Manager, Events & Membership

German American Chambers of Commerce•Chicago, IL

8d•$58,000 - $68,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The German American Chamber of Commerce® of the Midwest (GACC Midwest/AHK USA-Chicago) is a 501 (c)(6) organization dedicated to promoting and assisting in the expansion of bilateral trade and investment between Germany and the Midwestern United States. Our organization uniquely combines elements of a trade commission, a membership association, and a professional consultancy. The Marketing, Membership & Events team plays a crucial role in this mission by planning and executing conferences, networking receptions, and signature events that foster connections between German and American businesses. They also build and grow membership programs to maintain community engagement. This role is responsible for planning and executing GACC Midwest's events and membership initiatives, requiring a highly organized, proactive professional skilled in event coordination, relationship management, and business development. The position reports to the Director, Marketing, Membership & Events and collaborates with internal teams to deliver engaging events, strengthen member relations, and expand the membership base. The team consists of three full-time employees and two interns, offering hands-on ownership and mentorship opportunities. The role demands strong attention to detail, excellent communication skills, 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 accepted in lieu of a degree)
3-5 years of experience in event planning, project management, membership relations, or business development
A 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 English, written and verbal
A strong customer-service mindset with a 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 languages skills preferred

Responsibilities

Plan, coordinate, and execute GACC Midwest's events, including logistics, venue management, catering, A/V setup, on-site event support, run of show, and drafting of 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 closely with the Membership and Marketing & Communications teams to promote events and membership initiatives
Gather and analyze feedback on events and membership programs to continuously improve future initiatives
Prepare reports on membership activities and event performance
Guide and support our team's interns - 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, building connections with members and stakeholders
Communicate proactively on project timelines and contribute ideas for process improvements

Benefits

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 (United Healthcare 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
Professional development and German classes