International Trade Program Specialist

About the Department

The Department of Commerce aims to make sure Montana is the best place to work, live and play. We work alongside private industry and local organizations to create jobs, grow businesses, develop affordable housing, and improve community infrastructure.

We uphold excellence, integrity, engagement, and innovation by delivering respectful, creative, and accountable service through collaborative, resilient teams. Rooted in a deep love for Montana, we proudly embody its authenticity, independence, and industry as we serve and partner with Montanans.

(You can learn more about us here.) 

About this Position

The International Trade Specialist in the Export Montana program at the Montana Department of Commerce is part of a three-person team helping Montana businesses to sell their products and services outside the USA.  This position provides administrative support for team objectives, including recruiting and counseling export clients, maintaining useful partnerships, marketing the program, conducting research on international trade topics, and administering state and federal grant programs. 

The primary duty of this position is to administer two grant programs, which will include communicating with applicants, managing the grant budget and applications in Excel, and processing online quarterly reporting. 

Additional key duties will include maintaining client databases, setting up meetings with clients and partners, researching and distilling international trade statistics, and managing online information (including websites, grant applications, social media, and press releases).  Other duties may entail some in- and out-of-state travel, with the possibility for some international travel.

Anyone who needs to request a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the HR staff identified on the job listing or by dialing the Montana Relay at 711. Montana Job Service Offices also offer services including assistance with submitting an online application.

State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.

What are we looking for?

To thrive in this role from day one, you should demonstrate the following qualifying skills:

• Demonstrated ability to handle unclear situations by breaking down problems, researching and understanding important information (including federal rules and trade data), and providing clear, well-supported solutions.

• Proven ability to work independently, knowing when to make decisions and when to seek guidance, and proactively build a strong network of contacts and resources to address unfamiliar or complex issues.

• Skilled in Microsoft Office, especially Excel for budgets and spreadsheets; experienced in maintaining accurate databases and processing data for quarterly reports, and consistently attentive to detail, including catching spelling, grammar, and math errors.

• Takes pride in high-quality administrative support, helps draft press releases, success stories, LinkedIn posts, and website content, and collaborates effectively with a team to meet shared goals.

• Strong customer service mindset by going above and beyond for businesses, is comfortable calling clients to help answer questions, and is excited about Montana’s relationship-driven business culture.

• Additionally, this position requires a valid passport or the ability to attain one.

If you have a combination of the skills outlined above and a desire to serve Montanans, we encourage you to apply.

How to apply:

Apply online by submitting your resume and cover letter. Please note\: You do not need to complete the “work experience” or the “education and certifications” portion of the application process in our recruiting system. You only need to upload the requested documentation.

Benefits:

• Look here to see the additional benefits!  They include:

  • Work/life balance,

  • Health coverage,

  • Retirement plans,

  • Paid vacation and sick leave and holidays, And more…

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness – Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under the PSLF. Look here to learn more and see if you may qualify.

Other important information to be aware of:

• Only online applications are accepted.  By applying online, you can receive updates and monitor the status of your application.

• This position allows for a hybrid work schedule from a remote location within the state of Montana. Weekly travel to Helena offices will be required. Specific conditions will be outlined as part of the job offer and must adhere to state policy. New employees may be required to complete training in person before hybrid work schedules begin.

This agency participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. After accepting a job offer and completing Form I-9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration for verification. For more information about E-Verify, please visit the E-Verify website found here, Link to E-Verify Website.