Manager, Business Development (Apprenticeship Programs)

German American Chambers of Commerce•Chicago, IL

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

As Manager, Business Development – Apprenticeship Networks, you will play a key role in expanding company participation in GACC Midwest’s ICATT Apprenticeship Program across the Midwest. This role sits at the intersection of outreach, relationship management, and workforce development consulting. Your primary focus will be identifying and engaging prospective companies, guiding them through the apprenticeship onboarding process, and strengthening long-term relationships with existing network members. It is a consultative, relationship-based position suited for someone who enjoys structured outreach, long-term partnership building, and working within a mission-driven organization.

Requirements

3+ years of experience in business development, B2B outreach, customer success, workforce development, or a related field
Experience engaging decision-makers across multiple organizational levels
Bachelor’s degree in business, education, public administration, or a related field (or equivalent professional experience)
Strong interpersonal and presentation skills; comfortable explaining complex concepts in a clear, practical way
Highly organized, detail-oriented, and reliable in follow-through
Comfortable working in a hybrid role that combines desk-based work with regional travel
Interest in workforce development, education-to-employment pathways, or talent development
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and CRM systems
Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel within the Midwest (primarily daytime travel)

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with the US apprenticeship or workforce development system is a plus; knowledge of the German apprenticeship model is an advantage
German language skills are a plus but not required

Responsibilities

Proactively identify and engage prospective companies across the Midwest through targeted outreach, warm leads, referrals, and regional visits
Serve as the primary point of contact for interested companies and consult decision-makers on the value and structure of the ICATT Apprenticeship Program
Guide companies through the onboarding process, including program scope, timelines, documentation, and implementation steps
Build and manage a structured outreach pipeline, ensuring consistent follow-up and relationship development
Represent GACC Midwest and the ICATT Apprenticeship Program at employer meetings, industry events, and workforce development forums
Identify growth opportunities, new markets, and strategic partnerships to expand the reach of the apprenticeship network
Promote additional GACC Midwest services aligned with company needs (e.g., training programs, events, recruiting & consulting services)
Advise participating companies on apprenticeship implementation, including on-the-job training standards and apprentice recruitment strategies
Coordinate with education partners (community colleges and training providers)
Conduct regular check-ins with network companies and apprentices to assess progress, address questions, and identify future hiring or expansion opportunities
Support client billing processes and coordinate with internal finance teams
Maintain accurate documentation of all activities, communication, and program data in GACC Midwest’s CRM system

Benefits

Team spirit instead of rigid hierarchies
Competitive vacation policy, starting with 20 days, increasing with seniority up to 30 days
14 paid holidays including Martin Luther King Day, President’s Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Thanksgiving Day, plus additional days around Thanksgiving and Year End
Health insurance with multiple plan options and networks (BlueCross / BlueShield HMO, PPO, HSA) & Guardian dental and vision
401(k) matching with a competitive, discretionary employer contribution
Company-paid Life Insurance + AD&D/additional voluntary life + AD&D (also for spouse and children)
Wellness incentives: access to fitness center and complementary yoga classes
Paid Parental Leave
Company-paid Long-Term Disability
FSA Health Care and dependent care FSA commuter (transit and/or parking)
Goal oriented bonus plan
Work from Home Policy, Flex-Time Policy
We offer German classes in collaboration with the Goethe Institute