Director-International Business Development

Important Recruitment Information for this vacancy

The Department of Commerce participates in the E-Verify program.

Agency Information:

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

Learn more at kansascommerce.gov

About the Position

Position Description

Who can apply: Open to all

Classified/Unclassified Service: Unclassified

Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

Eligible to Receive Benefits: Yes

Veterans' Preference Eligible: Yes

Location: Topeka, KS

Job Posting closes: August 10, 2026

Compensation: $115,000.00 to $118,484.36 annually

• Salary can vary depending upon education, experience, or qualifications.

Employment Benefits

Comprehensive medical, mental, dental, vision, and additional coverage

Sick & Vacation leave

Work-Life Balance programs: parental leave, military leave, jury leave, funeral leave

Paid State Holidays (designated by the Governor annually)

Fitness Centers in select locations

Employee discounts with the STAR Program

Retirement and deferred compensation programs

Visit the Employee Benefits page for more information…

Position Summary & Responsibilities

Position Summary:

The Director of International Business Development serves as the executive leader for the State of Kansas' international business development strategy, advancing foreign direct investment, export growth, and global economic competitiveness. Provides leadership and oversight of the International Division, develops strategic partnerships with global stakeholders, and advises executive leadership on international economic development initiatives. Represents the State in high-level international engagements, trade missions, and global industry events to attract investment, expand trade opportunities, and drive economic growth and job creation for Kansas.

Job Responsibilities may include but are not limited to the following:

• Serves as the executive leader responsible for developing, implementing, and managing the State of Kansas’ global business development strategy focused on foreign direct investment attraction, international trade expansion, export growth, and global economic competitiveness.
• Develops and maintains high-level relationships with foreign governments, multinational corporations, site selection consultants, economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, trade associations, and international partners to advance Kansas’ position in the global economy.
• Represents the State of Kansas with international delegations, foreign dignitaries, business executives, and strategic partners. Leads efforts to identify, cultivate, and convert international business opportunities into economic growth, capital investment, and job creation for Kansas.
• Directs the planning, strategy, and execution of international business development initiatives, including Governor and Lt. Governor-led and executive-level trade missions, foreign investment recruitment missions, global industry events, and targeted market engagement strategies.
• Oversees Kansas’ presence at internationally significant events including the Farnborough International Airshow, Paris Air Show, SelectUSA Investment Summit, and other priority industry platforms aligned with Kansas’ targeted sectors. Leads recruitment and engagement of Kansas companies participating in international trade opportunities and develops
• Serves as a senior advisor to the Secretary, Deputy Secretary, Governor’s Office, and Administration on matters related to international economic development, foreign direct investment, trade policy, global market trends, and geopolitical issues impacting Kansas businesses.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Six years of experience in business and international trade.
• Supervisory experience and ability to lead a diverse team that is dispersed globally.
• High level organizational and management skills of human and financial resources to constantly improve Division’s performance.
• Strong communications and collaboration skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Extensive experience in international business development, economic development, foreign direct investment, international trade, business recruitment, government relations, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing strategic initiatives involving global markets, multinational companies, foreign governments, industry partners, and economic development organizations.
• Experience leading foreign direct investment attraction, business expansion, export development, or international economic development activities resulting in measurable outcomes.
• Experience representing an organization in high-level engagements with executives, elected officials, government representatives, international delegations, and key external stakeholders.
• Experience planning, leading, and executing international business development activities, including trade missions, investment recruitment missions, delegation visits, and global industry events.
• Knowledge of global economic trends, supply chains, international markets, trade policy, and factors influencing business location and investment decisions.

Post-Offer, Pre-employment Requirements:

Kansas Tax Clearance Certificate required in accordance with Executive Order 2004-03. Each applicant (even non-residents) who is selected for a State of Kansas job vacancy must apply for a Tax Clearance Certificate within 10 days from the date of the offer letter by accessing the Kansas Department of Revenue's (KDOR) website at www.kdor.ks.gov/apps/taxclearance/Default.aspx .

If you need assistance with the tax clearance, please contact KDOR at (785) 296-3199 or by email at kdor_specialprojects@ks.gov

Recruiter Contact Information

Name: Angie Krahe

Email: angie.krahe@ks.gov

Mailing Address: 915 SW Harrison Street, Topeka, KS 66612

Job Application Process

First Sign in or register as a New User.

Complete or update your contact information on the Careers> My Contact Information page. *This information is included on all your job applications.

Upload required documents listed below for the Careers> My Job Applications page. *This information is included on all your job applications.

Start your draft job application, upload other required documents, and Submit when it is complete.

Manage your draft and submitted applications on the Careers> My Job Applications page.

Check your email and My Job Notifications for written communications from the Recruiter.

Email – sent to the Preferred email on the My Contact Information page

Notifications – view the Careers> My Job Notifications page

Helpful Resources at jobs.ks.gov: “How to Apply for a Job – Instructions” and “How to Search for a Job – Instructions"

Required Documents for this Application to be Complete.

Upload these on the Careers - My Job Applications page

DD214 (if you are claiming Veteran’s Preference)

Upload these on the Attachments step in your Job Application

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Portfolio/work samples

Helpful Resources at jobs.ks.gov: “How, What, & Where do I Upload Documents”

How to Claim Veterans Preference

Veterans' Preference Eligible (VPE): Former military personnel or their spouse that have been verified as a "veteran"; under K.S.A. 73-201 will receive an interview if they meet the minimum competency factors of the position. The veterans' preference laws do not guarantee the veteran a job. Positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determine by the hiring manager.

Learn more about claiming Veteran’s Preference

How to Claim Disability Hiring Preference

Applicants that have physical, cognitive and/or mental disabilities may claim an employment preference when applying for positions. If they are qualified to meet the performance standards of the position, with or without a reasonable accommodation, they will receive an interview for the position. The preference does not guarantee an applicant the job, as positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determined by the hiring manager.

Learn more about claiming Disability Hiring Preference

PLEASE NOTE: The documentation verifying a person's eligibility for use of this preference should not be sent along with other application materials to the hiring agency but should be sent directly to OPS. These documents should be sent either by fax to (785)296-7712, scanned and emailed to Gustavo.Victoriano@ks.gov, or can be mailed/delivered in person to:

ATTN: Disability Hiring Preference Coordinator
Office of Personnel Services
Landon State Office Building
900 SW Jackson, Rm 401
Topeka, KS 66612

Equal Employment Opportunity

The State of Kansas is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential elements that create and foster a welcoming workplace. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job.

If you wish to identify yourself as a qualified person with a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act and would like to request an accommodation, please address the request to the agency recruiter.