Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity · 1 day ago
Managing Director, State of Illinois Canadian Office (Toronto)
Springfield, Illinois Metropolitan Area
Full-time
Onsite
Lead/Staff, Director/Executive
2+ years expThe Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is seeking a dynamic leader to serve as the Managing Director of its Canadian Office in Toronto. This role is crucial for promoting exports and attracting foreign direct investment from Canada, while managing relationships with businesses and government entities.
Government Administration
No H1B
Responsibilities
Represent the State of Illinois in Canada and manage the State of Illinois Canadian Office located at 366 Adelaide St E, Toronto, Canada
Manage and direct Illinois export promotion, foreign direct investment and international tourism activities and programs
Provide market intelligence, matchmaking, and support services to Illinois companies entering the Canadian market
Identify and engage potential Canadian investors interested in establishing or expanding operations in Illinois
Organize trade missions, investment seminars and networking events
Collaborate with U.S. and Canadian government agencies, chambers of commerce and industry associations
Prepare regular reports and updates for the Illinois Office of Trade and Investment based in Chicago
Qualification
Required
Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to completion of four (4) years of college, preferably with courses in international business, international relations, economics, public administration, business administration, marketing, or a closely related field
Requires two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in international trade, foreign direct investment, international business development, or economic development
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in Ontario, Canada
Requires completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history form
Requires a valid passport and the ability to travel regionally and internationally, with overnight stays as appropriate
Requires the ability to work overtime, including outside of standard business hours for meetings with international team members and stakeholders
Requires fluency and excellent written and verbal communication skills in English language
Preferred
Prefers at least 2 years of professional work experience in international trade and investment promotion strategies, foreign market analysis, and export development
Prefers at least 2 years of professional work experience working with U.S. and Illinois economic sectors, with the ability to identify opportunities for trade, investment, and tourism promotion
Prefers at least 2 years of professional work experience administering or managing budget oversight and/or program evaluation
Prefers at least 1 year of professional work experience working in or with government agencies, trade promotion organizations, or international offices
Prefers at least 6 months of prior work experience or residency in Canada
Company
Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
The Illinois Department of Commerce is the State Agency that leads economic development efforts for Illinois.
201-500 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageLeadership Team
Philip Keshen
Chief Financial Officer
Brandy Evans
Chief Operating Officer
Recent News
Benzinga.com
2025-10-09
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