Assistant Manager - Sponsorship and Events

Christkindlmarket Chicago Event Sponsorship Manager

The mission of the German American Chamber of Commerce of the Midwest (GACC Midwest) is to promote and assist in the expansion of bilateral trade and investment between Germany and the United States. All positions offer the opportunity to gain work experience in a truly bilingual and bicultural environment, with support from colleagues that can help speed the learning curve of understanding intercultural differences and nuances.

The Christkindlmarket is the most authentic traditional holiday market of its kind outside of Europe, offering a unique shopping experience, family-friendly events and intercultural activities. It brings a cherished German and European tradition with international flair and local charm to the Chicagoland area. The Christkindlmarket Chicago was first conceptualized in 1995 and made its debut in 1996. The market was an instant success and continues to flourish through the work of GACC Midwest's subsidiary, German American Events, LLC.

This year German American Events, LLC is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Christkindlmarket Chicago and we are looking for an enthusiastic individual to support the preparations of this joyous celebration.

Responsibilities May Include But Are Not Limited To:

Sponsorship

• In partnership with the Senior Sponsorship Manager and CEO, manage the full lifecycle of sponsorship sales, including prospect research, outreach, sales pitches and proposal development, contract negotiation, and execution of sponsor deliverables.
• Develop customized sponsorship packages that drive revenue and deliver value to partners.
• Build and maintain relationships with local and international partners to grow awareness and engagement.
• Ensure fulfillment of all sponsor benefits pre-, during, and post-event, including performance reporting.
• Support budget planning and oversee invoicing, payment tracking, and reconciliation for sponsorships.

Event Operations

• Support vendor, sponsor, and contractor communications, including recruitment, coordinating operational needs, schedules, and follow-ups before the market.
• Assist with the planning and execution of special ancillary events within the Christkindlmarket (e.g. German Wine Tasting, 'Twas the Night Before Christkindlmarket, etc.).
• Assist with vendor and contractor coordination and communications on-site during the market.
• Support daily event and market operations, including setup, breakdown, signage, inventory movement, and operational readiness. Ensure that all visitors and sponsors of the markets have a positive experience by always providing exceptional customer service and dealing effectively with any concerns or complaints.

Who Are We Looking For?

• Minimum two years of comprehensive experience in corporate relationship management and/or sponsor acquisition for events or non-profits.
• Experience in event planning, organization, budget management, and execution is strongly preferred; candidates without existing experience in large-scale events should have a strong interest in the field.
• Bachelor's degree or higher, preferably in the areas of Business, Communication, Marketing, Sales or Event Management. A related degree or equivalent qualification is also acceptable.
• Strong written and oral communication skills and the ability to interact effectively with partners, visitors, vendors, contractors, media, etc.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines; reliable, hardworking, self-motivated, and a strong team player with an outgoing, energetic personality.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills and heightened attention to detail; candidates must be able to manage multiple projects concurrently.
• Must be available to work evenings and weekends during the holiday season before, during, and after event dates.
• Must be available during Fall and Winter holidays; willingness to work outdoors on-site during event (between November and January).
• Proficient computer and software skills: Microsoft Office Suite, CRM management, Canva, and other project management software.
• Ability to lift and move objects (lift, push, pull, balance, carry) weighing 25 pounds or more.
• Valid US driver's license a plus but not required.
• Knowledge of the German language and culture a plus but not required.

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 (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. 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.