COMMERCE PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Date: Nov 10, 2025

Req ID: 54132

Location:

LITTLE ROCK, AR, US, 72202

Category: AR DEPARTMENT OF AERONAUTICS

Anticipated Starting Salary: $57,351.01

Position Summary

Serves as the primary fiscal and business operations officer for the agency, responsible for managing all aspects of budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting. This position ensures that agency funds are used efficiently, transparently, and in full compliance with state and federal requirements.

Working closely with the Director and program staff, the Financial Business Manager oversees grant and project funding, prepares financial analyses, and provides strategic recommendations to support sound decision-making. The role also manages purchasing, contracts, and administrative processes that support the agency's daily operations.

Preferred Qualifications

Working knowledge of state fiscal systems, procurement laws, and grant management procedures.
Demonstrated ability to develop and manage budgets, analyze financial data, and prepare detailed financial reports.
Experience coordinating audits and ensuring compliance with federal and state funding requirements.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a small agency setting.
Proficiency in spreadsheet and financial management software (e.g., Excel, AASIS, or similar systems).
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; able to explain financial information clearly to nonfinancial staff and leadership.
High ethical standards and commitment to accountability and transparency in public financial management.

Job Responsibilities and Expected Results

1. Financial Management & Oversight

Responsibility: Develop, monitor, and manage the agency's operating and grant budgets; ensure fiscal compliance with state and federal guidelines.

Expected Result: Accurate, transparent, and compliant financial records that support effective decision-making and withstand audit review.

2. Grants & Funding Administration

Responsibility: Administer state and federal grant funding, including tracking expenditures, preparing reimbursement requests, and submitting required reports.

Expected Result: Continued eligibility for grant programs and full reimbursement of allowable expenses without audit findings or delays.

3. Administrative & Business Operations

Responsibility: Manage administrative processes such as payroll coordination, travel reimbursements, and asset inventory.

Expected Result: Smooth day-to-day business operations that support staff efficiency and maintain accountability.

4. Compliance & Audit Readiness

Responsibility: Maintain internal controls and documentation to ensure readiness for audits and reviews by state and federal agencies.

Expected Result: Positive audit outcomes with no major findings or compliance deficiencies.

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.