Director of Commercial and Economic Affairs

The Consulate General of Israel to the Midwest: Director of Commercial and Economic Affairs

The Consulate General of Israel to the Midwest is the official representative of Israel in the Midwest, with jurisdiction over: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. In the U.S., the State of Israel is represented by eight Consulates and the Embassy in Washington, D.C.

The mission of the Chicago-based Consulate is to enhance the ties between Israel and states in the Midwest. This work to advance and deepen diplomatic relations engages diverse communities across various sectors of society – from politics and economics to academia, culture, civil society, and media –to create meaningful and lasting partnerships with Israel.

The Role

We are seeking a candidate for the full-time Director of Commercial and Economic Affairs position. This individual will play a critical role in building upon existing partnerships between Israel and Midwest business communities and fomenting new ones.

You will work alongside the Public Affairs Director to execute and support the success of events and projects, which will regularly involve the following central tasks: coordinating with Chambers of Commerce and Economic Development Offices across the Midwest, organizing trade delegations, planning pitch competitions, and happy hours for professionals in the Tech world.

This position is on-site in downtown Chicago, Monday-Friday, with no remote work opportunity.

Responsibilities

- Assist with initiatives such as incoming and outgoing trade missions, ministerial visits, seminars, panel discussions, receptions, and other events to promote the Regional strengths in the Tech & Start-up Community.

- Support the Consul General’s trade, diplomacy, and portfolio management goals through programs such as Shark Tank and Pitch Conditions and happy hours for young professionals in the tech world.

- Develop and maintain relationships with relevant economic development contacts across the Midwest.

- Plan and coordinate projects and events to serve as exposure opportunities and introductions between Israel and Midwest businesses on a people-to-people level.

Qualifications:

- Bachelor’s degree

- Community engagement skills

- Highly skilled in written and oral communication

- Works well as part of team but ability to self-start and work independently

- Proficient multi-tasker in a fast-paced work environment

- Familiarity with Midwest’s Economic Development ecosystem

- Familiarity with Israel is an advantage

- Must hold American citizenship and may not hold Israeli citizenship

Benefits

- Entry Level Salary

- Supplemented Health Insurance

- Generous paid time off (U.S. federal, Israeli, and Jewish holidays)

- Early leave on Fridays