Director of International Business Development ($115,000.00 – $118,484.36)

Position Summary

The Director of International Business Development serves as the executive leader for the State of Kansas’ international business development strategy, advancing foreign direct investment, export growth, and global economic competitiveness. Provides leadership and oversight of the International Division, develops strategic partnerships with global stakeholders, and advises executive leadership on international economic development initiatives. Represents the State in high-level international engagements, trade missions, and global industry events to attract investment, expand trade opportunities, and drive economic growth and job creation for Kansas.

Job Responsibilities

May include but are not limited to the following:

• Serves as the executive leader responsible for developing, implementing, and managing the State of Kansas’ global business development strategy focused on foreign direct investment attraction, international trade expansion, export growth, and global economic competitiveness.
• Develops and maintains high-level relationships with foreign governments, multinational corporations, site selection consultants, economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, trade associations, and international partners to advance Kansas’ position in the global economy.
• Represents the State of Kansas with international delegations, foreign dignitaries, business executives, and strategic partners. Leads efforts to identify, cultivate, and convert international business opportunities into economic growth, capital investment, and job creation for Kansas.
• Directs the planning, strategy, and execution of international business development initiatives, including Governor and Lt. Governor-led and executive-level trade missions, foreign investment recruitment missions, global industry events, and targeted market engagement strategies.
• Oversees Kansas’ presence at internationally significant events including the Farnborough International Airshow, Paris Air Show, SelectUSA Investment Summit, and other priority industry platforms aligned with Kansas’ targeted sectors. Leads recruitment and engagement of Kansas companies participating in international trade opportunities and develops
• Serves as a senior advisor to the Secretary, Deputy Secretary, Governor’s Office, and Administration on matters related to international economic development, foreign direct investment, trade policy, global market trends, and geopolitical issues impacting Kansas businesses.

Minimum Qualifications

• Six years of experience in business and international trade.
• Supervisory experience and ability to lead a diverse team that is dispersed globally.
• High level organizational and management skills of human and financial resources to constantly improve Division’s performance.
• Strong communications and collaboration skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Extensive experience in international business development, economic development, foreign direct investment, international trade, business recruitment, government relations, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing strategic initiatives involving global markets, multinational companies, foreign governments, industry partners, and economic development organizations.
• Experience leading foreign direct investment attraction, business expansion, export development, or international economic development activities resulting in measurable outcomes.
• Experience representing an organization in high-level engagements with executives, elected officials, government representatives, international delegations, and key external stakeholders.
• Experience planning, leading, and executing international business development activities, including trade missions, investment recruitment missions, delegation visits, and global industry events.
• Knowledge of global economic trends, supply chains, international markets, trade policy, and factors influencing business location and investment decisions.

Post-Offer, Pre-employment Requirements

Kansas Tax Clearance Certificate required in accordance with Executive Order 2004-03. Each applicant (even non-residents) who is selected for a State of Kansas job vacancy must apply for a Tax Clearance Certificate within 10 days from the date of the offer letter by accessing the Kansas Department of Revenue’s (KDOR) website at www.kdor.ks.gov/apps/taxclearance/Default.aspx .

If you need assistance with the tax clearance, please contact KDOR at (785) 296-3199 or by email at kdor_specialprojects@ks.gov