Position Summary:

The Program Manager leads statewide initiatives that help Kansas small businesses start, grow, and compete. This position develops and manages business readiness, capacity-building, and training programs focused on government and corporate contracting, market expansion, certification programs, and access to capital. The Manager builds partnerships with businesses, entrepreneurship support organizations, financial institutions, and industry stakeholders to expand opportunities for Kansas businesses. The role also provides leadership support through outreach, stakeholder engagement, communications, customer assistance, and collaboration across agency programs to strengthen the state’s small business ecosystem.  

Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement training and technical assistance programs focused on business readiness for government and corporate contracting and capacity building for larger contracts 
• Develop and lead initiatives that create government and corporate procurement opportunities for small businesses and create clear pathways for small businesses to secure contracts 
• Develop and implement training and technical assistance programs focused on business readiness for new markets and capacity building for market expansion or diversification
• Promote Kansas business certifications to Kansas businesses
• Participate in internal and external engagement opportunities with businesses, entrepreneurship support organizations, business community organizations, and key industry sectors, such as those involved in critical supply chains and those that are vital to the state economy
• Support internal and external communications related to office initiatives and programs
• Assist with management of grants
• Answer emails and phone calls from small businesses seeking assistance
• Expand funding and capital access opportunities for Kansas small businesses and entrepreneurs to support business startup, sustainability, and growth
• Develop and implement training programs for businesses seeking funding

Pay Range: $33.65 to $38.46 hourly

* Salary can vary depending upon education, experience, or qualifications.

Work Schedule: Monday – Friday

Benefit Eligible

Position Summary:

Calling all students!

Ready to step into the heart of state government and make things happen?

If you’re looking for an internship that will help you learn more about how the Small Business Division helps businesses grow and thrive, this internship is for you! If you’re looking for an internship that will help you learn more about how the Small Business Division helps businesses grow and thrive, this internship is for you! The division supports and empowers small businesses and entrepreneurs across Kansas. The division supports and empowers small businesses and entrepreneurs across Kansas.

Support the Office of Small Business by conducting ecosystem research and resource mapping, coordinating events, engaging with stakeholders, tracking data, and analyzing impact. Assist with entrepreneurial community outreach and help develop resources to strengthen small business growth across Kansas.

Responsibilities:

• Assist in conducting ecosystem analysis to identify gaps in small business resources and areas where additional support is needed.
• Research entrepreneurial support organizations (ESOs), business development programs, funding opportunities, and workforce training initiatives across Kansas.
• Assist in planning and promoting E3-led events, such as pitch competitions, ESO networking meetups, lender roundtables and small business training workshops.
• Coordinate event logistics, including scheduling, venue setup, speaker coordination and participant engagement.
• Track and manage key performance indication (KPIs) related to E3’s initiatives, including program participation, capital access rates, and business engagement levels.
• Work with internal teams to ensure business support programs are effectively monitored and evaluated.
• Assist in creating outreach materials, resource guides and business development toolkits for entrepreneurs and ESOs.
• Help conduct community outreach efforts to ensure business owners across Kansas are aware of available funding, training and ecosystem support resources.

Pay Range: $15.03 hourly

Work Schedule: Monday – Friday (hours may vary)

Non-Benefit Eligible

Position Summary:

This position will manage and coordinate the Mobile Workforce Center while providing workforce services that connect job seekers with employment opportunities. Ensure compliance with federal and state workforce program requirements, maintain accurate case records, support customers using workforce systems, and represent workforce services through community outreach, job fairs, and partner events. Review service delivery to improve program effectiveness and provide technical assistance to staff and customers.

Responsibilities:

• Reviews customer assessments, transferable skills, education, and work history to support structured employment planning consistent with federal and state program guidelines. 
• Ensure electronic case records in KANSASWORKS.com are accurate, complete, and compliant with documentation, data integrity, and performance reporting standards. 
• Identifies trends, service gaps, or inconsistencies in customer service delivery and recommends process improvements. 
• Provide technical assistance in the operation and delivery of workforce services, including supporting the scheduling, deployment, and use of a Mobile Workforce Center to meet program goals and community needs. 
• Assist in the development and implementation of operational procedures and service delivery practices, including maintaining records, reports, and documentation related to mobile operations and workforce services. 
• Provide basic technical support and coordination for equipment and operations, including identifying issues, coordinating maintenance, and ensuring operational readiness of mobile service delivery tools. 
• Reviews and analyzes services provided to Unemployment Insurance claimants identified a likely to exhaust benefits to ensure regulatory compliance. 
• Identifies service gaps and recommends adjustments to improve compliance and operational efficiency. 
• Prepares, reviews, and maintains electronic records in the statewide automated data system in accordance with established procedures and regulations. 
• Participate in training, meetings, and continuous improvement efforts, including applying quality practices to enhance service delivery and support program objectives. 
• Represents workforce services at job fairs, community events, and public forums to promote participation in workforce programs.

Pay Range: $21.87 hourly

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Benefit Eligible

Position Summary:

The Outreach Worker provides outreach and case management services to connect farmworkers with employment, training, and supportive resources. This role identifies barriers to employment, educates individuals on their rights and responsibilities, and makes referrals to partner programs. Additional duties include building employer relationships, entering job orders in KANSASWORKS.com, matching job seekers with employers, assisting with employment-related complaints, conducting H-2A housing inspections, and supporting customers via KANSASWORKS.com Live Chat. This position is located at the Hays Workforce Center in Hays, Kansas. Frequent travel is required to conduct outreach services. 

Responsibilities:

• Conduct outreach and case management for farmworkers who are not being reached by the normal intake activities of the Workforce Center.
• Identify employment barriers/challenges and explain rights and responsibilities of farmeworkers.
• Assists customers with job searches, resume and cover letter preparation, completing applications for employment, holds mock interviews with customers, and educates customers on interviewing techniques.
• Screens customers to gather information then make referrals to appropriate partner services (e.g. National Farmworker Jobs Program, health care assistance, food assistance, education assistance, and job training).
• Identify services available through partner agencies and service-based organizations.
• Maintain and strengthen relationships with employers.
• Develop and deliver presentations to agricultural employers and employer groups.
• Serves as Complaint System Representative for initial customer complaints related to employment laws and workforce violations.
• Conduct Housing Inspections for the H-2A Foreign Labor Certification Program.
• Serves as a Digital Assistant in Live Chat on KANSASWORKS.com.

Pay Range: $21.87 hourly

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Benefit Eligible

Position Summary:

This position provides management, oversight, and supervision of the RESTART 25+ program, ensuring grant compliance, program performance, and effective statewide service delivery. Coordinates with workforce partners, correctional institutions, and state and federal agencies; supervises program staff; and oversees contracts, projects, and service delivery activities.

Responsibilities:

• Implements grant requirements as appropriate; collaborates with appropriate staff and partners to prepare
  grant reports; writes grant updates in response to requirements.
• Coordinates and facilitates local service
  delivery activities with immediate staff members, One-Stop partners, other agency program staff,
  governmental agencies and institutions to facilitate the development of service delivery strategies and
  training opportunities.
• Provides supervision, oversight and guidance to program staff. Meets regularly to assess needs and to
  provide support, feedback, and training. Provides ongoing coaching to encourage continuous quality
  improvement. Responsible for approval of time and leave for program staff. Conducts regular
  performance reviews as directed by the agency.
• Assures all assigned programs are compliant, operational, and meet program objectives and performance
  measures.
• Assures workforce accountability reporting for selected activities serving as a liaison between
  the department, KANSASWORKS State Board, US Dept of Labor (USDOL), correctional institutions or
  agencies, and any other state or federal department.

Pay Range: $60,000.00 to $68,000.00 annually

* Salary can vary depending upon education, experience, or qualifications.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Benefit Eligible

Position Summary:

This is technical work interviewing clients to obtain information needed to determine potential eligibility for training programs, job referrals and other program services.  The position is located at the Johnson County Workforce Center in Olathe, KS.

Responsibilities:

• Provide early intervention and case management to claimants selected for the Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessments (RESEA) program.
• RESEA consists of claimants identified by the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) Worker Profiling and Reemployment Services (WPRS) system as “likely to exhaust” Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits  
• Determine eligibility and suitability for partner programs within the workforce system including Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, Kansas Health Profession Opportunity Project, Jobs for Veterans State Grant, and other state and federal grant programs in the local area
• Maintain comprehensive documentation including detailed customer notes and service history in the KANSASWORKS.com customer management system
• Collaborate with Kansas Department of Labor Unemployment Insurance staff to report the progress of claimants participating in early intervention reemployment services
• Facilitate workshops in the areas of work readiness and business skills
• Responsible for résumé and cover letter critique, mock interviews and providing labor market information
• Refer job candidates to employment opportunities and support services as appropriate

Pay Range: $21.87 hourly

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Benefit Eligible

Position Summary:

This position provides intensive case management, workforce services, and employment support to justice-involved participants. Coordinates community resources, develops employer partnerships, and connects participants with training and supportive services to overcome employment barriers, improve job retention, and reduce recidivism.

Responsibilities:

• Provide intensive case management and follow-up services to justice-involved program participants who
  are in the State.
• Form an Integrated Resource Team (IRT), a collaboration between the community
  service providers and Employment Specialists and other individuals involved in the participants’
  employment plan.
• Connect participants with individualized services and community resources to overcome work and life issues that interfere with holding and keeping jobs.
• Coordinate supports and ensure the participant is connected to services that will enhance employment success and reduce the chance of recidivism.
• Establish regularly scheduled participant outreach to follow-up on participant progress and employment outcomes.
• Provide workforce services to program participants in coordination with partner staff, to reduce duplication of services.
• Provide access to and oversight of online Workplace Readiness curriculum, supportive services, and Digital and Financial Literacy training. Understand and access available Commerce programs such as Registered Apprenticeship, Labor Exchange Services, Ticket to Work Program, and other appropriate offerings
• Understand and utilize local labor market information to identify high demand/high wage occupations.
• Engage in local job development and employer outreach to create On-the-Job Training (OJT) opportunities and/or direct placement with local employers.
• Partner with additional local organizations to reduce barriers specific to each participant.

Pay Range: $55,000.00 to $60,000.00 annually

* Salary can vary depending upon education, experience, or qualifications.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Benefit Eligible

Position Summary:

This position manages grant-funded programs, including staff supervision, grant compliance, reporting, and service delivery. Coordinates with partners and stakeholders, oversees contracts and subgrant agreements, and provides technical assistance, training, and guidance to ensure program effectiveness and compliance with applicable regulations.

Responsibilities:

• Implements grant requirements as appropriate; collaborates with appropriate staff and partners to
  prepare grant reports; writes grant updates in response to requirements
• Coordinates and facilitates
  local service delivery activities with immediate staff members, One-Stop partners, other agency
  program staff, governmental agencies and institutions to facilitate the development of service delivery
  strategies and training opportunities.
• Provides training, technical assistance and consultative services
  to grant partners as requested and/or required.
• Provides supervision, oversight and guidance to program staff.
• Meets regularly to assess needs and to
  provide support, feedback, and training.
• Provides ongoing coaching to encourage continuous quality
  improvement.
• Responsible for approval of time and leave for program staff. Conducts regular
  performance reviews as directed by the agency
• Coordinates assigned projects, contracts, subgrant agreements and MOUs; oversees and monitors
  service delivery activities that are developed; provides support regarding program needs and
  operational issues; advises fund recipients of methods to improve services and keeps them abreast of
  applicable state and federal laws and regulations.

Pay Range: $60,000.00 to $68,000.00 annually

* Salary can vary depending upon education, experience, or qualifications.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Benefit Eligible

Position Summary:

This Veterans Employment Representative provides employment and career services to veterans and the general job-seeking public by assisting with job searches, résumé development, interview preparation, labor market information, and other workforce resources. Delivers individualized case management and outreach services to connect veterans and job seekers with employment opportunities and workforce programs while supporting efficient service delivery across the region.

Responsibilities:

• Apply case management techniques to assist job seekers in attaining employment goals, including developing, maintaining, and updating Individual Employment Plans with appropriate timelines and shared responsibilities.
• Evaluate job seeker progress toward employment and skill attainment goals, ensuring appropriate adjustments to service strategies and documenting outcomes in accordance with program expectations.
• Knowledge of job readiness and career development practices, including the ability to support job seekers in improving employability, interviewing skills, and utilization of Workforce Center resources and staff expertise.
• Maintain accurate, thorough, and compliant case management records, including documentation of enrollment, services, progress, and follow-up activities, in alignment with federal and state policies, procedures, and performance accountability standards.
• Conduct detailed intake and comprehensive assessments, including evaluation of education, work history, interests, barriers to employment, and economic and family status to inform service delivery.
• Develop Individual Employment Plans (IEPs) based on assessment results, aligning services with job seeker goals and workforce program opportunities.
• Knowledge of workforce programs, training opportunities, and labor market information, with the ability to communicate job requirements, occupational options, and career pathways to job seekers.
• Determine program eligibility and explain requirements, assisting individuals with applications for employment, training, and supportive service programs.
• Collaborate with supervisors to develop and implement outreach strategies that reflect local workforce needs, labor market conditions and community demographics, ensuring services are delivered to eligible veterans through effective partnerships and outreach activities.
• Conduct outreach and engagement activities to identify, connect, and provide access to Workforce Center services for eligible veterans, including those with significant barriers to employment.
• Participate in program-related meetings, training and professional development activities at the local, state and federal levels to maintain current knowledge of workforce programs and veteran services.
• Complete and maintain program reports and documentation, including weekly monthly and quarterly reporting requirements.

Pay Range: $21.87 to $22.38 hourly

* Salary can vary depending upon education, experience, or qualifications.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Benefit Eligible

Position Summary:

The Director of International Business Development serves as the executive leader for the State of Kansas’ international business development strategy, advancing foreign direct investment, export growth, and global economic competitiveness. Provides leadership and oversight of the International Division, develops strategic partnerships with global stakeholders, and advises executive leadership on international economic development initiatives. Represents the State in high-level international engagements, trade missions, and global industry events to attract investment, expand trade opportunities, and drive economic growth and job creation for Kansas.

Responsibilities:

• Serves as the executive leader responsible for developing, implementing, and managing the State of Kansas’ global business development strategy focused on foreign direct investment attraction, international trade expansion, export growth, and global economic competitiveness.
• Develops and maintains high-level relationships with foreign governments, multinational corporations, site selection consultants, economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, trade associations, and international partners to advance Kansas’ position in the global economy.
• Represents the State of Kansas with international delegations, foreign dignitaries, business executives, and strategic partners. Leads efforts to identify, cultivate, and convert international business opportunities into economic growth, capital investment, and job creation for Kansas.
• Directs the planning, strategy, and execution of international business development initiatives, including Governor and Lt. Governor-led and executive-level trade missions, foreign investment recruitment missions, global industry events, and targeted market engagement strategies.
• Oversees Kansas’ presence at internationally significant events including the Farnborough International Airshow, Paris Air Show, SelectUSA Investment Summit, and other priority industry platforms aligned with Kansas’ targeted sectors. Leads recruitment and engagement of Kansas companies participating in international trade opportunities and develops
• Serves as a senior advisor to the Secretary, Deputy Secretary, Governor’s Office, and Administration on matters related to international economic development, foreign direct investment, trade policy, global market trends, and geopolitical issues impacting Kansas businesses.

Pay Range: $115,000.00 to $118,484.36 annually

* Salary can vary depending upon education, experience, or qualifications.

Work Schedule: Monday – Friday

Benefit Eligible

Position Summary:

The Attorney supports the Workforce Services Division by assisting with legal research, policy analysis, and review of agency documents for compliance with state and federal law, including WIOA. Working under the guidance of the Chief Attorney, this role helps ensure agency programs and operations align with legal and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities:

• Consultation, Legal Research and Advise for the Workforce Services Division, AJLA, CIAC, KAC and other divisions, receives oral or written questions from other employees of the agency or receives oral or written assignments from the Chief Attorney.
• Identifies the legal and/or policy issues which are involved in the questions or assignments.
• Searches for primary and/or secondary legal authority to answer the legal and/or policy issues which must be answered.
• Reads, analyzes and evaluates agency letters and interoffice memos, policy statements, personnel and program manuals and proposed administrative regulations on Workforce Services issues for compliance with current law, legal authority, legal reasoning and legal implications.
• Provides legal counsel to Commerce Workforce Services Division administrative officials and field personnel to assure that Commerce and its subdivisions perform their respective duties in accordance with the law and also to aid in the compliance with the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and other federal laws and regulations.
• Reads, analyzes and evaluates the legal and factual claims raised in letters, motions, discovery, memoranda, briefs, pleadings and appellate briefs delivered to the agency by opposing parties.
• Travels to, attends and actively participates in meetings, depositions, hearings and trials.
• Represents the agency at administrative hearings and tries cases on behalf of the agency in state and federal courts by presenting evidence, examining and cross-examining witnesses, stating and explaining objections, and arguing motions, objections and other legal issues.

Pay Range: $60,000.00 to $75,000.00 annually

Work Schedule: Monday – Friday

Benefit Eligible

Position Summary:

The Legal Assistant plays a key role in supporting the Department of Commerce Legal Division by coordinating complex contracts, grants, loan agreements, legal documents, meetings, hearings, and other critical legal processes. This position supervises support staff, manages workflow and administrative procedures, serves as the primary agency contact for Legislative Post Audit (LPA), and works closely with attorneys, vendors, contractors, and state agencies to keep legal matters organized and on track. If you’re a highly organized professional with strong legal knowledge, attention to detail, and the ability to manage complex priorities, this is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact behind the scenes.

Responsibilities:

• Develops and implements internal administrative procedures for the process of drafting complex negotiated contracts, grants, loan agreements and other related items carried out by the Legal Division.
• Monitors and communicates with the other parties regarding the status of subsequent drafts and revisions until agreement is reached and the contracts are finalized.
• Directs scheduling and coordinates meetings, hearings and depositions for Chief Attorney and other attorneys as required; ensures that related documents are prepared or available as needed.
• Provides full range, direct supervision to subordinate staff.
• Establishes performance expectations and priority outcomes, evaluates performance, provides employee counseling and guidance, and assigns work.
• Transcribes or may author complex contracts, legal documents (including pleadings, briefs, proposed legislation and regulations), reports, memoranda and correspondence for the Chief Attorney.
• Proofreads and edits all material for accuracy and content.
• Serves as the primary agency contact with Division of Legislative Post Audit (LPA). Attends meetings, corresponds with LPA and locates documents to provide LPA to respond to audit requests. Organizes, analyzes and ensures accuracy over LPA information requests to meet deadlines.
• Communicates with vendors, contractors, staff from the Department of Commerce, other state agencies, or other governmental units to obtain or provide needed information and to facilitate meetings, processing of contracts, or other matters on behalf of the Chief Attorney.

Pay Range: $28.59 to $34.70 hourly

Work Schedule: Monday – Friday

Benefit Eligible

Position Summary:

The Economic Research & Analytics Specialist conducts applied economic research, quantitative analysis, economic modeling, and data visualization to support Kansas economic development initiatives. Analyzes economic, demographic, workforce, and industry data to identify trends, opportunities, and risks. Develops research publications, forecasts, dashboards, and analytical products to inform agency leadership, strategic planning, and economic development decisions.

Responsibilities:

• Conducts applied economic research, quantitative analysis, economic modeling, benchmarking, and data
  visualization to support the Kansas Department of Commerce’s priorities.
• Analyzes and integrates economic,
  demographic, industry, workforce, investment, business, and fiscal data using authoritative public and
  proprietary sources and tools such as BEA, BLS, Census, Lightcast, IMPLAN, and others.
• Develops research
  briefs, economic and industry profiles, forecasts, dashboards, maps, and other reusable intelligence products;
  identifies trends, opportunities, risks, and emerging economic conditions; and translates complex findings into
  clear, actionable intelligence for agency leadership, policymakers, economic development professionals, and
  stakeholders.
• Supports the development and maintenance of the agency’s centralized economic intelligence and data
  infrastructure, ensuring datasets, research assets, documentation, and analytical workflows are organized,
  accurate, accessible, and reusable across the Department of Commerce.
• Provides research and analytical
  support for economic development initiatives, including business recruitment, retention and expansion,
  community development, innovation, investment, workforce, and industry development.
• Contributes to the development and dissemination of research publications, economic indicators,
  presentations, executive briefings, data stories, web content, and other information products.

Pay Range:  $60,000.00-$72,000.00 annually

Work Schedule: Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Benefit Eligible

Applicants that have physical, cognitive and/or mental disabilities may claim an employment preference when applying for positions. If they are qualified to meet the performance standards of the position, with or without a reasonable accommodation, they will receive an interview for the position. The preference does not guarantee an applicant the job, as positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determined by the hiring manager. You MUST apply at https://jobs.sok.ks.gov and submit the required documentation.

Learn more about claiming Disability Hiring Preference

PLEASE NOTE: The documentation verifying a person’s eligibility for use of this preference should not be sent along with other application materials to the hiring agency but should be sent directly to OPS. These documents should be sent either by fax to (785)296-7712, scanned and emailed to [email protected], or can be mailed/delivered in person to:

ATTN: Disability Hiring Preference Coordinator
Office of Personnel Services
Landon State Office Building
900 SW Jackson, Rm 401
Topeka, KS 66612

If you are claiming Veterans’ Preference for the first time please mail a copy of your DD214 – copy of discharge or documentation in form of a letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to verify service-connected disability, copy of a marriage license to verify relationship as a spouse to a service member, a letter or notice from the Federal Government showing that their spouse died while serving in the armed forces, or other relevant documentation that would help qualify an individual for Veterans’ Preference in accordance with the eligibility criteria set forth in K.S.A. 73-201. Please mail discharge or documentation to the Kansas Department of Administration, Office of Personnel Services, 900 S.W. Jackson, Rm 401-N, Topeka, Kansas 66612 or Fax to (785) 296-2598. You MUST apply at https://jobs.sok.ks.gov and submit the required documentation.