Trade & Recruitment Manager

State of Oregon • Portland, OR

20d • Hybrid

About The Position

Business Oregon the state’s economic development agency, is currently hiring a Trade & Recruitment Manager (Grants, Loans, & Programs Manager 2). This position supports the agency by providing management and oversight of staff focused on international trade/export promotion, business recruitment/foreign direct investment and international relations throughout Oregon. The Trade & Recruitment Manager will work closely with state, regional and local partners to promote Oregon as a location for expanding domestic and international businesses while also assisting Oregon exporters to market and sell their goods abroad. This role also provides a key opportunity to advance Oregon’s economic development mission by planning and participating in outbound missions led by the Oregon Governor or agency Director. Note: We are committed to fostering a supportive work environment that promotes work-life balance and flexibility. This hybrid role offers remote work options, with the expectation of occasional in-office presence as needed to support business operations.

Requirements

• Six years of supervision, management, or progressively related experience.
• OR; Three years of related experience and a bachelor's degree in a related field.

Nice To Haves

• Experience providing direct management of a team of high-level professional staff
• Strong collaborative leadership and team development skills, including the ability to mentor and guide staff, build consensus among internal and external stakeholders, and lead cross-functional teams to achieve complex, high-impact economic development objectives.
• Business Recruitment/Foreign Direct Investment experience with managing projects and developing location promotion and Foreign Direct Investment strategies grounded in measurable market data which have been successful in meeting key performance metrics.
• Advanced skills in applying economic, industry, and trade data to guide decisions and in developing policies, strategic plans, and program frameworks aligned with federal and state requirements.
• Export Promotion Experience managing export promotion/international trade programs for U.S. exporters including familiarity with international trade shows, B2B matchmaking and Gold Key services in conjunction with the U.S. Commercial Service offices.
• Experience analyzing international markets, leading trade missions, managing foreign contractors, and developing export promotion and FDI strategies grounded in measurable data.
• Skilled at working across cultures, engaging with foreign governments, negotiating Memorandums of Understanding, and representing the state in international settings while building strong professional relationships.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the strategic vision and policy direction for promoting Oregon in foreign markets and attracting Foreign Direct Investment.
• Lead and organize international Governor Trade Missions and participation in trade shows, Select USA Investment Summit, and other high-profile events to promote Oregon and its business climate.
• Develop and implement FDI and business recruitment strategies, including marketing campaigns, grant programs, and export promotion initiatives.
• Manage, mentor, and provide leadership to a team of professional staff, including foreign trade offices and contracted consultants.
• Collaborate with stakeholders at all levels—including the Governor’s Office, local governments, businesses, and international partners—to advance trade and recruitment objectives.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and agency policies, maintain accurate program performance metrics, and recommend program improvements.
• Reviews and approve contracts agreements.
• Monitor program budget and monitor resource allocation for optimal program delivery.
• Represent Business Oregon at legislative, policy, and stakeholder meetings, providing expertise on global trade, business recruitment, and economic development strategies.
• Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and affirmative action within program operations and team management.

Benefits

• Family Friendly Work Life Balance : Paid time off, 11 holidays, 3 personal days & optional short- and long-term disability benefits.
• Take Care of Yourself and Your Family : Comprehensive employee benefits, choice of medical plans, vision plan, life insurance, employee assistance program.
• Invest in Your Future: Pension plan, deferred comp, short- and long-term disability plan, flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care.
• Be Appreciated : Employee recognition events, agency unique employee recognition program allowing for additional leave options such as vacation buy-out and sick leave roll-over, dynamic employees doing impactful work.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees