COMMERCE PROGRAM SUPERVISOR/EXPERT

Date: Aug 13, 2025

Req ID: 52063

Location:

LITTLE ROCK, AR, US, 72202

Category: DEPT OF WORKFORCE SERVICES

Anticipated Starting Salary: $63,085.89

Position Summary

The Commerce Program Supervisor/Expert will function as the state's English Language Learner Program Advisor. The English Language Learner (ELL) Program Advisor guides the Integrated English Language and Civics Education-Integrated Education & Training (IELCE-IET) and supports learners in the English as a Second Language (ESL) Adult Education programs in Arkansas. The ELL Transition Specialist acts as a point of contact for the Workforce Innovation Opportunities Act (WIOA) cross-agency referrals. This position guides adult education providers in helping ESL learners transition to post-secondary education and career training advising and is responsible for developing, facilitating, and evaluating IELCE-IET programming. This position works with a wide range of constituents in a diverse population of staff, learners, instructors, and community partners.

The Program Advisor also serves as a grants manager. This position provides technical assistance and program monitoring to a region's adult education programs and literacy councils through annual site visits, program reviews, and desk audits. The Program Advisor monitors and approves federal and state grant budgets, amendments, expenditure reports, and grant project applications. The Program Advisor ensures that adult education programs and literacy councils comply with federal and state guidelines, laws, and policies.

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

Preferred Qualification

A Master’s degree in Education, English as a Second Language (ESL) or Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), Adult Education, Education, Workforce Training and Development, Curriculum Design and Instruction, or related field. At least 10 years of teaching experience, particularly in ESL, Education, and/or Adult Education. Experience in curriculum development and assessment.

A combination of education and work experience may be substituted for the above minimum and preferred qualifications

Job Responsibilities and Expected Results

Key English as a Second Language Processes/Duties

Provides guidance, technical assistance, and program monitoring for adult education programs initiating, implementing, and operating adult English as a Second Language programs.

Assist English as a Second Language (ESL) and Adult Basic Education (ABE) instructors in providing contextualized, scaffolded, interactive instruction that includes cooperative learning tasks and implements College and Career Readiness standards and TABE CLAS-E/EL Civics standards.

Guide adult education programs in preparing lesson plans that use resources, using a civics-based instructional approach and motivational and engaging vocational curricula focusing on learning and progress.

Assist programs that receive Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education (IELCE) funding to fully implement integrated education and training programs (IETs), citizenship classes, and help provide transition and educational services to English Language Learners (ELL).

Develop, facilitate, and conduct annual transition activities and ESL professional development training that align with participation in IELCE/IET programs.

Ensure English Language Learners (ELLs) progress academically and enter post-secondary institutions and training programs across the state.

Coordinate the development of curriculum materials and ESL professional development training.

Train on TABE CLAS-E and other state-sponsored academic software to provide technical assistance to the field.

Provides guidance, technical assistance, and program monitoring for adult education programs initiating, implementing, and operating adult English as a Second Language programs.

Key Grants Management Processes/ Duties

Provide technical assistance to adult education programs and literacy councils by interpreting federal and state regulations, answering questions, resolving problems, advising local programs, etc.

Participate in industry professional development and training; set individual learning and development goals and actively seek opportunities to develop teaching practice further.

Evaluate program effectiveness through annual on-site visits, program reviews, and desk audits to ensure program compliance review status and accountability reports of programs for compliance and performance.

Monitor and approve federal and state grant budgets, amendments, expenditure reports, and adult education and literacy council program project applications.

Participate in submitting federal and state reports; assist in data matching and conducting the state and federal funding of programs; assist in writing policies and procedures, and federal and state plans.

Respond promptly to communications and requests from the field.

Serve on the Professional Development Committee and the Workforce Alliance for Growth in the Economy Committee.

Conduct workshops and presentations during local meetings and professional conferences.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Position Information

Job Series: Program Operations – Commerce Programs

Classification: Commerce Program Supervisor / Expert

Class Code: PCO04P

Pay Grade: SGS08

Salary Range: $63,086 – $93,367

Job Summary

The Commerce Program Supervisor / Expert is a senior-level role accountable for the design, implementation, and strategic oversight of commerce programs that drive economic growth and community development. This role requires an individual who can work as a subject matter expert, bridging policy, business interests, and community needs to craft and execute initiatives that stimulate commerce, improve market engagement, and ensure sustainable development. The supervisor / expert serves as the linchpin in aligning efforts, managing extensive budgets, and delivering measurable improvements across commerce-related initiatives.

Primary Responsibilities

The assignment of supervisory duties is determined by the hiring agency's operational needs. Non-supervisory roles will serve as senior technical experts. Design, develop, and execute comprehensive commerce programs that address community and business development goals. Establish and monitor strategic objectives, performance metrics, and timelines to ensure programs are aligned with organizational priorities. Continually assess market trends and regulatory environments to adapt programs for optimal impact. Serve as a trusted liaison between local businesses, government entities, community organizations, and internal teams. Organize and lead meetings, workshops, and conferences to facilitate dialogue, secure input, and drive collaborative projects. Build and nurture long-term partnerships that foster a dynamic ecosystem for commerce initiatives. Develop and manage program budgets, ensuring responsible allocation and use of financial resources. Monitor expenditures, prepare financial reports, and maintain strict adherence to fiscal guidelines and compliance requirements. Identify funding opportunities, assist with grant writing, and secure external sponsorships to support program sustainability. Oversee day-to-day program activities, ensuring smooth operations and timely execution of deliverables. Use data analytics and performance feedback to monitor program outcomes and identify areas for improvement. Compile, analyze, and present detailed performance reports for senior management and other key personnel. Mentor and supervise program personnel, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional development. Champion innovative approaches and best practices in program coordination and economic development. Represent the program at industry events, professional forums, and community outreach events as a recognized expert in the field.

Knowledge and Skills

Ability to analyze complex market data and trends to inform program strategies and drive innovation. Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with a proven track record of engaging a variety of assorted personnel. Demonstrated expertise in utilizing project management tools and financial software (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, customer relationship management systems, data analytics platforms) to streamline operations and reporting. Capacity to thrive in dynamic environments, manage multiple tasks simultaneously, and quickly adapt to emerging challenges without compromising quality or compliance.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics, Finance, or a related field. Minimum of 6 years of experience in program coordination, project management, economic development, or a similar role is essential. Proven experience in managing large-scale, multi-participant commerce projects, including budget oversight, performance measurement, and regulatory compliance. Experience working in environments that require high-level strategic planning and community engagement is essential.

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

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