REGIONAL FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT SPECIALIST - ASIA AND ASIA/PACIFIC

State of Illinois•Chicago, IL

1d•$8,571 - $9,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Regional Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Specialist for Asia and Asia Pacific serves the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s Office of Trade and Investment. The position develops programs to promote Illinois in the region and supports inbound investment through company and stakeholder engagement. 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 the regional FDI program and helps implement a statewide FDI strategy in collaboration with public and private economic development entities and Illinois service providers. The role manages business expansion and relocation opportunities, sets program goals and performance measures, and conducts research and analysis on FDI markets, economic trends, and international trade policies to inform long-term strategies for promoting Illinois companies’ products and services. The position is based in Chicago, Illinois, and has an anticipated hybrid schedule of one to five days per week in the office, depending on operational needs. Normal hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; the employee must also be able to work outside normal office hours to communicate across time zones and travel domestically and internationally, including overnight stays as appropriate.

Requirements

Education 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.
Complete a background check and disclose criminal history.
Hold an 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, and colleagues in different time zones.
File required annual and supplemental Statements of Economic Interest.

Nice To Haves

Three or more years of international trade experience, such as 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 presenting or promoting in domestic and international settings.
Two or more years collecting and analyzing data, developing recommendations, and presenting to executive leadership.
Two or more years developing or managing a budget.
Intermediate experience with client management systems, including maintaining client records, tracking interactions, and generating and analyzing client reports.
Intermediate experience with project management systems, including creating and managing plans, monitoring progress through reports and dashboards, and maintaining accurate documentation and data.
Intermediate experience with spreadsheet software, document creation, email, and cloud-based platforms for creating reports, managing communications, maintaining records, and collaborating online.

Responsibilities

Develop and direct the Office of Trade and Investment’s foreign direct investment program for Asia and Asia Pacific to attract out-of-country clients establishing, maintaining, or expanding 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 point person for the Asia and Asia Pacific region.
Manage business expansion and relocation opportunities from the Asia and Asia Pacific region.
Develop and implement program goals, objectives, performance measures, and management plans for regional Office of Trade and Investment functions.
Conduct and oversee complex research and analysis, and monitor FDI markets, economic trends, and international trade policies in Asia and Asia Pacific 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
Group health, life, dental, and vision insurance
3 paid personal business days annually
12 paid sick days annually, with unused days carrying over
10–25 paid vacation days annually, with 10 days in the first year
13 paid holidays annually and 14 in even-numbered years
Flexible work schedules when available and dependent on the position
12 weeks of paid parental leave
Deferred compensation program
Optional pre-tax medical care and dependent care assistance programs
Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility
GI Bill training and apprenticeship benefits eligibility for qualifying veterans
5% salary differential for bilingual positions
Chicago commuter savings program