International Trade Specialist Jobs
International Trade Specialist jobs are open across government agencies, logistics companies, manufacturing firms, and financial institutions, from entry-level analyst to senior director, with specializations in customs compliance, export controls, and trade policy. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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TITLE: SMALL BUSINESS CONSULTANT – GLOBAL AND INTERNATIONAL TRADE
DEPARTMENT: SBDC
REPORTS TO: SBDC DIRECTOR
EE CLASSIFICATION: PART-TIME
FLSA STATUS: NON-EXEMPT
SALARY RANGE: $50.00 - $55.00/hour
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Orange County / Inland Empire Small Business Development Center Network is a federal program partially funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration & the California Governor’s Office of Business & Economic Development. The SBDC is hosted by CSU, Fullerton. The purpose of this grant is to provide no-cost technical assistance to entrepreneurs and small business owners in Orange County. The Orange County Inland Empire Small Business Development Center (OCIE SBDC) is seeking a knowledgeable, results-driven Global Trade & International Business Consultant to support small and medium-sized businesses seeking to enter, expand, and compete in international markets. The consultant will provide expert business advising, market intelligence, and practical strategies to help companies identify international opportunities, develop export capabilities, navigate global trade challenges, and establish sustainable international business relationships. Working collaboratively with the OCIE SBDC Global Trade team, the consultant will assist businesses across Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties through individualized consulting, international market research, export readiness assessments, strategic planning, and connections to domestic and international trade resources. The ideal candidate combines strong international business expertise with practical experience in export development, global market entry, cross-border business relationships, and small business consulting. This individual should be comfortable translating complex international trade concepts into actionable strategies that help businesses increase sales, diversify markets, and achieve measurable growth.
*Please be aware that funding for this position is awarded through a Grant/Contract over a specified period. Employment for this position beyond current Grant/Contract funding is contingent upon continued funding or new Grant/Contract.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
● Provide consulting, training, and information services in the region to small size businesses.
● Maintain client database by preparing detailed written assessment and make recommendations for improvements.
● Keep abreast of business trends, techniques, and processes.
● Work collaboratively with peers and the business community to expand expertise.
● Community outreach responsibilities will include public presentations to key stakeholders and service on appropriate boards and committees related to economic development.
● Provide individualized, one-on-one consulting to small-sized businesses seeking to initiate, expand, or strengthen international trade activities.
● Assess companies' export readiness, international growth potential, operational capabilities, and competitive positioning.
● Develop actionable international business strategies, export plans, and market entry recommendations aligned with each company's goals, resources, and capabilities.
● Advise businesses on international sales development, distribution channels, pricing strategies, market positioning, and cross-border business opportunities.
● Assist companies in identifying and evaluating international customers, distributors, strategic partners, and suppliers.
● Support businesses in developing international business relationships, navigating cultural differences, and preparing for cross-border negotiations.
● Conduct comprehensive international market research to identify promising export markets, industry trends, competitive dynamics, and emerging business opportunities.
● Analyze international demand, market accessibility, customer segments, competitive positioning, and regulatory considerations.
● Prepare market intelligence reports, country profiles, competitive analyses, and market entry recommendations to support informed business decisions.
● Evaluate international market opportunities, including potential risks, barriers to entry, and opportunities for business expansion.
● Help businesses leverage international trade data, digital tools, and market intelligence resources to identify and prioritize global opportunities.
● Guide businesses through key aspects of export and import processes, including international shipping, logistics, customs procedures, documentation, and trade compliance.
● Provide practical guidance on international trade regulations, tariffs, trade agreements, product classification, and market-specific requirements.
● Educate businesses on international payment methods, export financing, risk mitigation, and available trade finance resources.
● Connect clients with appropriate government agencies, trade organizations, financial institutions, and specialized service providers for technical or regulatory assistance.
● Assist businesses in identifying and navigating operational challenges associated with international transactions and supply chains.
● Complete all forms and maintain client files as required by the SBA.
● Document information, assistance, and outcomes of sessions with clients related to consulting and training activities performed by the consultant.
● Provide Center with timely reports related to milestones and success stories of client’s economic outcomes.
● Other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
● Strong knowledge of international trade, export development, global business strategy, and international market dynamics.
● Practical experience advising businesses on international market entry, export operations, or cross-border business development.
● Excellent analytical and research skills, with the ability to translate market intelligence into actionable business recommendations.
● Familiarity with U.S. export assistance programs, international trade resources, and regulatory frameworks.
● Strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage business owners, government representatives, and international partners.
● Experience working with small and medium-sized businesses and an understanding of their unique operational, financial, and growth challenges.
● Ability to manage multiple consulting engagements independently while collaborating effectively with a multidisciplinary team.
● A client-focused, solutions-oriented approach and a commitment to delivering measurable business outcomes.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
● Familiarity with U.S. Commercial Service, SBA export programs, EXIM Bank, California GO-Biz, and other international trade assistance resources.
● Experience organizing or supporting international trade missions, business matchmaking programs, or cross-border business initiatives.
● Knowledge of international trade opportunities involving strategic global markets.
● Professional certification in international trade, export management, or global business, such as Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP), Certified International Trade Professional (CITP), or an equivalent recognized industry credential. Candidates who do not hold an approved certification at the time of hire will be required to obtain one within six (6) months of their start date.
● Proficiency in additional languages is desirable.
● Experience delivering business training, workshops, or technical assistance programs.
EDUCATION:
● Minimum Bachelor's degree in a business-related field or equivalent experience in business management or financial analysis (minimum four years), or bachelor’s degree in any field with two years of business management or business ownership.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Lifting of up to 25lbs.; periodic bending; long-term periods of sitting; long term periods operating a computer.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
CSU Fullerton, Auxiliary Services Corporation (ASC) is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career center as a result of your disability. To request an accommodation, contact a Human Resources Representative at (657) 278-4117.
A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with the ASC. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current ASC employees who apply for the position.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $50.00 - $55.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Irvine, CA 92618
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Find JobsInternational Trade Specialist Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Accounting & Auditing
- Technology & Software
- Law & Legal Services
- Distribution & Wholesale
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in international trade specialist jobs.
- Bachelor's degree in international business, supply chain, or a related field
- Experience with Harmonized Tariff Schedule classification and customs documentation
- Knowledge of U.S. export control regulations including EAR and ITAR
- Proficiency with trade compliance software and enterprise resource planning systems
- Licensed Customs Broker credential or Certified Export Specialist designation preferred
- Experience managing free trade agreement origin determinations and duty drawback claims
Tips for Your International Trade Specialist Job Search
Tailor your resume to trade compliance specifics
Highlight your hands-on experience with Harmonized Tariff Schedule classification, export licensing under EAR or ITAR, and any free trade agreement determinations. Generic supply chain language won't differentiate you from applicants without trade compliance backgrounds.
Prioritize certifications before applying
A Certified Export Specialist, Licensed Customs Broker credential, or CUSECO designation makes your application stand out immediately. Hiring managers in trade compliance roles consistently screen for credentials before reviewing work history, so front-load yours in your resume header.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists international trade specialist openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Target postings by regulatory regime
Filter your search by the regulatory framework the role requires, such as ITAR, EAR, or OFAC. Applying to roles aligned with your compliance background shows employers you already speak their regulatory language and can contribute without extensive onboarding.
Prepare scenario answers for classification disputes
Interviewers frequently ask how you resolved a contested tariff classification or handled a denied export license. Prepare two or three concrete examples where you researched a binding ruling, coordinated with customs brokers, or escalated to outside counsel.
Negotiate salary using government wage data
Reference BLS occupational wage data for your metro area during salary discussions. Trade specialist pay varies significantly by industry and security clearance requirement, so anchoring your ask to published federal wage surveys gives you a credible, neutral baseline.
International Trade Specialist Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most international trade specialists?
Garmin, PwC, and Lockheed Martin are hiring the most international trade specialists right now, with openings concentrated in Florida, Connecticut, and District of Columbia, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Demand is especially strong in defense, aerospace, and industrial manufacturing sectors with active cross-border supply chains.
How many international trade specialist jobs are remote?
About 69% of international trade specialist openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, with availability varying by function. Trade policy research and export licensing advisory roles tend to offer the most remote flexibility, while positions involving hands-on customs inspection, bonded warehouse oversight, or in-person government liaison work are typically on-site.
How do you become an international trade specialist?
Start with a bachelor's degree in international business, economics, supply chain management, or a related field. Build foundational knowledge of customs regulations, export controls, and trade agreements through coursework or entry-level logistics roles. Pursue a Certified Export Specialist credential or sit for the Licensed Customs Broker exam to demonstrate technical competency. Practical experience classifying goods under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule or managing import documentation accelerates your path into specialist-level roles.
Can you get hired as an international trade specialist with little experience?
Yes, entry-level international trade specialist roles exist, particularly at freight forwarders, customs brokers, and federal agencies. Employers hiring junior candidates look for demonstrated familiarity with trade documentation, a relevant degree, and eagerness to pursue licensing credentials. Internships with an import-export firm, a government trade office, or a multinational's compliance department are the most direct way to build the hands-on foundation employers expect.
What does the international trade specialist interview process look like?
Most employers conduct a phone screen followed by one or two rounds of interviews. Technical questions focus on tariff classification scenarios, export licensing procedures, and how you have handled regulatory compliance issues in past roles. Some employers include a written exercise asking you to classify a hypothetical product or draft a brief export control determination. Final rounds often involve meeting with the compliance director or legal counsel.
Where can I find and apply to international trade specialist jobs?
You can find and apply to international trade specialist jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers across the United States. The listings cover roles in government, logistics, manufacturing, and financial services at every experience level. Find the roles that fit your background and apply directly to each listing.
See All 49 International Trade Specialist Jobs
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