International ManagerRegional Engagement Division – International Trade & Investment OfficeHarry S Truman Building – 301 W. High Street, Jefferson City, MO
SALARY (based upon credentials): $65,000 – $67,000
TRAVEL: 50-60% overnight travel required, including in-state, domestic and international
Why You’ll Love This Position:Missouri’s International Trade & Investment Office is among the most comprehensive and well-regarded programs of its kind in the United States, serving more than 400 Missouri companies annually with a customer service delivery-model that focuses on export and trade development, market research, due diligence, international trade shows and trade missions, and close collaboration with its Global Office Network (foreign market contractors). We are seeking an Executive Director for this office that embodies and can maintain this high standard.
This position will provide leadership for the Missouri International Trade & Investment Office; direct and administer federal and state international marketing cost-share programs; and implement an annual international marketing plan for DED. It will initiate proactive and regular coordination with other state entities, external partners, and other key DED divisions.
What You’ll Do:
- Serve as the primary coordinator for the design, development and implementation of the Global Market Access Program (GMAP) and MO State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP=UP) programs
- Work annually with key government and private industry stakeholders in numerous global markets with the purpose of amplifying Missouri’s marketing efforts and economic success in both new business recruitment and existing industry retention
- Leverage the DED international team to direct and manage logistics for all attendees on international trade missions
- Develop and implement international annual marketing plan
- Equip Missouri exporters to travel internationally for the purpose of meeting one-on-one with potential customers and other business partners
- Assist in company and meeting pre-screening based on market objectives
- Develop and maintain significant contacts with international firms, foreign governments, and trade promotion officers
- Be able to solve problems with DED colleagues, other state entities (e.g. Missouri Department of Revenue, Missouri Department of Agriculture), external DED partners (Missouri Chamber, local and regional EDOs and Chambers) federal partners (e.g. U.S. Department of Commerce, Small Business Administration, U.S. Department of State), and other stakeholders
- Ensure staff and other partners develop and meet performance objectives
- Direct DED’s International Trade & Investment Office’s operations and programs while providing strong leadership for direct reports and global team members
- Manage the accurate and timely production of all state and federal reporting requirements related to Missouri’s International programs and other efforts
- Ensure that all relevant HR and statutory requirements are consistently followed
- Develop analyses and proposals to support DED leadership in decision-making efforts related to international trade and other related activities
- Advise on protocol briefs, business etiquette, international government affairs and event planning as appropriate for leveraging international relationships and engagement to advance DED’s mission
- Attend external meetings on behalf of DED’s leadership and program administration requirements, delivering key DED messages and perspectives as appropriate
- Maintain and strengthen partnerships with critical stakeholder groups, including: foreign dignitaries, state partners involved in International trade and businesses
All You Need for Success:Minimum Qualifications:
- Nine years of professional relevant experience. This can be obtained through a combination of five years of progressively responsible leadership and management experience on a high performing international trade team at the regional, state and/or national level, to include engagement with a large number of clients across a wide range of industry sectors; and, completion of a Bachelor’s degree, or higher, with an emphasis in Business or Public Administration, International Relations, Finance, Community or Economic Development, Economics, or a related field
- Substantial experience in international trade with a record of accomplishment and success
- Experience in planning and coordinating large delegation trips to other countries
- Experience in identifying, vetting, engaging, and managing geographically dispersed subject matter experts on a contract basis
- Considerable knowledge of trade policy, foreign business practices, and federal regulations (e.g. ITAR, EAR, FMS, FMF) pertaining to the exporting of U.S. goods and services
- Management of internal direct reports and indirect reports with a track record of developing people and building successful teams
- Experience managing or participating in public, multi-stakeholder processes for the development, review and implementation of policies and programs is highly desirable
- Able to work independently with little supervision and exercise sound, independent judgement
- Ability to travel extensively
- Lack of post-secondary education will not be used as a sole basis for denying consideration to any applicant
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Team management, resource allocation, and project delegation, including through contractors
- Experience in managing and integrating geographically distributed teams
- Project leadership and management, working within external/internal cross-functional teams
- Verbal and written communication expertise (succinct, persuasive, and clear)
- Budget and contract preparation, administration and management
- Protocol and business etiquette expertise
- Proficiency and passion for operational excellence and continuous improvement
- Excels under pressure, in a fast-paced, high-performing work environment
- Resourceful and dedicated to solving problems
- Demonstrated knowledge, skills and abilities in:
- Public speaking experience to a variety of elected, public sector, private sector, and community-based audiences
- Ability to implement executive and legislative policies and make internal policy decisions with large-scale implications
More reasons to love this position:The State of Missouri offers an excellent benefits package that includes a defined pension plan, generous amounts of leave and holiday time, and eligibility for health insurance coverage. Your total compensation is more than the dollars you receive in your paycheck. To help demonstrate the value of working for the State of Missouri, we have created an interactive Total Compensation Calculator. This tool provides a comprehensive view of benefits and more that are offered to prospective employees. The Total Compensation Calculator and other applicant resources can be found here .
If you have questions about this position please contact DED Human Resources at HRHelpdesk@ded.mo.gov .
The State of Missouri is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.