International Trade Missions Program Manager

Job Type: Location Type: On-site

 

Salary : $69,744.00 – $93,804.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County – Olympia, WA
Job Type: Full Time – Permanent
Job Number: 25 CP PS5 2018
Department: Office of the Secretary of State
Division: Corporations
Opening Date: 10/30/2025
Closing Date: 11/6/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step

Description
The Office of the Secretary of State (OSOS) offers some of the most unique and diverse job opportunities in state government. Its critical responsibilities include: ensuring a fair and accurate elections process; connecting Washingtonians through the power of libraries; protecting our important government records; and registering corporations and charities. The Secretary of State also administers vital community programs that inspire giving, document our history, and assist crime survivors in avoiding further abuse. This independent office under the state Constitution operates from facilities in the Olympia area and statewide.

The OSOS is looking for top-performing employees who embody its core values of integrity, service excellence, visionary leadership, collaboration, and teamwork. It is committed to both employee growth and work-life balance. The benefits of working in state government also include potential eligibility for the federal program.

The Division is instrumental in Washington’s business and nonprofit community. This division registers all corporations, charities, and nonprofits in Washington State, and it provides essential information about businesses and charities to promote public trust and confidence. Information available in public records about registered corporations and charities can now be searched online.

Additionally, the Corporations and Charities Division registers trademarks for use in Washington, administers the Apostilles Program to authenticate certified and notarized documents for international use, and administers the Domestic Partnership Program.
International Trade Missions Program Manager, Program Specialist 5 Full-time, Permanent

This position is responsible for the management, coordination, and quality assurance of the Washington Secretary of State’s International Trade program. It plays a critical role in managing the operational logistics of international engagements, including scheduling and organizing meetings with foreign government officials, trade partners, and industry executives. This position ensures that all aspects of the initiative align with the strategic vision of the Office of the Secretary of State (OSOS), promoting Washington State’s economic interests on the global stage. This position will focus on both internal and external-facing aspects to determine strategic priorities in engaging foreign countries. The International Trade Missions Program Manager will develop and maintain division standards and guidance to ensure alignment and coordination of created programs. This position develops support services for international trade missions in relation to business registration services; both for conducting trade for foreign business entities importing and for Washington State based business entities exporting.
This expert-level role reports to the Public and Government Affairs Administrator and serves as the subject matter expert on international trade mission activities. The incumbent will collaborate closely with internal divisions, including the Executive Secretary of State leadership, the Corporations and Charities Division, and external partners such as state agencies, business organizations, consulates, and international stakeholders. A key focus of the role is to ensure trade mission activities are inclusive, strategically targeted, and effectively communicated. This position will use data derived from the ongoing analysis to design, direct, develop, and track overall progress for the international trade mission within the program.
Duties
Direct and operate the International Trade Mission Program, including its strategic direction, compliance with state and foreign policies, and integration with business registration related to Washington State and several other miscellaneous federal and international requirements.

Tasks include:

• Manages, designs, directs, and implements education concerning compliance with state and foreign policies and procedures pertaining to the operations of international relations in connection to the export and import trade mission programs.
• Manages the short and long-term strategies in a two-year to four-year increments of the program.
• Collaborates with the Community Engagement officer to conduct themed engagements and events state-wide and internationally.
• Coordinates with the Data Analytics and Quality Assurance Manager to develop and implement daily data collection strategies to identify monthly and annual trends, gaps, and areas of focus as it pertains to the international trade mission’s export and import programs.
• Collaborates with the Consumer Protection Education and Mobile Services team to design, implement, and maintain an education and engagement program that provides educational content for international export and import trade missions for small businesses, and nonprofits as it relates to compliance with Division business process and policies and external stakeholders.
• Collaborates with the Data Analytics and Quality Assurance Manager to design, develop, and refine advanced SQL-based analyses that draw from multiple data sources to support staff, customers, and stakeholders. Resulting data is used to ensure accuracy, integrity, and accessibility for decision-making, program evaluation, continuous process improvement, and to inform the Secretary of State’s export/import mission and related initiatives.
• Incorporates the Division, Office, and state strategic objectives, ensuring that systems and services maintain alignment.
• Researches, develops, and implements productivity and tracking software for analysis of the International Trade Mission staff metrics and to inform of process improvement needs.
• Researches, develops, and implements logistical travel tracking for appropriate use for the International Trade Mission program travel expenses. Projects and plans future budget needs for the program.
• Reviews daily-weekly-monthly collection, tracking, and reporting of research data as it pertains to the International Trade Mission staff, and the state-wide and international export and import trade mission services conducted.
• Collaborates with Division leadership and management to maintain knowledge of business processes and procedures pertaining to the 1961 Hague Convention (international), RCW Chapters 42.45, 19.77, 26.60, 19.166, 11.110, 19.09, 19.77.090, 23.95, 46.64.040, RCW Title 24, Washington Civil Rule 55(F)(2)(C), WAC 434-12, WAC 434-112, WAC 434-120, WAC 434-166, and other applicable state, federal, and international regulations.
• Collaborates with external government agencies, small business representatives, nonprofit leaders, and community representatives to understand their needs and gather feedback. Utilizes this input to continuously refine and enhance resource materials, educational content, and engagement strategies.
• Provides expert guidance on international trade regulations, systems, and business registration and compliance processes to internal teams, global partners, government agencies, and regulatory institutions to ensure compliance and operational efficiency.

Supervise the International Trade Program work unit and provide on-site support of program staff.

Tasks include:

• Manages the day to day operations of the business export and import programs and works in collaboration with the Executive Office to provide trade missions out of country and reverse trade missions primarily in-state.
• Directs, designs, organizes, and implements the day-to-day work and assignments of the International Trade Mission staff.
• Provides qualitive responses to direct reports and Division system users regarding technical operations and requirements, program procedures, complex internal/external stakeholder and customer inquiries, and complex filing issues pertaining to the International Trade Mission, purposes, and processes.
• Plans, leads, organizes, and/or directs training plans for the International Trade Mission staff, in consultation and collaboration with the Public and Government Affairs Administrator.
• Provides training and tools to help program staff understand the Corporations and Charities Filing System, and ancillary support and filing systems so they can effectively support the International Trade Mission purposes and can review, file, and provide guidance for complex registration requirements.
• Mentors and coaches staff within the International Trade Mission staff for professional growth and identify, develop, and recommend relevant training.
• Provides training and consultation to International Trade Mission staff to ensure adherence to established operational policies and procedures. Ensures that staff are meeting the needs of internal and external stakeholders.
• Develops and implements performance expectations and conducts Performance and Development Plan (PDP) evaluations of subordinate staff annually.
• Prepares preliminary biennial budget requests for inclusion in the Division budget. The current biennium allotment for PI XXXX is $1,200,000.
• Monitors the International Trade Mission operations’ actual expenses to budgeted allotments.
• Supports a diverse workforce.

Oversees the operations of the International Trade Mission’s program and development of external partnerships.

Tasks include:

• Develops and maintain collaborative relations with the Consular Association of Washington, the Department of Commerce, and the Office of International Relations, and additional state agencies identified in business registration requirements.
• Develops and maintains collaborative relations with local chamber organizations, industry trade associations, and Washington businesses identified for export and import trade missions.
• Develops and maintain collaborative relations with foreign government officials and industry executives who match Washington’s specific cultural and business objectives, including the Europe Business Registry Association “EBRA”.
• Ensures the International Trade Mission staff meet the Division standards for legal compliance, timeliness, and accuracy of work conducted. These include metrics reported to the Office of Financial Management.
• Develops strategies and plans for implementation of Division and Office initiatives, policies, procedures, and tasks, in consultation and collaboration with Division leadership, Executive Office and management.
• Coordinates in collaboration with Executive office meetings and events for international delegations that visit the Washington State Capitol.
• Collaborates with others in leadership to provide accurate analysis of trends that impact the International Trade Mission state-wide and international service delivery

Miscellaneous

Tasks include:

• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Five years of experience providing support to staff or a program including, but not limited to, interpreting policy and instructing others on application of policies, representing a program or office to clients, interacting with members of the public, composing correspondence, scheduling appointments and meetings, or coordinating events.
• Ability to efficiently use a personal computer and applicable software to successfully perform the essential functions of the position.
• One-year supervisory experience performing: interviewing, hiring, training, assigning, and/or directing work and evaluating staff.
• Proficient in English and one of the following: Japanese, German, Polish, or Chinese.

PREFERRED/DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• A bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration or related field.
• Knowledge of the laws and rules pertaining to business entities, nonprofits, and charities in Washington state.
• Demonstrated success representing an organization in international settings, including diplomatic or trade mission context.
• Demonstrated cross-cultural communicationskills, with the ability to navigate cultural nuances in diplomacy and business environments.

PLEASE READ: If you have gotten this far and are thinking you do not qualify, consider again. Studies have shown that members of historically marginalized and underrepresented communities, specifically women and people of color, are less likely to apply to jobs unless they clearly meet every single qualification.

At the Office of the Secretary of State, we are dedicated to building a diverse and authentic work force with a foundation of belonging. If you are excited about this role and have relevant experience and skills, but question whether your experience aligns perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply regardless. You may just be the ideal candidate this office needs.
Supplemental Information

WORKING CONDITIONS
The incumbent will work primarily in an office environment with standard office equipment. This position requires sitting at a computer for long periods of time. The standard work hours are Monday-Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM but the employee must be available to work a designated shift within the office core hours of 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Must be available for flexible work hours outside of the division’s core work hours to address scheduling for internationally themed engagements and events to include weekends and overnight stays. In state and out of country travel. Trade missions (out-of-country ) and reverse trade missions (primarily in-state) will be required up to 50% of the work schedule including weekends and overnight stays. The incumbent in this position works with both internal and external customers by phone, email, chat, and in person. Ability to provide high quality customer service with attention to detail with a focus on quality and productivity. Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and communication styles, demonstrating cultural awareness and sensitivity in all interactions. Ability to communicate information, both oral and written, without personalizing the interactions. The incumbent must represent the Office of the Secretary of State in a competent, confident, and professional manner including professional dress.

How to Apply:

• To be considered for this position you must attach the following:
  • Letter of interest describing how your experience and qualifications relate to the duties and qualifications of the position.
  • Current Resume
  • Three Professional references. Personal references will not be considered.
• You must complete the supplemental questions at the end of this application. Incomplete responses such as “see resume” will not be considered.
• All veterans must include a copy of your DD214 to receive preference in the hiring process. You must redact your social security number before attaching it to your application.

The Office of the Secretary of State is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We do not discriminate on the basis of religion, age, gender, marital status, color, creed, national origin, political affiliation, military status, gender identity, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any sensory, mental or physical ability. All interested candidates are encouraged to apply. Persons of disability needing assistance in the application process, or those needing the announcement in alternative format, should call (360) 819-0934.
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That’s why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems’ web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 07-21-2025
01

Where did you hear about this job opening?
02

Do you have a family member or relative currently employed at the Office of the Secretary of State? *Relative includes: parent, child, spouse, domestic partner, brother, sister, grandparent, aunt, uncle, cousin, niece, any ‘step’ relations within the preceding categories, any in-law relations within the preceding categories and any others living in the employee’s household*

• Yes
• No

03

If you answered yes in the previous question, what is the name of your family member/relative?
04

PLEASE READ THE BELOW AND TYPE YOUR INITIALS IN RESPONSE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND THESE STATEMENTS. • The Office of the Secretary of State has a Nepotism Policy that does not allow employment of relatives or family members in the same chain of command. I acknowledge this policy and I do not have familial connections or household members employed at the Office of the Secretary of State. I understand that if I am hired and it is discovered that I have a relative or household member working in the same division, my employment will be terminated immediately.
05

How many years of experience providing support to a staff or a program including, but not limited to, interpreting policy and instructing others on application of policies, representing a program or office to clients, interacting with members of the public, composing correspondence, scheduling appointments and meetings, or coordinating events?

• I have 5+ years of experience
• I have 4 but less than 5 years of experience
• I have 3-4 years of experience
• I have less than 3 year of experience
• I do not have this experience

06

In reference to the above question, please describe your experience, to include where and when you gained the experience, and the tasks completed. If you do not have this experience, please write “N/A” in the box below.
07

How many years of supervisory experience performing the following tasks: interviewing, hiring, training, assigning, and directing work and evaluating staff or volunteers?

• I have 1+ years of experience
• I have less than 1 year of experience
• I do not have this experience

08

In reference to the above question, please describe your experience, to include where and when you gained the experience, and the tasks completed. If you do not have this experience, please write “N/A” in the box below.
09

Briefly describe your experience in international settings, including diplomatic or trade mission context.If you do not have this experience, please enter “N/A”
10

In addition to English, please select another language you are proficient in.

• Japanese
• German
• Polish
• Chinese
• I am only proficient in English

11

Can you efficiently use a personal computer and applicable software to successfully perform the essential job functions of the position?

• Yes
• No

12

The Office of the Secretary of State is a values-based organization. What are some of your professional core values and why (list 3)?
13

Briefly describe your experience applying knowledge of laws and rules pertaining to business entities, nonprofits, and charities in Washington State.If you do not have this experience, please enter “N/A”
14

This position has a requirement to be physically in the office. Are you able to do this? Please answer YES or NO.

• Yes
• No

Required Question