COMMERCE PROGRAM COORDINATOR

The Arkansas Economic Development Council (AEDC) is a pivotal organization committed to fostering economic growth and sustainable development across the state. As a lead agency in promoting commerce and facilitating partnerships between government, businesses, and community entities, the AEDC plays an essential role in leveraging resources to strengthen Arkansas's economic landscape. Positioned at the heart of the state's economic initiatives, the AEDC operates with a mission to enhance local business environments, stimulate job creation, and support innovative commerce projects that can propel the state toward long-term prosperity.

The Commerce Program Coordinator is a key leadership role within the AEDC, functioning as the Office Manager and directly overseeing the daily operations of the organization. This position requires hands-on management with responsibilities that include administrative oversight, event planning, coordination of travel and meetings, and serving as the principal liaison and secretary to the Arkansas Economic Development Council. This role demands a highly organized professional capable of managing multiple priorities concurrently, maintaining smooth internal operations, and maintaining strong relationships across various stakeholders.

The successful candidate will embody a strategic mindset focused on commerce-oriented initiatives that connect businesses, community groups, and government agencies across Arkansas. They will be responsible for the design, implementation, and monitoring of programs aimed at stimulating economic development throughout the state. This includes preparing and managing budgets, ensuring program compliance, evaluating outcomes, and managing communications and outreach efforts to maximize program impact. The role also entails supporting special projects, assisting with agency initiatives, maintaining administrative functions such as maintaining car books and scheduling conference rooms, and ensuring supply logistics are handled efficiently.

With a salary range between $57,351 and $84,879 and classified under the Commerce Program Coordinator job series (PCO01P), the position is an on-site opportunity offering no remote or hybrid work options. Candidates must be prepared to engage full-time at the AEDC's physical office to ensure maximum coordination and operational effectiveness.

In this dynamic role, the Commerce Program Coordinator will oversee the planning of council meetings and events, serve as the main contact point for building services and maintenance requests, and compile meeting minutes and reports to keep all stakeholders informed and aligned. The role necessitates proficiency in office software suites such as Microsoft Office and Google Suite, a strong capability in project management, and comfort with data analytics tools. Exceptional communication, problem-solving skills, and the ability to liaise effectively with leaders and collaborators state-wide are fundamental to success in this position.

Overall, the Commerce Program Coordinator is a vital actor in driving Arkansas's economic development efforts, ensuring that the AEDC operates efficiently, programs achieve their targets, and that the council remains actively engaged with its partners. This role offers a unique opportunity for a motivated professional to influence state commerce policies and programs while operating in a challenging yet rewarding environment dedicated to economic prosperity.