Director, NYS Office of Trade & Tourism

Director of Economic Development for Puerto Rico

The Director will be charged with directing and managing ESD's Regional Office in Puerto Rico. Director will be responsible for sourcing, originating and developing a robust pipeline of investment attraction and foreign direct investment opportunities. The role will also offer trade assistance services; provide country-specific intelligence; manage trade events; and prepare reports.

Work Performed:

• Direct operations of ESD Regional Office on a day-to-day basis.
• Identify distribution channels for New York State industries in Puerto Rico.
• Assist New York State exporters traveling to Puerto Rico in identifying distribution channels and facilitate their connections with local entities (e.g. offer language assistance, education on foreign business protocols, and assistance with local regulations.)
• Develop and employ strategies to sustain and expand New York's current markets in Puerto Rico, while identifying and prioritizing the best prospects in untapped Puerto Rican markets and industry sectors.
• Provide foreign market intelligence, including product market viability, market penetration strategy, market development strategy, product adaptation, modification and compliance.
• Build and maintain relationships with governmental and quasi-governmental entities, real estate and business groups, civic and community organizations, cultural and professional organizations, and advocacy groups.
• Provide on-site planning, budgeting and implementing of trade shows specific to Puerto Rico with overall project management by ESD.
• Attend trade shows and participate in trade and investment missions, providing service to NYS firms or NYS economic developers.
• Maintain database of superior industry-specific trade events.
• Prepare reports tracking key industry statistics and market trends in Puerto Rico (e.g. best industries, best products, trade shows, trade leads, associations, etc.)
• Represent ESD on issues relevant to the State economy and business climate
• Other duties to be discussed.

Minimum Requirements:

Education Level Required: Bachelor's degree in business administration, Finance, Marketing &/or Economics.

Relevant Experience Required: 10 years' experience in urban or regional development and/or in economic development policy formulation.

Knowledge Required: Fluency in Spanish, broad knowledge of business, economic development and public development programs and management.