Careers

Position: International Trade Center (ITC) Specialist, Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC
Reports To: Director, Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC
Status: Full-Time
Classification: Exempt
Location: Champaign, IL


About the Champaign County Economic Development Corporation:

Founded in 2001, the Champaign County Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC) is a public-private partnership dedicated to fostering a cooperative, county-wide approach to economic development. CCEDC works to improve the economic well-being of all Champaign County through efforts that entail job creation, job retention, tax base enhancements, small business development, and promotion of quality of life. CCEDC brings together community partners to support economic development by aligning interests through productive relationships, open dialogue, and advocacy efforts.

CCEDC invites applications for the position of International Trade Center (ITC) Specialist to support the International Trade Center – Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Champaign County EDC.

About the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC:

The CCEDC is the host organization to the SBDC, a program of the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO), which includes an International Trade Center (ITC). The SBDC provides information, confidential business guidance, training, programs, and other resources for startups, existing small businesses, and those who wish to start or sell a business. These services are provided to hundreds of individuals each year. As a direct report to the SBDC Director, the International Trade Center (ITC) Specialist is responsible for the day-to-day management and operations of the ITC, including advisory services to clients, required reporting to DCEO, and assisting with international trade and exporting. The ITC offers information, advising, and training to existing and new-to-export companies interested in pursuing international trade opportunities.

The International Trade Center (ITC) Specialist will represent the SBDC program at a local and regional level within the economic development and business communities and collaborate closely with stakeholders throughout Champaign County and central Illinois.

Required qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university/college and at least two years of experience in business administration and international trade/business; or a similar combination of training, experience, and education
  • Excellent written, verbal, communication, and presentation skills
  • Knowledge of and experience in international trade-related activities
  • Must be a self-starter who can work with little supervision
  • Must be able to respond quickly and accurately to changing project conditions in a fast-paced environment
  • Proven strong customer service skills and ability to work with diverse constituencies
  • Experience collaborating with multiple organizations
  • Commitment to maintaining confidentiality

Preferred qualifications:

  • Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP) certification
  • Foreign language skills

Job responsibilities – what you’ll do:

  • Plan, coordinate, and manage programs, services, and activities consistent with the goals and objectives of the ITC-SBDC
  • Provide direct business advising and training to clients, including, but not limited to evaluation of a company’s readiness to export; access to foreign market information; international shipping and logistics; automated trade leads; linkages with trade representatives; identifying potential export markets, foreign buyers and distributors; assistance with foreign market entry; tariff schedules; international business planning; export documentation; trade-lead matching from US embassies; financing export growth and foreign receivables insurance; and trade compliance support, including product classification and FTA rules of origin
  • Develop and present training (workshops and webinars) on a variety of ITC topics, including the basics of exporting, international market opportunities, and other relevant topics
  • Serve as an outreach partner of the Illinois Office of Trade and Investment (OTI), promoting OTI services, trade shows, and other programs
  • Perform outreach and maintain collaborative relationships with local institutions, relevant services providers, the local business community, and local business associations, as well as local, state, and federal agencies
  • Create and maintain client and activity records to ensure accuracy and required reporting information; includes management of Neoserra, the CMS system used by DCEO
  • Work in close coordination with the Illinois SBDC network, including leadership and other SBDCs throughout the state
  • Obtain the Certified Business Development Advisor credential within the first 60 days of employment
  • Maintain professional standards as a Small Business Advisor by participating in professional development activities
  • Champion the SBDC brand in cooperation with the Illinois SBDC network and ASBDC network
  • Travel as needed for meetings and engagement with clients and partners, and attend events and conferences (you must possess a valid Illinois driver’s license)
  • Work with the CCEDC Board of Directors and staff to ensure the SBDC is responsive to the target sectors and priority areas of the Champaign County economy
  • Perform other duties as required to support the overall goals of the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC

Skills we are looking for:

  • Creativity and resourcefulness in developing and implementing projects
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, highly independent environment and juggle multiple ongoing projects, responsibilities, and relationships
  • Strong attention to detail, with a commitment to quality and accuracy
  • Effective at removing barriers and establishing trust – can identify challenges and provide solutions
  • Strong time management skills and dedication to providing prompt responses and follow-up to clients
  • Passion and curiosity for business and entrepreneurship and a willingness to develop new programs and resources
  • Experience with Microsoft Office Suite, especially Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

Nice to have:

  • Local community and regional knowledge
  • Prior experience working for an SBDC program, a non-profit, or a grant/contract program
  • Prior direct business consulting, training, or teaching experience

 Things to know:

  • Although the position is primarily 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM, Monday – Friday, early morning or evening work may be required
  • Most duties are performed indoors in an office environment; some remote work is available
  • You’ll be an integral part of a small staff – this is an important position for CCEDC

This is not necessarily an all-inclusive list of job-related responsibilities, duties, skills, efforts, requirements, or working conditions, and this job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties that will be required in this position. Management reserves the right to revise the job or require other or different tasks to be performed or assigned.

The Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC is funded through a cooperative agreement between the U.S. Small Business Administration, Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO), and the Champaign County Economic Development Corporation; with additional support provided by EDC of Decatur and Macon County and the Midwest Inland Port. While the continuation of this position is foreseen for years to come, all SBDC positions are contingent on continued grant funding.

Compensation is commensurate with education, experience, and qualifications. CCEDC offers a competitive benefits package. For full consideration, please submit a letter of interest, resume, and at least three professional references to carly@champaigncountyedc.org. Please note ITC Specialist in the subject line.

Review of applications will begin immediately. The position will remain open until filled.

CCEDC strongly encourages candidates who are Black, indigenous, people of color, women, LGBTQIA+, and others who identify as being from an underrepresented group to apply. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any of the above characteristics or others protected by law.