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Manager, Special Events and Business Development

Manager, Special Events and Business Development

German American Chambers of CommerceChicago, IL, US
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Manager, Special Events & Business Development

Since 1996, German American Events, LLC (GAE, LLC), a subsidiary of the German American Chamber of Commerce of the Midwest, has hosted the Christkindlmarket Chicago as a free event, featuring international and local vendors with various offerings for all ages.

The German-style outdoor holiday market provides a unique shopping experience, live entertainment, family-friendly events, intercultural activities, and original food and beverages. The Christkindlmarket Chicago is a popular tradition for many in the Chicagoland area. In 2023, the markets reached record visitor numbers of over 2 million and has been named among the best Christmas markets in the US and worldwide for multiple years.

We're seeking a dynamic, results-oriented Manager, Special Events & Business Development to lead the strategy and execution of high-impact events while driving business growth through client acquisition, partnerships, and merchandise revenue.

If you are an individual who thrives in fast-paced environments, has a strong eye for detail, and understands both the creative and commercial aspects of event execution, merchandise sales, and business expansion, we would love to hear from you!

Responsibilities may include but are not limited to :

Event Planning & Execution

  • Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of all special events, ensuring alignment with brand standards and client expectations.
  • Oversee event logistics including timelines, budgets, vendor contracts, staffing, and permits.
  • Conceptualize merchandise strategy and coordinate with internal teams on merchandise planning, sourcing, warehousing, inventory planning, and sales.
  • Conduct post-event evaluations for internal improvement and client feedback, producing consulting-level reporting and recommendations.

Business Development & Client Relations / Consulting

  • Identify and pursue new business opportunities, including event partnerships, sponsorships, and consulting contracts.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with corporate clients, vendors, and stakeholders.
  • Provide consultative services to external clients and partners, offering expertise in event strategy, operations, cultural programming, or merchandise planning.
  • Develop customized proposals, scopes of work, and pitch presentations tailored to prospective consulting clients.
  • Identify and develop sales opportunities around branded and event-specific merchandise.

    • Strategic Planning

  • Collaborate with senior leadership to define annual revenue goals for events, merchandise, and consulting services.
  • Research industry trends and identify innovative ideas to enhance service offerings and client engagement.
  • Manage and track sales pipelines and consulting leads, identify lead generation activities, timelines, and conversion metrics.

    • Merchandise Planning & Sales

  • Collaborate with design, marketing, and inventory teams to plan and source event-specific merchandise.
  • Create sales strategies to promote and sell merchandise during and around market events.
  • Analyze merchandise performance and adjust inventory or sales plans accordingly.
  • Oversee point-of-sale systems, inventory controls, and merchandise staffing before and during events.

    • Team Leadership & Collaboration

  • Supervise and mentor a team of event staff, coordinators, and temporary personnel; assign roles and ensure accountability and high-quality execution.
  • Lead cross-functional collaboration between events, marketing, consulting, and operations teams.
  • Coordinate with internal departments to align event execution with overall business strategy.
  • Represent the organization and consulting brand in meetings with public agencies, cultural institutions, and private entities.

    • Budget & Operational Management

  • Develop and manage event budgets; track expenses and ensure profitability focusing on special events, merchandise, and consulting services.
  • Negotiate and manage contracts with venues, contractors, and other vendors.
  • Create, manage, and reconcile event and consulting budgets, ensuring profitability and alignment with financial goals.

    • Who are we looking for?

  • Bachelor's degree in Event Management, Marketing, Hospitality, Business, or a related field.
  • 5+ years of experience in event management and / or business development, preferably in the hospitality, entertainment, or non-profit sectors.
  • Proven track record of developing new business and increasing revenue through strategic initiatives.
  • Strong leadership and project management skills.
  • Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
  • Proficiency in event software, project management tools, and CRM tools; familiarity with POS and inventory management systems is a plus. Experience with AutoCAD is beneficial.
  • Comfortable with Microsoft Office, shared drives, and digital communications.
  • Experience managing budgets, vendor invoices, or city permitting processes.
  • Occasional travel required, especially during Christkindlmarket season; having a valid driver's license is highly preferred.
  • Must be willing and able to perform physical tasks, including lifting up to 50 lbs., standing for extended periods, and other hands-on tasks related to event setup, run of show, and breakdown.
  • Willingness to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including evenings and weekends, and during some holidays (e.g. Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Eve).

    • Why join German American Events LLC (GAE, LLC)?

    At GAE, LLC 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
  • , Christmas Day, plus additional days around Thanksgiving and Year End
  • Due to the Christkindlmarket schedule, holiday vacation dates may be adjusted.
  • Health insurance with multiple plan options and networks (BlueCross / BlueShield 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).
  • Professional development opportunities.
  • 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.
  • We offer German classes in collaboration with the Goethe Institute.

    • We welcome and encourage diversity in our workforce. GAE, LLC 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.

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