• Commerce Program Specialist

    State of Arkansas (Little Rock, AR)


    COMMERCE PROGRAM SPECIALIST

    Date: Aug 1, 2025

     

    Req ID: 51713

    Location:

    LITTLE ROCK, AR, US, 72202

    Category: AR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMM

     

    Anticipated Starting Salary: $52,137.07

    Position Summary

    The Commerce Program Specialist will function as the Business Development Coordinator. The Department

     

    Business Coordinator is responsible for facilitating private sector business growth in the state of Arkansas

     

    by adding value to the Business Development team as administrative support.

     

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

     

    Education and Professional Work Experience

    Minimum Qualifications

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

     

    Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

     

    + Excellent written and verbal communication skills to facilitate interactions with internal teams and external personnel.

    + A cooperative mindset to support a dynamic team environment and contribute to continuous process improvements.

    + Basic analytical and critical-thinking skills to assist with identifying process improvements within the program operations.

    + Demonstrated proficiency in using office software tools such as Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) or Google Workspace.

     

    Job Responsibilities and Expected Results

     

    + Assist with project management, including drafting RFIs for distribution throughout the state and collecting, reviewing, and organizing RFI submissions from partner organizations throughout the state.

    + Assist the Division Director and project managers with general forms such as TR1s (including those from international trips and events), purchase requests, travel reimbursement letters, conference room reservations, catering orders, and memberships.

    + Assist with preparations for client visits.

    + Work with other AEDC Divisions to prepare informational packets for interested clients.

    + Conduct basic research and due diligence for economic development projects.

    + Maintain internal recruitment project database/CRM (Salesforce) and run reports or produce memos based on the information

    + Assist with proposal requests

    + Act as a liaison between business development team and other internal and external teams.

    + Maintain partner contact database/distribution list.

    + Perform other duties as assigned.

     

    Key Business Processes/Duties

     

    + Assist with project management, draft Request for Information (RFI) submissions.

    + Prepare travel and expense reporting forms.

    + Assist with preparations for client visits.

    + Prepare informational packets.

    + Coordinate with the research team.

    + Maintain Salesforce database.

    + Review incentive proposals.

    + Generate reports.

    + Act as liaison with other teams.

    + Other Duties as assigned.

    + General office duties

    Position Information

    Job Series:Program Operations – Commerce Programs

     

    Classification:Commerce Program Specialist

     

    Class Code:PCO03P

     

    Pay Grade:SGS06

     

    Salary Range:$52,137 – $77,163

    Job Summary

    The Commerce Program Specialist serves as a foundational support role within the commerce and economic development team. This classification assists in the coordination, administration, and execution of commerce-related programs designed to bolster local business engagement and drive community economic growth. This role works closely with program coordinators and managers to facilitate events, maintain accurate records, manage communications, and support the overall operational needs of commerce initiatives.

    Primary Responsibilities

    Provide day-to-day administrative support, including maintaining schedules, organizing files and databases, and managing correspondence. Assist with data entry, tracking program deliverables, and preparing reports to monitor the progress of commerce activities. Help plan and coordinate events, meetings, and workshops related to commerce initiatives. Support logistics for program events including venue reservations, attendee coordination, and materials preparation. Serve as a point of contact for internal teams and external partners, ensuring clear and consistent communication. Assist in drafting and distributing program communications such as newsletters, updates, and promotional materials. Maintain and update program records, ensuring data integrity and accessibility. Contribute to the preparation of performance metrics and progress summaries for senior personnel review. Perform routine clerical duties such as answering phones, processing mail, and managing office supplies. Support special projects and tasks as assigned to ensure the successful execution of commerce initiatives.

     

    Knowledge and Skills

     

    Excellent written and verbal communication skills to facilitate interactions with internal teams and external personnel. A cooperative mindset to support a dynamic team environment and contribute to continuous process improvements. Basic analytical and critical-thinking skills to assist with identifying process improvements within the program operations. Demonstrated proficiency in using office software tools such as Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) or Google Workspace.

    Minimum Qualifications

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

     

    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.

     

    Nearest Major Market:Little Rock