Position Summary:

The Manager for Growth Programs 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:

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 hourly

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

Benefit Eligible

Position Summary:

The Workforce Professional is responsible for supporting workforce development programs through program operations, customer service oversight, reemployment services support, data integrity and reporting compliance, program coordination, outreach, and digital service delivery. This position ensures the efficient delivery of workforce services by assisting job seekers and employers, maintaining accurate program records, monitoring compliance with state and federal requirements, coordinating referrals and partner services, and supporting public engagement initiatives. The Workforce Professional also promotes workforce programs through outreach activities and assists with digital platforms and virtual service delivery to enhance access to employment and training resources.

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.
• Reviews and analyzes services provided to Unemployment Insurance claimants identified as 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.
• Monitors documentation for accuracy and completeness to ensure adherence to program standards.
• Screens and evaluates customer information to ensure appropriate referrals to partner programs and community resources.
• Represents workforce services at job fairs, community events, and public forums to promote participation in workforce programs.
• Provides technical assistance to customers utilizing online workforce platforms, ensuring adherence to established operational procedures.

Pay Range: $21.87 hourly

Work Schedule: Monday-Thursday 8:00 am to 6:00 pm and Friday 8:00 am to Noon

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 Junction City Workforce Center in Junction City, KS.  There is occasional local travel involved and may be overnight.

Responsibilities:

• Assist job seekers in their search for employment by providing an orientation of the Workforce Center services, résumé assistance, KANSASWORKS.com registration and job search assistance.
• Staff job fairs and refer job candidates to employment opportunities and support services as appropriate.
• Work with businesses requiring employment assistance in Manhattan and its surrounding areas.

Pay Range: $21.87 hourly

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

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 Main Street Program Manager provides technical assistance, training, and strategic support to Kansas Main Street communities to promote downtown revitalization and economic development. This position delivers data-driven insights using tools such as Maestro, Placer.ai, and ESRI; administers the Main Street Affiliate Program; assesses community needs; and coordinates marketing and branding initiatives with agency communications staff. The Program Manager collaborates with local, state, and regional partners, participates in community development resource teams, and supports revitalization efforts in both Main Street and non-Main Street communities across Kansas.

Responsibilities:

• Work closely with other Kansas Main Street staff to provide a variety of complex and creative consultative services and technical assistance to Designated and Affiliate Kansas Main Street communities.
• Work with local Main Street and community development organizations, their boards and committees, as well as other community leaders, to help them grow and maintain economically vital historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts and to help them maintain strong Main Street organizations under the preservation-based foundation of the Main Street Four Point Approach.
• Provide relevant and timely data using services such as Maestro, Placer.ai and ESRI to Main Street communities.
• Work with Commerce Marketing and Communications team members to coordinate marketing and branding efforts for the program.
• Participate in team actives including but not limited to planning retreats, new city selection, annual community progress visits and quarterly trainings.
• Assist and collaborate with agency partners and other staff on resource teams; provide general assistance to the Community Development Division team.

Pay Range: $60,000.00 to $65,000.00 annually

Work Schedule: Monday – Friday

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.