Managing Director, State of Illinois Canadian Office; Toronto

Overview

Job Opportunity
:
Managing Director, State of Illinois Canadian Office (Toronto)

Location
:
Toronto, Canada

Position Type
:
Personal Services Contract

Sector: International Trade and Investment

About the Role:

The State of Illinois is seeking a dynamic and self-motivated leader to serve as Managing Director of its Canadian Office in Toronto. This high-impact, strategic role is essential to expanding Illinois’ global economic presence by promoting exports and attracting foreign direct investment from Canada.

As Managing Director, you will operate with a high degree of independence and sound judgment as Illinois’ primary representative to Canadian businesses, trade organizations, and government entities. You will partner closely with Illinois companies to support international growth while guiding Canadian firms interested in establishing or expanding operations in the state. Leveraging strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, you will cultivate meaningful partnerships with government officials, business leaders, and institutional stakeholders to advance Illinois’ economic priorities.

If you are a strategic, relationship-driven professional with a passion for economic development and international trade - and are willing to travel regionally and to Illinois to build and sustain key partnerships - we encourage you to apply and help shape Illinois’ economic engagement with Canada.

• 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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.