Manager, Events & Membership

German American Chambers of Commerce•Chicago, IL

18d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Manager, Events & Membership plans and executes GACC Midwest’s events and membership initiatives. The role reports to the Director, Marketing, Membership & Events and works with internal teams to deliver engaging events, strengthen member relations, and grow the organization’s membership base. The position offers hands-on ownership and the opportunity to guide and develop interns on a three-person team supported by two interns. GACC Midwest is a Chicago-headquartered 501(c)(6) organization with a branch office in Michigan. Its mission is to promote and assist the expansion of bilateral trade and investment between Germany and the Midwestern United States. The Marketing, Membership & Events team plans conferences, networking receptions, and signature events, and develops membership programs that engage the community year-round. The role is based in Chicago, Illinois, on a hybrid schedule. It requires occasional local and regional travel for events, member meetings, and site visits, as well as some evening and weekend work for events.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Event Management, Communications, or a related field, or demonstrated success and experience in the field 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.
Strong attention to detail and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects at once.
Excellent written and verbal English communication skills.
Strong customer-service mindset and ability to build and maintain 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.
Comfort mentoring and supporting junior team members or interns.
Willingness to attend events outside normal business hours, including evenings and weekends, and 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, audiovisual setup, on-site support, run of show, and drafting speaker notes.
Develop and implement event strategies, identify transatlantic business trends, engage members, drive attendance, conduct outreach, and secure sponsorships.
Develop and manage budgets, review event contracts, and handle invoicing and payments for 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 work, and helping them develop professionally.
Maintain and update the CRM system, ensuring accurate records and communication documentation.
Represent GACC Midwest at Chamber and partner events and build connections with members and stakeholders.
Communicate proactively about 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, including United Healthcare HMO, PPO, and HSA plans.
Guardian dental and vision insurance.
401(k) matching with a competitive, discretionary employer contribution.
Company-paid life insurance and AD&D, with additional voluntary life insurance and AD&D coverage available for employees, spouses, and children.
Wellness incentives, including fitness center access and complimentary yoga classes.
Paid parental leave.
Company-paid long-term disability.
Health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
Commuter FSA for transit and/or parking.
Goal-oriented bonus plan.
Work-from-home policy.
Flex-time policy.
Professional development and German classes.
Team spirit and less rigid hierarchies.