WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR Date: Feb 4, 2026 Req ID: 55463 Location: Little Rock, AR, US, 72203 Category: DEPT OF WORKFORCE SERVICES Anticipated Starting Salary: 71027.01 Position Summary The Program & Outreach Manager supports Arkansas Manufacturing Solutions (AMS) by coordinating outreach, engagement, and internal program operations that increase awareness, participation, and effectiveness of AMS services statewide. This role blends outreach leadership with program coordination and administrative support, serving as a force multiplier for the AMS team. The position leads outreach planning , supports brand consistency, coordinates events and engagement activities, and maintains key program processes and documentation . The role also functions as a backup to the Operations Manager , helping absorb administrative and coordination responsibilities to ensure smooth, compliant, and efficient program execution. This position is governed by applicable state and federal laws and agency policy . 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, Workforce Development, Community Development, or a related field. Minimum of 4 years of relevant experience is required. Hands-on experience with program coordination or project management in workforce development or community service environments. Prior experience working with government agencies or non-profit organizations in a workforce or economic development capacity may be required. Preferred Qualification + Bachelor’s degree in business administration, communications, public administration, marketing, nonprofit management, or a related field. + Strong organizational and coordination skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively + Ability to enable and guide others without formal authority + Solid written and verbal communication skills + Working knowledge of outreach, engagement , and basic marketing principles + Comfort using CRM, website, email, and social media platforms as an end user + Ability to translate program and technical information into clear, audience-appropriate messaging Preferred Qualification cont. + Attention to detail in documentation , reporting, and compliance-related activities + Ability to collaborate across internal teams, partners, and vendors + Adaptability and sound judgment in a dynamic, public-sector environment. + Familiarity with economic development, manufacturing , workforce , or public-sector programs is preferred but not required . Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities + Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, set clear milestones, and deliver programs on time and within budget. + Exceptional ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and engage a variety of assorted personnel-from employers to community members. + Proficient in analyzing labor market trends and using data to influence program design and continuous improvement. + Capable of addressing challenges as they arise and adapting to the ever-changing employment landscape with innovative solutions. + Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills that support detailed program documentation, reporting, and compliance adherence. Job Responsibilities and Expected Results Outreach and Engagement + Lead the planning and coordination of AMS outreach and engagement activities to increase manufacturer awareness and participation + Support the development and execution of AMS' s outreach and engagement strategy in alignment with organizational priorities + Coordinate promotion of programs, workshops, and events + Guide and support AMS staff in effective use of LinkedIn and other outreach channels, including best practices and consistency + Schedule and conduct outreach visits with economic developers, partners, and prospective clients + Ensure AMS website content remains accurate, current, and aligned with approved messaging + Support consistent branding and messaging in coordination with the Arkansas Department of Commerce marketing team and federal MEP requirements Program Coordination and Operations Support + Provide program coordination and administrative support to AMS leadership and consulting staff + Serve as a backup to the Operations Manager by assisting with administrative, scheduling, documentation , and coordination duties + Support onboarding and coordination of partners, vendors, and third-party providers + Track program activities, timelines, and deliverables to support effective execution + Maintain organized and accurate program documentation to support reporting and compliance needs + Assist with preparation of internal summaries, basic reports, and tracking information as needed. + Perform other duties as assigned to support the overall goals of Arkansas Manufacturing Solutions Key Competencies + Collaboration: Works effectively with internal teams and external partners + Enablement: Helps others succeed by providing structure, tools, and guidance + Initiative: Anticipates needs and takes appropriate action + Reliability: Follows through consistently in a deadline-driven environment + Professional Judgment: Navigates ambiguity with discretion and sound decision-making Position Information Job Series:Program Operations – Workforce Development Classification:Workforce Development Coordinator Class Code:PWD01P Pay Grade:SPC03 Salary Range:$71,027 – $105,120 Job Summary The Workforce Development Coordinator is the cornerstone for community and economic growth initiatives related to employment and skills enhancement. This role serves as a bridge between job seekers, employers, educational institutions, and community organizations. The mission is to develop, organize, and implement programs that equip individuals with the skills needed to succeed in today's dynamic job market. The coordinator organizes training sessions, career workshops, job fairs, and other career readiness activities that ultimately help to reduce unemployment, fill skills gaps, and foster sustainable regional economic development. Primary Responsibilities Develop and execute workforce development programs including training courses, apprenticeships, and job-readiness workshops. Coordinate logistics for community job fairs, career seminars, and networking events. Create action plans tied to strategic community and economic development goals. Establish and maintain strong relationships with local employers, educational institutions, and community organizations to identify workforce needs. Serve as a primary point of contact, facilitating partnerships and collaborations. Conduct talent pipeline meetings and listening sessions to ensure programs align with current job market demands. Perform labor market analysis to identify skills gaps and emerging industry trends. Gather and interpret data to continuously improve program offerings and measure their impact. Utilize insights from assessments to advise on future workforce development strategies. Oversee the day-to-day management of workforce initiatives, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget. Manage program documentation, track progress, and prepare detailed reports. Coordinate with marketing teams to promote workforce initiatives and maximize community engagement. Identify potential funding and grant opportunities to support workforce programs. Ensure all initiatives comply with applicable state and federal guidelines and standards. Develop budgets, monitor expenditures, and provide justifications for program costs. Knowledge and Skills Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, set clear milestones, and deliver programs on time and within budget. Exceptional ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and engage a variety of assorted personnel—from employers to community members. Proficient in analyzing labor market trends and using data to influence program design and continuous improvement. Capable of addressing challenges as they arise and adapting to the ever-changing employment landscape with innovative solutions. Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills that support detailed program documentation, reporting, and compliance adherence. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Workforce Development, Community Development, or a related field. Minimum of 4 years of relevant experience is required. Hands-on experience with program coordination or project management in workforce development or community service environments. Prior experience working with government agencies or non-profit organizations in a workforce or economic development capacity may be required. 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. The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law. Nearest Major Market:Little Rock