Executive Director

Executive Director
World Trade Center Delaware (WTC Delaware), New Castle, Delaware

About World Trade Center Delaware:
World Trade Center Delaware (WTC Delaware) is a dynamic and influential organization dedicated to fostering international trade and investment within the state of Delaware. As a member of the prestigious World Trade Centers Association (WTCA), WTC Delaware connects local businesses with global opportunities, provides valuable resources and services, and promotes Delaware as a premier destination for international commerce. We are committed to driving economic growth, creating jobs, and enhancing Delaware's global competitiveness.

Position Summary:
World Trade Center Delaware is seeking a visionary and results-oriented Executive Director to
lead the organization and drive its mission forward. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the
Executive Director will be responsible for the overall strategic direction, operational
management, financial sustainability, and external relations of WTC Delaware. Working closely
with the Delaware General Assembly, state agencies, and other partners, this is an exciting
opportunity for a dynamic leader to shape the future of international trade in Delaware and make
a significant impact on the state's economic landscape.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Vision
• Develop and implement a comprehensive strategic plan that aligns with WTC Delaware's mission and objectives, identifying key priorities and initiatives to enhance international trade and investment in Delaware.
• Collaborate with the Board to define short- and long-term organizational goals, focusing on community outreach, organizational capacity, fundraising, and capital improvements.
• Foster a collaborative, supportive, and inclusive workplace culture aligned with organizational values.

Operational Excellence
• Oversee all day-to-day operations of WTC Delaware, ensuring efficient and effective program delivery, resource allocation, and administrative functions.
• Maintain compliance with organizational policies, labor laws, and nonprofit status requirements in consultation with legal and financial experts.
• Oversee adherence to agreements with U.S. and state government agencies, ensuring accountability and transparency in all operations.

Financial Management & Fundraising
• Develop and manage the annual budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility and long-term sustainability.
• Identify and pursue diverse revenue opportunities, including grants, sponsorships, membership growth, and other revenue-generating activities.
• Lead fundraising initiatives, such as securing state funding, foundation support, in-kind contributions, and organizing fundraising events, while exploring opportunities to pursue federal grants when available.
• Build and nurture lasting relationships with donors, sponsors, and individual contributors to strengthen long-term support.

Stakeholder Engagement & Relationship Building
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with local, regional, and international businesses, government agencies, trade organizations, and community leaders.
• Serve as WTC Delaware’s representative in key forums and actively develop strategic partnerships that advance the organization’s mission.
• Participate in external committees, boards, and councils (including the Mid-Atlantic District Export Council, Export-Import Bank of the U.S., and Delaware economic development partners) to strengthen WTC Delaware’s influence and network.

Program Development & Delivery
• Design, implement, and evaluate programs and services such as workshops, seminars, networking events, and market research to help Delaware businesses expand internationally.
• Lead international and reverse trade missions on behalf of members, Delaware businesses, academic institutions, while showcasing the State of Delaware’s business climate, industries, and opportunities in international markets.
• Plan and coordinate trade show participation, including developing exhibits, creating collateral materials, and recruiting booth partners and exhibitors.

Membership Growth & Engagement
• Develop and execute strategies to attract and retain members, ensuring they receive valuable benefits and are actively engaged in WTC Delaware's activities.

Marketing & Communications
• Oversee the creation and execution of integrated marketing and communication strategies that raise WTC Delaware’s visibility and position Delaware as a global business hub.
• Develop written content for newsletters, press releases, and other organizational communications to support outreach efforts.
• Direct the editorial development of International Delaware magazine, including shaping themes, guiding article creation, and overseeing sponsor solicitation.
• Serve as the organization’s public spokesperson, fostering a positive image and advocating for international trade and economic development at the local, state, and national levels.

Board Relations
• Work closely with the Board of Directors, providing regular updates on organizational performance, financial status, and strategic initiatives.
• Support the Board in fulfilling its governance responsibilities, including policy development, compliance, and oversight.
• Collaborate with the Board on succession planning for key leadership roles to ensure continuity and organizational resilience.

Team Leadership & Development
• Recruit, manage, and mentor a high-performing team, fostering a collaborative and results-oriented work environment.
• Ensure compliance with workplace policies and labor standards while overseeing recruitment, talent development, and employee feedback systems.
• Actively support initiatives that enhance employee well-being, professional growth, and a positive organizational culture.

Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in business administration, international trade, economics, or a related field; Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive leadership experience, preferably in international trade, economic development, or a related non-profit or business environment.
• Proven track record of developing and implementing successful strategic plans and achieving organizational goals.
• Strong leadership, management, and team-building skills.
• Strong financial management skills, including budget development and oversight, fundraising, and grant writing experience.
• Experience in program development, implementation, and evaluation.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with a demonstrated ability to engage, influence, and build strong relationships with businesses, government officials, and community leaders.
• Knowledge of international trade practices, global markets, and economic development principles.
• Experience in nonprofit governance, international development, training, and building organizational and workforce capacity with U.S. government, multilateral institutions, or private sponsors.
• Supervisory experience working with diverse, multicultural teams, with strong cross-cultural awareness and sensitivity.
• Passion for promoting international trade and economic growth.
• Proficiency with digital platforms (e.g., CRM systems, trade databases, communications software, Microsoft Office Suite) and ability to adapt quickly in a fast-paced environment.
• Fluency in a foreign language preferred but not required.

Compensation & Benefits:
• Annual salary: $100,000
• Comprehensive benefits (medical, dental, vision), paid time off, professional development support, and travel reimbursements.

Physical/Travel Requirements:
• Ability to travel internationally and attend events outside regular business hours, including leading trade missions abroad and carrying banners and exhibition materials.

To Apply:
Interested candidates are invited to submit a cover letter and resume outlining their qualifications and experience to Janet Dougherty, WTC Delaware Board Member, at JanetDougherty@fultonbank.com.

Application Deadline:
Thursday, October 30, 2025 (5:00 p.m. EST).
World Trade Center Delaware is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity at all levels of its organization. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. This is a unique opportunity to lead an organization at the forefront of Delaware’s global engagement. WTC Delaware actively fosters diversity, equity, and inclusion in its workplace and programs.