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COMMERCE PROGRAM SPECIALIST

Date: Oct 13, 2025

Req ID: 53547

Location:

LITTLE ROCK, AR, US, 72202

Category: DEPT OF WORKFORCE SERVICES

Anticipated Starting Salary: $52,137.07

Position Summary

The Commerce Program Specialist is responsible for reviewing and classifying employer records to ensure accurate reporting of employment and wage data in compliance with Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) standards. This position assigns industry and geographic codes, documents business changes, and supports quarterly deliverables through detailed analysis and collaboration. Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills are essential.

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.

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.

Preferred Qualification

• Exceptional attention to detail with the ability to identify and correct data inconsistencies.

• Strong problem-solving and analytical thinking skills with demonstrated ability to interpret complex or incomplete information.

• Communicates clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing, with staff, employers, and external partners.

• Able to work independently while contributing effectively within a small-team environment.

• Demonstrates initiative, accountability, and ownership of assigned work.

• Flexible and adaptable to changing priorities, workloads, and deadlines.

• Skilled in conducting online research using web search engines, social media, and news outlets to verify or supplement business information.

• Experience reviewing, comparing, and interpreting numerical or statistical data.

• Proven ability to handle and maintain confidential information with discretion.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams).

• Comfortable learning and using new technologies, shared drives, and State/Federal proprietary software systems.

• Some experience with SQL or higher education coursework in mathematics, statistics, or a related field is desirable.

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

Job Responsibilities

+ Review and edit employer accounts to ensure accuracy in reported employment and wage data.

+ Verify and assign NAICS and area codes using UI tax, wage, and business documentation.

+ Research and document economic and noneconomic changes, including openings, closures, and reorganizations.

+ Resolve predecessor–successor relationships to maintain accurate longitudinal employer data.

+ Document rationale for data and classification changes using proper comment codes and narratives.

+ Participate in peer reviews, training sessions, and BLS data quality initiatives.

+ Ensure all assigned QCEW accounts meet federal timeliness and accuracy requirements.

+ Maintain confidentiality of employer and wage data in accordance with state and federal laws.

+ Utilize Microsoft Office, BLS systems, and state UI applications to complete assignments efficiently.

Expected Results

+ Employer and wage records are accurately coded and maintained according to BLS and state standards.

+ All deliverables meet or exceed established accuracy and timeliness benchmarks.

+ Classification and documentation demonstrate thorough analysis and adherence to quality control procedures.

+ Business changes and relationships are correctly documented and supported by verifiable data sources.

+ Work output contributes to the integrity and reliability of published labor market statistics.

+ Staff collaboration and communication result in continuous improvement of data quality and workflow efficiency.

+ Confidential information is protected, and program compliance is consistently maintained.

Key Business Processes

+ DataClassification:Review, code, and maintain employer data using UI wage and tax records in accordance with BLS QCEW standards.

+ Data Verification:Ensure consistency between employer-reported data, UI systems, and BLS reporting systems.

+ Predecessor–Successor Analysis:Research, document, and apply correct business relationships to maintain historical data integrity.

+ UI New Account Coding:Assign NAICS and geographic codes for new employer accounts, confirming accuracy and compliance at account setup.

+ Documentation & Quality Assurance:Apply appropriate comment codes, maintain audit trails, and participate in peer review and validation processes.

+ Grant Reporting & Time Tracking:Maintain accurate work logs to support BLS grant reporting and internal performance tracking.

+ Collaboration & Improvement:Work closely with colleagues to resolve complex issues, share best practices, and enhance data quality processes.

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.

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.

Nearest Major Market:Little Rock