Manager, Events & Membership

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 — a unique concept in international trade promotion.

About the role

The Manager, Events & Membership will plan and execute GACC Midwest's events and membership initiatives. This role is ideal 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 — offering hands-on ownership as well as the opportunity to guide and develop interns. This position requires strong attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively. Occasional local/regional travel for events, member meetings, and site visits is required, as well as some evenings and weekends for events.

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 the 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

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. German language 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

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