Who We Are

Would you like to make a difference in today's world?  Consider a career in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) in the Executive Office of the President.  The head of USTR is the U.S. Trade Representative, a Cabinet member who serves as the President’s principal trade policy advisor, chief trade negotiator and spokesperson on trade issues.  The U.S. Trade Representative and the Agency's staff are responsible for developing and implementing trade policies, overseeing trade negotiations with other countries, and monitoring and enforcing trade laws which create new opportunities for American businesses, workers and agricultural producers.  Through an interagency structure, USTR coordinates trade policy, resolves disagreements and frames issues for Presidential decision.

American trade policy works toward opening markets throughout the world to create new opportunities and higher living standards for families, farmers, manufacturers, workers, consumers and businesses. The United States is party to numerous trade agreements with other countries, and leads negotiations for new trade agreements with a number of countries and regions of the world.

This is an attorney position located in the Executive Office of the President (EOP), Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.  Candidates must hold a degree in law from and accredited law school and must be admitted to the bar.

Major Duties

The Director for Innovation and Intellectual Property leads U.S. government work on a variety of bilateral, regional and multilateral intellectual property and innovation trade initiatives.  The incumbent formulates and develops U.S. international trade policy positions on intellectual property and innovation issues for consideration by USTR leadership and leads or serves on trade-related teams of representatives from other U.S. Government agencies to advance those policies.  A background of at least 3-6 years in trade and intellectual property law is preferred.  The ability to speak and read one or more foreign languages is desirable, but not required.  Travel will be required.  Applicants may also be considered for the position of Deputy Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Innovation and Intellectual Property.

Among other responsibilities, the Director:

• Seeks to identify and resolve innovation and intellectual property (IP)-related trade-related concerns using all available tools of U.S. trade policy;
• Negotiates intellectual property and innovation provisions of trade agreements, work plans, and other bilateral and multilateral trade commitments, as directed by USTR leadership and in consultation with other U.S. government agencies;
• Leads the development of trade policy options related to innovation and intellectual property matters for consideration by agency leadership;
• Advances the USTR’s trade and IP agenda through coordination of interagency input, research, and drafting of reports to Congress and the public;
• Prepares Congressional testimony, briefing materials, summary statements and speeches for USTR leadership, as appropriate, that reflect the U.S. government’s trade policies related to innovation and intellectual property.

Annual Salary Range

$99,172 - $166,500

For additional information on USTR, please visit our website (www.ustr.gov) or call our Office of Human Capital and Services on (202) 395-7360.