Description

At the Department of Commerce (Commerce), we are creative, collaborative, and trusted. We identify opportunities to deliver critical funding and services to strengthen communities, we cultivate an environment in which we continuously learn, and we own our work.

The Office of Economic Development and Competitiveness (OEDC) partners with local, regional and international economic development agencies, companies, site selectors and decision makers to strengthen communities and grow Washington’s economy through increased exports, investment, retention and expansion.

The Commerce Specialist 3 works within the Small Business Export Assistance (SBEA) Unit of OEDC, and is responsible for the program development and management, research, writing, and outreach in support of Commerce’s mission to drive and develop export marketing and sales opportunities for Washington state businesses. As a member of the SBEA team, this position works with businesses, economic development organizations, state, federal, and local governments, and economic development practitioners to increase or preserve business investments.

This posting may be used to fill other vacant positions within 60 days once position is filled.

Duties

The Commerce Specialist 3 ensures the development of export marketing and sales opportunities for Washington state businesses in Aerospace. Here are some of the duties performed in this role.

International Trade Business Development Manager

• Supply Washington companies with strategic information on how to enter or expand their business capacity in foreign markets, coach as needed on their specific issues.
• Develop programs and specialized assistance for the aerospace industry.
• Act as a liaison between the client and our overseas trade representatives when providing services such as list of qualified trade leads and matchmaking meetings.
• Organize and/or assist Washington companies' participation in international trade shows, trade missions and conferences.
• Organize, with the assistance of our overseas trade representatives, inbound trade events that focus on the key sectors of the state.
• Assist with marketing intelligence on specific industries in targeted markets.

Industry Liaison and Assistance Coordination

• Identify, track, qualify, and distribute international sales leads.
• Conduct strategic market intelligence for clients interested in exporting worldwide.
• Serve as clearinghouse and knowledge base on export regulations and policies, including USMCA regulations.
• Maintain cooperative working relationships with other state/federal government agencies and local, international trade organizations to leverage assistance for clientele doing business worldwide.

International Trade Outreach

• Develop and implement a program strategy to market Commerce services statewide to provide assistance in cooperation with the various industry programs of the Department and monitor the results against established goals and objectives for selected countries.
• Make presentations at appropriate international trade related activities, conferences and seminars.
• Establish close working relationships with local consulates/trade offices of selected countries as a source for information, assistance, and joint program activities.
• Maintain inter-governmental relations with national, regional, and provincial governments.

Budget Development

• Independently establish work program priorities and develop budgets for individual programs.
• Maintain reports, track and adhere to program budgets.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in relevant field and three years of professional level experience in community, trade, or economic development with a focus in any combination of the following (professional level experience in relevant field may substitute year for year for the degree):
  • International trade
  • International sales
  • International marketing
• Graduate degree in international studies, business marketing or a relevant field may substitute for two years of experience.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

• Conversational ability in a foreign language relevant to targeted foreign markets.
• International trade show and trade mission experience.
• Experience working with and managing federal grants.
• Certified Global Business Professional, NASBITE certification

Supplemental Information

To be considered for this position the following are needed:

• 
  A complete and detailed online application;
• A Cover letter (enter online);
• At least three (3) professional references (enter online).

The initial screening will be solely based on the contents and completeness of your application. All information may be verified and documentation may be required. For questions about this recruitment, please contact Jose Dominguez at 360-810-0182 or jose.dominguez@commerce.wa.gov.

Work Location is in Seattle, WA
This position is located in Seattle, Washington. You will work with your supervisor to identify an appropriate work schedule and balance. However, it is anticipated that interviews for this position will be held using virtual videoconferencing.

Important Notice
Per Governor Inslee’s Directive #22-13.1, state employees must be fully vaccinated prior to your first day of employment. Your vaccine status will be verified prior to an offer of employment. Please reach out to Human Resources Specialist Jimmie Wimberly at jimmie.wimberly@commerce.wa.gov if you need information on medical or religious accommodation.

Our Commitment to Equal Opportunity:
The Washington State Department of Commerce is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Persons needing accommodation in the application, testing, or interview process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call Human Resources at (360) 725-2650.