Director, Trade and Export Controls

Samsung Electronics’ U.S. Public Affairs office is located a short distance from the Capitol complex and this position would be based there with potential travel to California, Texas, and Korea. Want to advance the world’s technology with us?

The Trade and Export Controls Director will play a leadership role in the creation and implementation of Samsung’s semiconductor businesses’ trade strategy designed to enhance the company’s broader policy and operations portfolio. This position will work to research, develop, implement, and sustain the strategy in close partnership with Samsung’s U.S. and international subsidiaries. 

This role will help develop and guide engagement strategy with various federal agencies and key stakeholders on Capitol Hill, serving as an internal consultant to US subsidiaries with their engagement initiatives ensuring fair and equitable trade outcomes for Samsung’s semiconductor business units is the top priority.  They will lead regular outreach to these key trade related agencies, particularly but not limited to: the U.S. Department of Commerce (DoC), the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), the International Trade Administration (ITA) and the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR).  This person will educate the enterprise regarding best operating practices within this sector and be an internal subject matter expert who will help develop and implement legislative and regulatory strategy.  They will help lead communication efforts to third parties, institutions, government agencies, MarCom, and internal communication efforts.

This position will report to the VP for Public Affairs and Head of Semiconductor Policy and will be based in the U.S. Public Affairs office in Washington, DC.

What You’ll Do

The Trade and Export Controls Director will:

• Research, benchmark, and identify semiconductor industry approaches towards organized labor and collaborate with regional HR leaders to establish a Samsung US labor relations policy and strategy.
• Audit and document current initiatives across US subsidiaries related to compensation, health & safety, workforce development & training, community outreach, and employee engagement. Identify and share best practices.  Provide direct expert consultation to support regional HR leaders before, during, and after any dealings and/or engagement with organized labor unions, including navigation, strategic solutioning, arbitration and negotiation, training, and communications.
• Identify, engage, and build relationships with key stakeholders in national-level union organizations to collaborate on mutually beneficial labor strategy including training opportunities, apprenticeships, and community outreach.
• Monitor and analyze legislative and regulatory activities, federal policy, and labor union movement trends to determine and forecast potential effects on Samsung subsidiaries located primarily in California, Texas, and Michigan. Proactively educate HR leaders and decision makers located at global headquarters and US subsidiary HR leaders on impact and trends.
• Effectively educate and influence policymakers, including Administration officials, Members of Congress, and foreign government officials regarding policy priorities in partnership with global initiatives and positioning.
• Advise, support, and cultivate Samsung’s export control and trade capabilities and acumen.
• Work collaboratively with our business, policy teams, and other internal operations teams to ensure alignment between business priorities and labor policy goals.
• Serve as an effective advocate for Samsung and our customers on key policy matters and craft positions for the company that will establish it publicly as a thought leader and innovator.
• Partner with internal teams to represent Samsung on outreach events, public affairs opportunities, and other engagement opportunities.
• Provide regular reports to global entities regarding developments and project status.
• Support team activities, as needed.

What You Bring

• BA/BS required with 10 years of relevant trade and export control policy experience, including within government or private sector policy experience.  Graduate degree is preferred.
• Prior professional experience working with or for the Bureau of Industry and Security at the Department of Commerce and/or affiliated institutions.
• Existing connectivity with key stakeholders at DOC, BIS, ITA, USTR and the Senate Finance and Foreign Relations Committees and/or the House Ways and Means, Foreign Affairs and Select China Committees.
• Keen understanding on executing broad government relations strategy as well as developing and implementing U.S. legislation, regulations, and other policies
• Prior direct experience with export controls and related initiatives
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and experience creating and effectively delivering factual, relevant, and easily understandable talking points and other messaging
• Ability to maintain the highest personal levels of ethical conduct, confidentiality, and integrity
• Strong problem-solving skills, strong organizational skills, and cooperative, flexible, team-oriented attitude
• Familiarity with the issues affecting the semiconductor industry
• Demonstrated ability to be both an issue expert on matters related to Samsung’s business and a manager of complex regulatory and political issues
• Experience identifying and understanding key technical aspects pertaining to corporate operations, understanding business implications, synthesizing information for internal and external customers, and recommending a best course of action
• Demonstrated ability to effectively and comfortably interact at the highest corporate, legislative, regulatory agency, and other government levels
• Preferred Korean language skills and/or strong understanding of Korean business culture
• You’re inclusive, adapting your style to the situation and diverse global norms of our people.
• An avid learner, you approach challenges with curiosity and resilience, seeking data to help build understanding.
• You’re collaborative, building relationships, humbly offering support and openly welcoming approaches.
• Innovative and creative, you proactively explore new ideas and adapt quickly to change.