building and maintaining statewide partnerships with business and industry, workforce agencies, educational institutions, and community organizations to align workforce training with economic development priorities, employer talent needs, and student career opportunities.
• Assist adult education programs in developing local employer engagement strategies, identifying workforce training needs, and establishing partnerships that support student placement, career advancement, and economic self-reliance.
• Research, analyze, and maintain current information on occupational trends, emerging technologies, employer skill requirements, in-demand careers, wages, and education and training opportunities to inform statewide career development strategies.
• Develop and distribute labor-market information, career development resources, employer insights, and best practices to Career Coaches and adult education programs to support informed student career decisions.
• Provide statewide technical assistance to adult education programs and literacy councils regarding workforce training, career development, instructional improvement, and applicable state and federal requirements.
• Monitor and approve applicable federal and state grant budgets, expenditures, amendments, and program applications.
• Conduct onsite reviews, desk audits, and performance assessments to evaluate program quality, effectiveness, and compliance.
• Analyze program performance, student outcomes, and workforce data systems to strengthen accountability, credential attainment, employment, and continued education outcomes, ensuring alignment with state and federal performance measures.
• Assist with state and federal reports, policies, procedures, and workforce plans; represent the agency at meetings and professional events.
• Collaborate with adult education administrators, Career Coaches, Instructors, and workforce partners to resolve program challenges, strengthen service delivery, and protect the confidentiality and integrity of student, client, and employee information.
• Supervise summer interns by providing daily guidance, assigning tasks aligned with program goals, monitoring progress, offering constructive feedback, and ensuring a supportive learning environment that promotes skill development and successful project completion.

Position Information

Job Series: Program Operations - Commerce Programs

Classification: Commerce Program Coordinator

Class Code: PCO01P

Pay Grade: SGS07

Salary Range: $57,351 - $84,879

Job Summary

The Commerce Program Coordinator is responsible for planning, implementing, and monitoring commerce-focused initiatives designed to foster economic development and strengthen the local business environment. This role involves coordinating programs and projects that connect businesses, community organizations, and government agencies while managing budgets and resources, ensuring program compliance, and measuring the impact of these initiatives. In essence, the coordinator acts as a central hub that drives initiatives to enhance the vitality of commerce and deliver strategic, community-oriented outcomes.

Primary Responsibilities

Design, plan, and implement commerce-related programs or projects. Develop strategic goals and timelines to meet organizational objectives. Monitor program progress, adjust strategies as needed, and evaluate outcomes to ensure effectiveness. Collaborate with local businesses, community groups, economic development organizations, and governmental agencies. Organize meetings, workshops, and events to foster relationships and enhance program participation. Oversee budget preparation and allocation for commerce initiatives. Track expenditures and prepare detailed financial reports. Ensure the effective use of resources in accordance with established guidelines. Develop and execute outreach strategies to promote program initiatives. Coordinate public relations efforts, including social media, community newsletters, and website updates. Assist with grant writing and securing funding from external sponsors where applicable. Maintain comprehensive program records and documentation. Prepare regular progress and performance reports for senior management. Use data analytics to monitor program outcomes and inform future decisions.

Knowledge and Skills

Proficiency in common office suites (e.g., Microsoft Office, Google Suite) and familiarity with project management or data analytics tools. Strong written and verbal communication skills to facilitate effective networking and reporting. Excellent problem-solving abilities and a proactive approach to identifying and overcoming challenges.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics, Finance, or a related field.

Minimum of 4 years of experience in program coordination, project management, economic development, or a similar role is essential.

Satisfaction of the minimum qualifications, including years of experience and service, does not entitle employees to automatic progression within the job series. Promotion to the next classification level is at the discretion of the department and the Office of Personnel Management, taking into consideration the employee's demonstrated skills, competencies, performance, workload responsibilities, and organizational needs.

Licensure/Certifications

N/A OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.