Director, North & South Americas

About the Role

The Director, North & South Americas, plays a crucial role in driving foreign direct investment to the Houston region, fostering international business relationships, and supporting GHP member companies in their global endeavors. This position is integral to the Partnership's mission of making Houston one of the best places to live, work, and build a business.

Responsibilities

• Develops international business and trade development strategies, events, and activities for member companies.
• Creates strategic programs, events, and activities to attract foreign direct investment into the Houston region.
• Designs strategic programs, events, and activities to assist Houston-based companies in exporting their goods or services.
• Establishes and maintains strategic relationships with high-level international government and business development allies.
• Coordinates and facilitates all GHP in-bound and out-bound international missions to the Americas.
• Assists with department budgets, annual work programs, project tracking, and formulation of business strategies.
• Contributes to policy position development, identifying issues, formulating positions, and executing advocacy plans to enhance Houston's international competitiveness and business perception.
• Attends, participates, and supports Business Councils, Committees, and Sub-Committees managed by the International Investment and Trade Department.
• Represents GHP at special functions, delivers speeches, and joins trade missions as assigned.
• Maintains contacts with elected and appointed officials, international organizations, and businesses in Houston and abroad.
• Coordinates routine activities with other GHP departments and divisions as needed.

Requirements

• Excellent writing, grammar, and public speaking skills.
• Intermediate proficiency in Windows, Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Experience in maintaining good public relations with international organizations.
• Experience working with professionals at all levels, both internally and externally.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and work well under pressure and deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Flexibility to prioritize and manage multiple assignments simultaneously.
• Team player with a willingness to share tasks.
• Bilingual or multilingual skills preferred, especially in languages pertinent to the region (Mexico, French Canada, Brazil).
• International travel experience preferred, with regional cultural awareness considered a plus.
• Willingness to travel 20-25% of the time and work occasional overtime as necessary.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in international business or a related field required; MBA is a plus.
• 5 years of direct private sector experience in sales or international business development.

Physical Requirements

• Good vision and hearing acuity (with adaptive aids if necessary).
• Manual dexterity and skillful use of a computer keyboard.
• Physical exertion includes bending, pushing, standing, and walking.
• Ability to move or lift approximately 25 pounds occasionally.

Mental and Aptitude Requirements

• Ability to hear, see, and talk.
• Analytical, conceptual, problem-solving, planning, and decision-making skills.

Safety Requirements

Adhere to the office safety policies and procedures.