Regional Foreign Direct Investement Specialist - The Americas

State of Illinois•Chicago, IL

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Regional Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Specialist for the Americas serves in the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s Office of Trade and Investment (OTI). The role develops programs to promote Illinois across the Americas and supports inbound investment through engagement with companies and stakeholders. It coordinates and executes regional FDI activities, promotes Illinois’ value proposition to potential investors, associations, and government audiences, and supports inbound investment projects. The specialist develops and directs the Americas-region FDI program and helps implement a statewide FDI strategy in collaboration with public and private economic development organizations and Illinois service providers. The position also manages business expansion and relocation opportunities originating in the Americas and conducts research and analysis on investment markets, economic trends, and international trade policies to inform long-term strategies for promoting Illinois businesses. The position is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, with a hybrid schedule potentially ranging from one to five days per week in the office, depending on operational needs. Regular hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; the role may require work outside normal office hours to communicate across time zones, as well as domestic and international travel with overnight stays as appropriate. Employment is full-time. The anticipated starting salary is $8,571–$9,000 per month. A valid driver’s license, background check, and criminal-history self-disclosure are required. The employee must file annual and supplemental Statements of Economic Interest.

Requirements

Knowledge, skills, and mental development equivalent to completion of four years of college; coursework in business, marketing, or international studies is preferred.
Three years of progressively responsible administrative experience in a public or business organization.
Experience working with international business in the public or private sector.
Completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history.
Appropriate, valid driver’s license.
Ability to travel domestically and internationally, including overnight stays as appropriate.
Ability to work outside normal office hours to communicate with clients, partners, or colleagues in different time zones.
Must file annual and supplemental Statements of Economic Interest.

Nice To Haves

Three or more years of international trade experience, including market research or business lead generation.
Three or more years of sales, marketing, business development, or business counseling experience focused on international markets.
Two or more years of end-to-end accountability for owning, managing, and delivering multiple projects simultaneously.
Two or more years in a public-facing role that includes presenting or promoting in domestic and international settings.
Two or more years of experience collecting and analyzing data, developing recommendations, and presenting to executive leadership.
Two or more years of experience developing or managing a budget.
Intermediate-level experience with client management systems, including maintaining client records, tracking client interactions, and generating and analyzing client reports.
Intermediate-level experience with project management systems, including creating and managing project plans, monitoring progress through reports and dashboards, and maintaining accurate documentation and data.
Intermediate-level experience using spreadsheet software, document creation tools, email, and cloud-based platforms to create reports, manage communications, maintain records, and collaborate through shared online platforms.

Responsibilities

Develop and direct the Office of Trade and Investment’s foreign direct investment program for the Americas, including activities to attract out-of-country clients to establish, maintain, or expand facilities or operations in Illinois.
Collaborate with public and private economic development entities and Illinois service providers to develop and implement a statewide foreign direct investment strategy; serve as the primary state-side contact for the Americas region.
Manage business expansion and relocation opportunities from the Americas region.
Develop and implement program goals, objectives, performance measures, and management plans for the Americas-region functions of the Office of Trade and Investment.
Conduct and oversee complex research and analysis, and monitor foreign direct investment markets, economic trends, and international trade policies for the Americas to develop and advise on long-term strategies and goals for marketing Illinois companies’ products and services.
Perform other duties as required or assigned that are reasonably within the scope of the position.

Benefits

Pension program
Competitive group health, life, dental, and vision insurance
Three paid personal business days annually
Twelve paid sick days annually, with unused sick days carrying over from year to year
Ten to 25 days of paid vacation annually; 10 days in the first year of employment
Thirteen paid holidays annually, and 14 in even-numbered years
Flexible work schedules when available and dependent on the position
Twelve weeks of paid parental leave
Deferred compensation supplemental retirement plan
Optional pre-tax Medical Care Assistance Plan and Dependent Care Assistance Plan
Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility
GI Bill training and apprenticeship benefits eligibility for qualifying veterans
Commuter Savings Program for Chicago employees