Vice President of Global Trade & Investment

Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation

Position Description

Position Title:   Vice President of Global Trade & Investment

Department:     Global Trade & Investment

Reports to:        Chief Operating Officer

Position(s) Supervised:   Senior Director of GTI, GTI International Business development Directors, GTI Administrative Coordinator, GTI Business Analyst, GTI Interns

FLSA Status:      Exempt

Position Summary

The Vice President of Global Trade & Investment is responsible for leading a team and initiatives that will accelerate Wisconsin exports by expanding international markets, enhancing export assistance resources in the state, and by promoting Wisconsin as a destination for foreign investment.

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Responsibilities

The VP will align activities to support the following primary roles:

1. Develop and implement the Wisconsin Trade & Investment Plan including short- and long-range goals, strategies, and tactics to grow exports from the state, to expand the market share of Wisconsin products and services in priority markets, and to leverage the state’s economic and demographic assets to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to Wisconsin
2. Design, build and administer data-driven evaluation tools that program results and team culture oriented around continuous improvement.
3. Counsel WEDC leadership, business and government leaders on trade issues and opportunities for Wisconsin. Collaborate with local, county, and state agencies, stakeholders, partners, etc., to align efforts and promote the programs and resources available to Wisconsin companies.
4. Provide leadership to the Global Trade and Investment Team and oversee the Division’s operations plan and budget.

The VP will spend a majority of their time in these activities:

• Develop and evaluate new and existing export development programs and resources including third-party programs supported by WEDC.
• Develop strategies and tactics to engage with Wisconsin businesses to encourage their pursuit of global market opportunities.
• Identify existing ties between Wisconsin and international regions/markets to increase collaboration and develop mutually beneficial relationships in terms of exports and FDI.
• Present at events at the local, state, national, and international level to promote the state of Wisconsin and the benefits of exporting and trade.
• Coordinate with marketing on the management/production of marketing materials, media, advertising, strategy, and tactics.
• Collaborate closely with WEDC, including its business attraction team, and other economic development partners to convert FDI leads into Wisconsin investors.
• Provide leadership to the Global Trade and Investment Team and oversee department budget.
• Lead WEDC’s strategy around participation in Global Trade Missions, relevant international tradeshows, and other in-country market development activities, including FDI programs/events
• Oversee WEDC’s network of Authorized Trade Representatives including services provided, costs, performance, and evaluation.
• Research and analyze trade policies and data to provide technical advice to Wisconsin businesses, government leaders and WEDC leadership.
• Anticipate, research, and report on future changes in import/export laws, issues and opportunities to ensure such knowledge is factored into WEDC's planning.
• Analyze and evaluate trade data to identify and prioritize new and existing international markets for Wisconsin exports of products and services.
• Identify business and other entities interested in investing, expanding or relocating to Wisconsin.
• Represent WEDC in related organizations/partnerships.
• Participate as a member of the Executive Team in strategic planning and implementation.
• Cultivate relationships with existing foreign investors to capture potential business retention and expansion opportunities.
• Develop and nurture relationships with sister states in foreign countries.
• Other duties as assigned.

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Qualifications

Education and Experience: 

• Degree in business or related field (post graduate degree preferred).
• Minimum of 10 years of senior-level management experience in internationally oriented industry, business, or economic development.

Skills and Talents:

• Extensive knowledge of the mechanics of exporting, market entry strategies, export regulations and practices, and trade policy.
• Considerable knowledge of economics and business management principles and practices.
• Knowledge of research techniques, data collection and effective data analysis.
• Ability to develop relationships with industry, government officials, and other state agency staff.
• Ability to analyze economic, investment and business factors.
• Ability to lead strategic planning processes and practices.
• Ability to work under pressure with competing demands.
• Ability to work effectively in a multi-cultural, diverse, dynamic environment.
• Demonstrated project management experience in a leadership role.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to deal effectively with senior executives, as well as diverse groups of customers and stakeholders, internal and external to the organization.
• Demonstrated ability to partner and influence at all levels the organization and to be viewed as a credible, valuable source of information and integral part of management team.
• Superior analytic skills, and the ability to compile, analyze and leverage performance data to both optimize current business and identify new opportunities.
• Bilingual ability is preferred.

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Other Requirements:

• International, national, and state-wide travel will occur. Travel is anticipated to include day and overnight travel.
• Possession of a valid driver's license and proof of auto insurance that meets minimum state requirements are required.
• This position is eligible for reimbursement according to the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program. This position requires the employee to provide a mobile device that allows for phone, text, and email access.
• Based on the responsibilities of this position, this position may need to lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.