International Programs Administrator

State of Illinois•Chicago, IL

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Office of Trade and Investment, is seeking a highly skilled and trusted professional to serve as its International Office Coordinator (Administrative Assistant II). This position plays a central role in supporting the agency’s international mission by providing executive-level coordination, operational support, and strategic assistance to the Deputy Director. The International Office Coordinator serves as a key advisor and operational partner to the Deputy Director, managing sensitive and confidential communications, interpreting and implementing policy, and coordinating complex administrative and programmatic activities. The role supports strategic initiatives, high-level decision-making, and cross-agency collaboration that advance Illinois’ global economic priorities. Success in this position requires sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to translate complex information into clear, actionable outcomes. The Office of Trade and Investment promotes Illinois as a destination for global business expansion, provides export assistance to Illinois companies, and facilitates bilateral engagement with foreign governments. Illinois is a leading exporting state and supports exporters through financial and technical assistance programs, including the Illinois State Trade and Export Promotion (ISTEP) program. The International Office Coordinator helps ensure these efforts are effectively supported through strong internal coordination, reporting, and stakeholder engagement. Ideal candidates are proactive problem solvers who thrive in fast-paced environments, demonstrate strong analytical and writing skills, and are comfortable working closely with senior leadership, external partners, and international stakeholders. This role blends executive support, program oversight, and strategic coordination, offering meaningful responsibility and exposure to international economic development work within the State of Illinois.

Requirements

Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to completion of four (4) years of college, preferably with courses in public or business administration.
Requires two (2) years of progressively responsible professional experience in a public or private organization.

Nice To Haves

Prefers two (2) or more years of experience providing confidential administrative support to senior or executive leadership in a public or quasi-public organization.
Prefers two (2) or more years of experience analyzing complex issues and developing written recommendations or solutions in the field of international business, marketing, economics, or trade or closely related field.
Prefers two (2) or more years of experience in organizing and coordinating assignments and projects with senior managers, foreign governments, federal, state, or local agency stakeholders.
Prefers two (2) or more years of experience drafting sensitive and confidential correspondence, reports, briefing materials, or policy-related documents.
Prefers two (2) or more years of experience managing communication and coordinating meetings across multiple time zones.
Prefers two (2) or more years of experience managing calendars, arranging international and domestic travel, and preparing related documentation for management staff.
Prefers two (2) or more years of experience managing projects in collaboration with individuals from culturally and economically diverse backgrounds including those for whom English is not their native language.
Prefers two (2) or more years of experience supporting office operations including timekeeping, onboarding/offboarding coordination, and inventory and property control.
Prefers two (2) or more years of experience maintaining administrative records, client files, contracts, or program files in compliance with confidentiality and record-retention requirements.

Responsibilities

Under general direction, serves as confidential assistant to the Deputy Director of the Office of Trade and Investment and performs a variety of administrative functions relating to the operation and activities of the office.
Directs and coordinates with Office staff in the implementation of programmatic reports and studies regarding international programs and operations.
Provides strategic oversight and operational support to staff in the execution of their assigned responsibilities.
Serves as a liaison to the department’s human resources office and coordinates office timekeeping and inventory control.
Acts as a liaison for the Office of Trade and Investment and other agencies and organizations, i.e., state, federal, local and private sector, regarding international programs and policies.
Attends meetings for the Deputy Director.
Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of duties enumerated above.