Trade Relations Manager jobs in Madison, WI

Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation

Position Description

Position Title:                Global Trade & Investment Grants and Fund Manager

Department:                  Global Trade & Investment

Reports to:                     Senior Director Global Trade & Investment

Position(s) Supervised:  N/A

FLSA Status:                 Exempt

Position Summary

The Global Trade & Investment Grants and Fund Manager is responsible for administration of both the Global Business Development Program (GBDP) and SBA State Trade Expansion Grant (STEP) Program. This includes program management at all stages in the grant process as well as outreach and advising for grant applicants and recipients. The Global Trade & Investment Grants and Fund Manager anticipates and supports the needs of internal and external customers, effectively managing multiple complex programs while prioritizing service and process improvement.

_________________________________________________

Responsibilities

The Global Trade & Investment Grants and Fund Manager will spend most of their time on the following activities:

• Administration of the Global Business Development Program grants:
  • Conduct proactive outreach to engage potential applicants, including participating in trade shows and events.
  • Develop and monitor yearly budget goals for grant utilization.
  • Consult with applicants and assist them in designing their grant projects and completing viable applications.
  • Effectively utilize multiple databases to track grant progress and deliverables.
  • Draft, review and approve contract language.
  • Track and report on measurable grant outcomes and deliverables.
  • Conduct financial analysis of grant reimbursement documents to ensure completion and statutory compliance.
  • Manage processing and approval of performance reports.
  • Create and manage contract amendments as necessary.
• Management of WEDC’s Federal SBA State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) grant:
  • Responsible for the overall administration of Wisconsin’s STEP grant(s).
  • Writing the annual STEP proposal to the Small Business Administration (SBA) that includes identifying programs to support, gathering information from grant partners, creating budgets and narratives, and briefing internal and external stakeholders on the annual proposal.
  • Coordinate with key external partners and sub-awardees to effectively track projects, ensure fund utilization and obtain key data to be included in required STEP reporting.
  • Adjusting the grant proposal based upon SBA feedback.
  • Completing the federal performance reporting through a cross-divisional team. This process includes gathering the submission information, validating the information, compiling the reports and submitting the reports.
  • Edit and amend the grant as projects change.
  • Tracking the federal budget according to the budget agreed with SBA.
• Create annual report on grant projects and outcomes and develop strategies for continuous improvement of programs.
• Market Global Trade & Investment grant programs internally and externally to grow and improve the programs.
• Work collaboratively with other WEDC divisions and external partners to advertise WEDC’s export support programs.
• Manage grant databases and track year-over-year data to ensure programmatic goals are met.
• Work with Wisconsin businesses to help them access the best resources to support their export efforts.
• Work collaboratively with other WEDC divisions to provide cross-divisional program training and develop best practices in providing financial aid to Wisconsin businesses.

_________________________________________________

Qualifications:

Education and Experience: 

• Combination of education/experience similar to a bachelor’s degree in Economics, , Business Administration, International Studies, Political Science, Urban Development, Financial Services, and/or Grants Management.
• Minimum of 3 years of project management experience.
• International and/or cultural study, experience, or travel preferred.

Skills and Talents: 

• Ability to organize work, balance multiple priorities, and manage a variety of projects in a fast-paced, flexible work environment with strong attention to detail.
• Strong problem-solving skills, sound reasoning, independent judgment and initiative to accomplish tasks with little or no direction and to solve issues/accomplish tasks not requiring the involvement of others.
• Advanced computer skills with Microsoft Office Suite of products including database management (CRM), Excel, and other software or applications associated with assigned work.
• Public speaking ability and comfort presenting to groups of all sizes.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with experience working with diverse groups of people at all levels, both internal and external to the organization.
• Preferred fluency in verbal and written language skills in Mandarin and/or Spanish.
• Requires a high level of confidentiality, discretion, and professionalism.
• Basic understanding of business accounting preferred.

_________________________________________________

Other Requirements

• Based on the responsibilities of this position, this position may need to lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

_________________________________________________