Manager, Events & Membership

German American Chambers of Commerce•Chicago, IL

20d•$58,000 - $68,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Manager, Events & Membership plans and executes GACC Midwest’s events and membership initiatives. The role involves event coordination, relationship management, and business development, working with internal teams to deliver engaging events, strengthen member relations, and grow the organization’s membership base. It reports to the Director, Marketing, Membership & Events. The team has three full-time employees and is supported by two interns; the manager helps guide and develop those interns. The position calls for strong attention to detail, excellent communication, and the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Event Management, Communications, or a related field; demonstrated success and experience in the field may be accepted in lieu of a degree.
3–5 years of experience in event planning, project management, membership relations, or business development.
Reliable, hands-on self-starter who takes ownership and follows through.
Detail-oriented, with strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects at once.
Excellent written and verbal English.
Strong customer-service mindset and talent for building and maintaining relationships.
Familiarity with vendor contracting, invoicing, budgeting, and financial tracking.
Experience working with CRM systems and maintaining accurate records.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and website content management.
Comfortable mentoring and supporting junior team members or interns.
Willingness to attend events outside normal business hours, including evenings and weekends, and to travel as needed for member meetings, site visits, and events.

Nice To Haves

German language skills.

Responsibilities

Plan, coordinate, and execute events, including logistics, venue management, catering, A/V setup, on-site event support, run of show, and drafting speaker notes.
Develop and implement event strategies, identify trends in transatlantic business to engage members, drive attendance, conduct outreach, and secure sponsorships.
Develop and manage budgets, review event contracts, and handle invoicing and payments related to events, sponsorships, and membership activities in coordination with the accounting department.
Collaborate with Membership and Marketing & Communications teams to promote events and membership initiatives.
Gather and analyze feedback on events and membership programs to improve future initiatives.
Prepare reports on membership activities and event performance.
Guide and support interns by delegating tasks, reviewing their work, and helping them grow professionally.
Maintain and update the CRM system, ensuring accurate records and documentation of communication.
Represent GACC Midwest at Chamber and partner events and build connections with members and stakeholders.
Communicate proactively on project timelines and contribute ideas for process improvements.

Benefits

Competitive vacation policy starting at 20 days and 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, and additional days around Thanksgiving and year-end.
Health insurance with multiple plan options and networks (United Healthcare HMO, PPO, HSA), plus Guardian dental and vision.
401(k) matching with a competitive, discretionary employer contribution.
Company-paid life insurance and AD&D, with additional voluntary life insurance and AD&D available for employees, spouses, and children.
Wellness incentives, including access to a fitness center and complementary yoga classes.
Paid parental leave.
Company-paid long-term disability.
Health care and dependent care FSAs.
Commuter FSA for transit and/or parking.
Goal-oriented bonus plan.
Work from Home Policy and Flex-Time Policy.
Professional development and German classes.
Team spirit instead of rigid hierarchies.