Manager, Events & Membership

Position

Manager, Events & Membership

Location

Chicago, IL (Hybrid)

Salary Range

58,000 – $68,000

Travel Required

Occasional local/regional travel for events, member meetings, and site visits; some evenings and weekends for events

Who are we?

The continuing mission of the German American Chamber of Commerce® of the Midwest (GACC Midwest/AHK USA-Chicago), a 501 (c)(6) organization headquartered in Chicago with a branch office in Michigan, is to promote and assist in the expansion of bilateral trade and investment between Germany and the Midwestern region of the United States. Our organization combines elements of a trade commission, a membership association, and a professional consultancy - quite a unique concept in international trade promotion. Read more about our organization at

<www.gaccmidwest.org>

Our Marketing, Membership & Events team contributes to this mission by planning and delivering the conferences, networking receptions, and signature events that connect German and American businesses across the Midwest, and by building and growing the membership programs that keep that community engaged year-round. The team's work spans event strategy and sponsorships as well as member relations and communications.

What does this role entail?

The Manager, Events & Membership will plan and execute GACC Midwest's events and membership initiatives. This role is a great fit for a highly organized, proactive professional who thrives in event coordination, relationship management, and business development.

The position reports to the Director, Marketing, Membership & Events, and works closely with internal teams to deliver engaging events, strengthen member relations, and grow the organization's membership base. The Membership & Events team consists of three full-time employees, supported by two interns – so this role offers hands-on ownership as well as the chance to help guide and develop our interns.

This position requires strong attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively.

Responsibilities may include but are not limited to

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

Who are we looking for?

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. German languages skills preferred.

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

Why GACC Midwest?

At GACC Midwest, we believe that our benefits should make a difference - to you, your job, today and in the future. We are dedicated to supporting our most valuable asset, our employees!

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 (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

Plus: Work from Home Policy, Flex-Time Policy

Professional development and German classes

We welcome and encourage diversity in our workforce. GACC Midwest is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, gender, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. Potential employees are subject to background checks.