Director of International Trade

• Lead the organization’s International Trade team providing international trade and export assistance to North Carolina businesses
• Liaise with Federal government partners to secure grant funding for export assistance initiatives
• Ensure high-quality, high-value service to supported companies
• Manage the division budget, including planning, strategy, and forecasting
• Ensure grant compliance and oversee federal grants, including the STEP grant
• Supervise International Trade Managers, the Export Accelerator Program Director, the STEP Grant Manager, and international contractors/vendors
• Develop and implement strategies helping small- and mid-sized firms enter new markets and grow international sales
• Manage contracts with overseas representatives for export promotion services
• Coordinate with the Director of Business Development to maximize output and minimize budget impact
• Drive collaboration with the team and outside partners to increase awareness and use of export assistance services
• Liaise with the North Carolina District Export Council, US Commercial Service, North Carolina Small Business & Technology Development Centers, North Carolina Department of Agriculture International Marketing department, and related partner organizations
• Provide leadership, support, and ongoing training and development to assigned staff
• Handle employee selection, performance management, performance evaluations, job descriptions, and policy and procedure compliance
• Consult Human Resources as appropriate
• Perform other duties deemed necessary by the supervisor

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in business, marketing, economics, finance, public policy, or a related field
• Minimum 7 years of experience in international trade, preferably involving international sales, export assistance, or trade compliance
• Similar experience in sales or international business is substitutable
• 2+ years of experience managing multiple direct reports preferred, or demonstrated leadership and readiness for a management position
• Customer service-focused attitude and behavior
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including presentations to outside audiences
• Ability to interface professionally with senior-level business and government executives
• Leadership, strategic vision and development, and ability to generate buy-in
• Ability to develop team cohesion and accountability for results
• Ability to collaborate with multiple internal and external stakeholders
• Valid driver’s license and passport required
• Knowledge of international business trends and geopolitical issues that impact exports

Demonstrates expertise in international trade and export assistance, with a strong focus on strategic leadership, budget management, and compliance with federal grants. Proven ability to develop market entry strategies and foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders.

• International Trade Management
• Grant Compliance Oversight
• Leadership and Team Development
• Strategic Planning and Forecasting
• Customer Service Orientation

• International Trade
• Export Assistance
• Trade Compliance
• Budget Management
• Market Entry Strategy
• Sales Management
• Performance Management
• Contract Management
• Grant Writing
• Economic Analysis

• Strong Communication Skills
• Collaboration
• Leadership
• Customer Service Focus
• Team Cohesion

• Valid Driver’s License
• Passport

• Federal Grants
• Export Promotion
• International Business Trends
• Geopolitical Issues
• North Carolina District Export Council