COMMERCE PROGRAM SUPERVISOR/EXPERT

State of Arkansas•Little Rock, AR

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Commerce Program Supervisor/Expert will function as the Curriculum Specialist Program Advisor. The Curriculum Specialist Program Advisor is assigned to the Division of Adult Education. The Program Advisor will serve two major functions: 1) as a master teacher/curriculum professional, and provide mentoring, coaching, and ongoing support to adult education instructors across the state, and 2) will provide technical assistance and program monitoring to adult education programs and literacy councils in an Arkansas region through annual site visits, program reviews, and desk audits. Statewide and some out-of-state travel, which may include some overnight is required. Irregular work hours are expected, which may include some weekend work. This position requires on-site employment with no remote or hybrid options available. 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.

Requirements

Professional experience in teaching or working with special populations such as English-as-a-Second Language (ESL) students, adult learners, and at-risk students, including those in a correctional environment is required.
This position requires the ability to analyze data to prepare qualitative and quantitative reports.
The Curriculum Specialist Program Advisor must demonstrate initiative as a self-starter, be analytically astute, exercise responsible discretion and judgment, and be highly motivated to competently achieve performance expectations, with minimal supervision.
Critical thinking skills and a high level of integrity is essential to be successful as the Program Advisor.
Strong writing, collaborative and verbal communication skills are essential.
Strong interpersonal skills and public presentation skills are required.
Knowledge of and the effective application of grammar, punctuation, and syntax rules is required to achieve the writing standard.
Public presentation experience is needed.
Management and organizational skills, with attention to detail are required.
Proficient applications of Microsoft application are essential, particularly Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
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.
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.

Nice To Haves

A Master's degree in education, business administration, reading, language arts, instructional design, curriculum specialist, linguistics, vocational education, career and technical education, or in a closely related field is required.
Two (2) years of professional experience in curriculum development is desired, using multi-media development applications.
Strong analysis and information gathering skills are required.
Experience in training, mentoring, and delivering professional development is essential.
Grant management experience is also desired.
Four (4) years of successful teaching experience and a minimum of two years of curriculum development, preferably in adult and/or workplace education are desired.
Familiarity with Adult Education and College and Career Readiness Standards is essential.
Knowledge of assessment, curriculum design, development, instructional processes, and strategies based on research in adult learning and development is needed for this position.

Responsibilities

Oversee the development and evaluation of Adult Education curriculum and assessment including the implementation of course outlines, syllabi, and workplace readiness skills across the state.
Assess the effectiveness of curriculum developed and/or administered using state and local program data and use the assessment in the process of curriculum replacement or revision.
Review and recommend curriculum, software and textbooks that are based on best practices derived from the most rigorous research available and appropriate, including scientifically valid research and effective educational practice, and to meet the needs of statewide business and industry.
Develop Adult Education goals, objectives, and curriculum guidelines, based on college and career readiness standards, in assigned areas and in accordance with grants as well as the related State and Federal accountability requirements and curriculum frameworks.
Prepare a wide variety of documents and instructional materials in both print andelectronic formats (e.g. lesson plans, reports, instructions, memoranda, etc.) for the purpose of instructional programming, documenting activities, providing written reference and/or conveying information.
Assist with and/or direct specific Adult Education curriculum projects as assigned and in adherence to state regulations governing programs and grants for adults.
Coordinate, develop, and implement ongoing continuous professional development and technical assistance for adult education and literacy council administrators and other instructional personnel necessary to plan and improve educational programs.
Observe classroom instruction and provide feedback to instructional staff.
Provide technical assistance to adult education programs and literacy councils by interpreting federal and state regulations, answering questions, resolving problems, and advising local programs, etc.
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 project applications of adult education and literacy council programs.
Participate in the submission of federal and state reports; assist in data match and conducting the state and federal funding of programs, assist in writing policies and procedures, and federal state plans.
Conduct workshops and presentations during local meetings and professional conferences.
Exercise responsible discretion and good judgement to protect the integrity of all confidential clients, student, and employee information.
Develop and recommend new and revised policies and procedures to respond to changes in the programs and service needs, objectives, and priorities and to improve the effectiveness of the operations.
Coordinate adult education programs and services with educational institutions, businesses, industries, and community and professional organizations to ensure adherence to administrative directives; and to maximize the integration and delivery of the programs and services.
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.