Director, Trade Missions
About The Position
The Director of Trade Missions is a senior program leader responsible for the end-to-end delivery of WTC Utah’s outbound trade missions. This role combines strategic planning, team leadership, relationship management, and on-the-ground execution. The Director ensures each trade mission delivers measurable value for participating companies while advancing WTC Utah’s mission, brand, and international influence. World Trade Center Utah (WTC Utah) accelerates growth for Utah businesses through our global network, programs, and services. We work with companies across the state to help them identify international opportunities, build global strategies, and execute those strategies in markets around the world. Through trade missions, international partnerships, and thought leadership, WTC Utah positions Utah as a global business hub.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in international relations, business, economics, public policy, or a related field.
- 7+ years of progressive experience in international programs, trade missions, economic development, or a related field.
- Demonstrated experience leading complex, multi-stakeholder projects from concept through execution.
- Proven people-management experience with accountability for results.
- Strong budget management, project management, and organizational skills.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
- Comfort engaging with senior business leaders, government officials, and international partners.
- Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally.
Nice To Haves
- Advanced degree in international relations, business, economics, public policy, or a related field.
- Experience working with state-supported trade programs, public-private partnerships, or nonprofit organizations.
- Deep familiarity with global trade policy, sourcing strategies, and geopolitical risk considerations.
- Proficiency using Microsoft Office suite of products to track and report status and to coordinate and communicate with team members.
Responsibilities
- Lead the planning and execution of high-impact outbound trade missions, including two governor-led trade missions annually.
- Own end-to-end trade mission delivery, including agenda development, logistics, budgeting, sponsorship identification, and participant recruitment.
- Conduct advance international travel to prepare programs, coordinate meetings, and ensure readiness for successful execution.
- Manage trade mission budgets and ensure responsible financial oversight and reporting.
- Set goals, build, lead, and manage a high-performing trade missions team accountable for results.
- Continuously improve systems, processes, and capabilities for planning and delivering trade missions.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with international partners, government officials, industry associations, and business leaders.
- Coordinate cross-functionally with internal teams to improve communication, alignment, and service delivery.
- Serve as an internal expert on key international trade and policy issues relevant to WTC Utah’s mission.
- Collaborate with internal teams to strengthen WTC Utah’s brand as a local and national thought leader.
- Support inbound trade missions and visiting foreign delegations as needed.
- Perform other duties as assigned in support of organizational priorities.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
