Program Manager-Small Business

at Dept of Commerce in Topeka, Kansas, United States

Job Description

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Important Recruitment Information for this vacancy

The Department of Commerce participates in the E-Verify program. 

Agency Information:  

As the states lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerces project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazines prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governors Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

Learn more at kansascommerce.gov

About the Position

Position Description

Who can apply: Open to all (previous applicants need not apply)

Classified/Unclassified Service: Unclassified

Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time

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

Eligible to Receive Benefits: Yes

Veterans’ Preference Eligible: Yes

Location: Topeka, KS

Job Posting closes: October 6, 2026

Compensation: $33.65 to $38.46 hourly

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

Employment Benefits

Comprehensive medical, mental, dental, vision, and additional coverage

Sick & Vacation leave

Work-Life Balance programs: parental leave, military leave, jury leave, funeral leave

Paid State Holidays (designated by the Governor annually)

Fitness Centers in select locations

Employee discounts with the STAR Program

Retirement and deferred compensation programs

Visit the Employee Benefits page for more information

Position Summary & Responsibilities

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  

Job Responsibilities may include but are not limited to the following: 

• 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

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:  

• Six years of professional experience in small business development, entrepreneurship support, economic development, procurement, commercial lending or alternative financing, international trade, innovation, business management.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in project management, leadership, grant management, familiarity with Salesforce, and/or the use of platforms to support business management.

Post-Offer, Pre-employment Requirements:  

Kansas Tax Clearance Certificate required in accordance with Executive Order 2004-03. Each applicant (even non-residents) who is selected for a State of Kansas job vacancy must apply for a Tax Clearance Certificate within 10 days from the date of the offer letter by accessing the Kansas Department of Revenue’s (KDOR) website at www.kdor.ks.gov/apps/taxclearance/Default.aspx . 

If you need assistance with the tax clearance, please contact KDOR at (785) 296-3199 or by email at kdor_specialprojects@ks.gov

Recruiter Contact Information

Name: Angie Krahe

Email: angie.krahe@ks.gov

Mailing Address: 915 SW Harrison St, Topeka KS 66612

Job Application Process

First Sign in or register as a New User.

Complete or update your contact information on the Careers> My Contact Information page. *This information is included on all your job applications.

Upload required documents listed below for the Careers> My Job Applications page. *This information is included on all your job applications.

Start your draft job application, upload other required documents, and Submit when it is complete.

Manage your draft and submitted applications on the Careers> My Job Applications page.

Check your email and My Job Notifications for written communications from the Recruiter.

Email sent to the Preferred email on the My Contact Information page

Notifications view the Careers> My Job Notifications page

Helpful Resources at jobs.ks.gov: How to Apply for a Job Instructions and How to Search for a Job Instructions"

Required Documents for this Application to be Complete.

Upload these on the Careers – My Job Applications page

DD214 (if you are claiming Veterans Preference)

Upload these on the Attachments step in your Job Application

• Resume


• 
  

  Cover Letter

  
  

   

Helpful Resources at jobs.ks.gov: How, What, & Where do I Upload Documents 

How to Claim Veterans Preference

Veterans’ Preference Eligible (VPE): Former military personnel or their spouse that have been verified as a “veteran”; under K.S.A. 73-201 will receive an interview if they meet the minimum competency factors of the position.  The veterans’ preference laws do not guarantee the veteran a job.  Positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determine by the hiring manager.

Learn more about claiming Veterans Preference

How to Claim Disability Hiring Preference

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.

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 Gustavo.Victoriano@ks.gov, 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

Equal Employment Opportunity

The State of Kansas is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential elements that create and foster a welcoming workplace.  All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job.

If you wish to identify yourself as a qualified person with a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act and would like to request an accommodation, please address the request to the agency recruiter.