Regional Foreign Direct Investment Specialist - Asia and Asia Pacific

About the role

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity's Office of Trade and Investment is hiring a Regional Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Specialist for Asia and Asia Pacific. The specialist develops programs to promote Illinois in the region and supports inbound investment through close company and stakeholder engagement. The position is based in Chicago, Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm, with a hybrid schedule of 1 to 5 days per week in the office.

Key responsibilities

• Develop the Office of Trade and Investment's FDI program for the Asia and Asia Pacific region, including directing activities that attract out-of-country clients to establish, maintain or expand facilities and operations in Illinois.
• Collaborate with public and private economic development entities and Illinois service providers on a statewide FDI strategy, acting as the primary point of contact state-side for the region.
• Serve as project manager for business expansion and relocation opportunities from the Asia and Asia Pacific region.
• Develop and implement program goals, objectives, performance measures and management plans for the region's functions.
• Conduct and oversee complex research and analysis of FDI markets, economic trends and international trade policies to advise on long-term marketing and promotion strategies.

Required profile

• Equivalent to four years of college, preferably with courses in business, marketing or international studies.
• Three years of progressively responsible administrative experience in a public or business organization, with experience working with international business.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis; the state does not sponsor employment visas.
• Background check, self-disclosure of criminal history, valid driver's license, and ability to travel domestically and internationally, including overnight stays.
• Ability to work outside normal office hours for clients in different time zones.

Preferred qualifications

• Experience in international trade, sales, marketing, business development or business counseling focused on international markets.
• Experience owning and delivering multiple projects, presenting to executive leadership, managing budgets, and using client and project management systems.
• Intermediate experience with spreadsheets, document creation, email and cloud platforms.

What we offer

• Anticipated starting salary of $8,571-$9,000 per month.
• Pension program and competitive group insurance (health, life, dental, vision).
• 12 paid sick days, 13 paid holidays, 10-25 vacation days and 3 personal business days.
• Flexible work schedules, 12 weeks of paid parental leave and deferred compensation program.
• Bilingual salary differential, commuter savings program (Chicago only), and benefits for veterans and loan forgiveness eligibility.