Manager, Events & Membership

Position: Manager Events & Membership

Location: Chicago IL (Hybrid)

Salary Range: 58000 $68000

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

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 teams 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 Midwests 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 organizations 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 Midwests 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 teams 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

• Bachelors 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 Presidents 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.