Important Recruitment Information for this vacancy

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

Agency Information:

As the state’s 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 Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

Learn more at kansascommerce.gov

About the Position

Position Description

Who can apply: Open to all

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: June 16, 2026

Compensation: $60,000.00 to $65,000.00 annually

• 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 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.

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

• 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.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• One-year experience working with or in a local Main Street program or similar urban planning, economic development, historic preservation or business incubator type endeavor.
• Must have the ability to travel.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Three years’ experience working with or in a local Main Street program or similar urban planning, economic development, historic preservation or business incubator type endeavor.

or

• Three years’ experience in Economic Development, Business Administration, Marketing, Communications, Public Relations or equivalent experience.

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

Phone: 785.291.3568

Mailing Address: 1000 SW Jackson Street; Suite 100, Topeka, KS66612

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 Veteran’s Preference)

Upload these on the Attachments step in your Job Application

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Portfolio/work samples

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 Veteran’s 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.