Manager of Global Strategies and Trade
Position Overview
Assists the senior director of global strategies in supervising the Council’s international offices through backstopping and supporting offices with their market development programs. In addition, the manager of global strategies and trade provides trade servicing expertise to the Council, strengthens the Council’s relationships with U.S. and global traders and Council customers and end users worldwide.
Responsibilities
1. Assist the senior director in all market development programs, including strategic analysis, program planning and development, implementation and evaluation, actual cost and end-result contracting, budgeting and accounting, administration and communications. 2. Research program and policy information and oversee implementation and management of special projects undertaken in the regions of responsibility, in compliance with program regulations and policies. 3. Recruit U.S. and non-U.S. consultants for foreign assignments and complete all necessary arrangements to ensure that the objectives of consultant travel are met. 4. Manage all aspects of preparation for foreign delegations traveling to and within the United States, including travel logistics, meeting itineraries, and preparation of briefing materials. 5. Coordinate all consultant and team preparation with appropriate Council/Washington staff and maintain records of all market development programs and projects. 6. Ensure all meeting arrangements, logistics and briefing materials are prepared for all international teams and reverse trade missions. Ensure briefing materials are sent to participants two weeks prior to travel and comply with organizational standards. 7. Develop and maintain contacts with U.S. and international trade to keep abreast of trade developments around the world. 8. Provide regular briefings and reports for Council staff and members regarding supply/demand situation, outlook for coarse grains and products and trade-related issues, including background and recommended Council actions. 9. Serve as staff liaison to the assigned commodity groups within Council membership;maintain frequent contact with key sector representatives and leaders to understand developments and trade-related issues in those sectors. 10. Advise and support Council foreign office directors in designing and implementing programs relating to marketing assigned coarse grains and products and other market education initiatives. 11. Serve as the Council’s point of contact for trade inquiries from U.S. companies and Council offices relating to assigned coarse grains and products. Grant Program Management, as assigned, to include: 1. Manage development of the project proposal and negotiations with the grantor. 2. Coordinate input from Council staff in the impacted region and coordinate project implementation by designated Council staff and consultants. 3. Ensure that a detailed plan of work and a calendar are developed and carried out accordingly. 4. Maintain records and track progress of project implementation. 5. Ensure that projects unfold in harmony with grantor regulations. 6. Serve as the primary liaison to the grantor, ensuring effective communication between USGBC and the grantor. 7. Develop and manage program budgets and expenditures in compliance with USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service Regulations and ensure that appropriate reports are submitted to the grantor on time. 8. As necessary, travel for program development and management. 9. Manage local consultants and project activities to ensure timely execution and maintain focus on the strategic intent of the project. 10. Other duties may be assigned to meet business needs.
Qualifications
Education/Experience Required: 1. Bachelor’s degree or higher in economics, agricultural economics, international relations, marketing or a similar field required. 2. Minimum three years of experience in agriculture, the grain industry, agribusiness or program management. Prior international experience is a plus. 3. Prior public speaking experience required. 4. Prior international work experience desired. Skills, Knowledge and Abilities: 1. Understanding of and experience with U.S. agribusiness or U.S. agriculture required. 2. Ability to travel extensively for domestic and international activities required. 3. Proficiency in MS Office Suite, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint is required. 4. Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, are required. 5. Ability to work independently. 6. Ability to always represent the organization in a professional manner. 7. Must be able to travel internationally.
Preferred Level of Education
Bachelors or Masters
Benefits Offered
Health, dental, vision coverage, 401k and pension, paid time off, federal holidays,
Compensation/Salary
Salary range starts at $80k
How to Apply
If you are interested in the position, please submit a letter of interest and a resume by COB on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 to employment@grains.org. Your letter of interest should reflect your understanding of our operations, your vision for the future and how your leadership can drive our success.
Application deadline: October 15, 2025
About U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council
The U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council develops export markets for U.S. barley, corn, sorghum and related products including distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and ethanol. With full-time presence in 28 locations, the Council operates programs in more than 50 countries and the European Union. The Council believes exports are vital to global economic development and to U.S. agriculture’s profitability.
Learn more about U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council
Equal Employment Opportunity
The U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It does not discriminate in the terms and conditions of employment based on race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other factor prohibited by law. As a participant in USDA programs, we share the commitment to comply with all federal, state and local civil rights laws and those of the USDA. More about this commitment is found here, https://www.usda.gov/non-discrimination-statement