Consultant, Government Projects And Trade Missions

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

What does this role entail?

GACC Midwest is seeking a full-time Consultant, Government Projects and Trade Missions who will oversee and manage programs, delegations, and initiatives, many of which include some form of government financing. The Consultant, Government Projects and Trade Missions will be a key part of a small, dynamic, and hard-working team. Candidates with less or significantly more experience than the listed range are still encouraged to apply as there may be flexibility to amend the seniority level and associated responsibilities of the role.

Responsibilities may include but are not limited to:

The Consultant, Government Projects and Trade Missions will play a crucial role in planning, executing, and overseeing various Projects and Trade Missions.

• Assist in the development of proposals and contracts for projects in cooperation with key partners, including German Ministries, DIHK, Germany Trade & Invest, industry associations, and others.
• Draft project proposals, primarily in German, following specific guidelines.
• Oversee project budgets with multiple currencies and project timetables.
• Conduct industry research to identify suitable project topics.
• Collaborate with key partners to identify project opportunities and new concepts.

In close coordination with the Department head and other colleagues, support assigned project team to organize and execute all phases of Trade Missions as well as Geschftsanbahung and Markterschlieung projects. This includes:

• Support project teams in organizing and executing Trade Missions and projects.
• Ensure compliance with project requirements and regulations.
• Maintain documentation, primarily in German, following established guidelines.
• Conduct market research for project topics and synthesize information into reports.
• Coordinate logistics and prepare formal written reports summarizing project outcomes.

For projects with event components, the Consultant will:

• Identify industry-related topics of interest.
• Research and invite suitable speakers.
• Develop promotional campaigns in coordination with the PR & Marketing department.
• Acquire event sponsors as needed.
• Collaborate with the Events team on logistical matters.

Additional responsibilities may include:

• Building and maintaining strong relationships with key partners, multipliers, and clients.
• Advising and supporting companies in their US market entry.
• Answering trade inquiries and supporting GACC Midwest's activities.
• Identifying and engaging prospective customers and project participants.
• Staying informed about policy issues and technological developments in key industries.
• Networking with partners and clients at meetings, trade shows, conferences, and seminars.

Who are we looking for?

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline.
• 2+ years of work experience in a related field.
• Previous experience with government-financed Projects and knowledge of documentation and reporting requirements preferred.
• Strong proficiency in both German and English, both written and verbal.
• Excellent communication skills, with public speaking skills considered advantageous.
• Experience managing multiple projects concurrently.
• Strong market research skills preferred.
• Attention to detail, thoroughness, and accountability.
• Interest in learning about new technologies.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Experience in relevant industry sectors (machinery and automation, automotive, renewable energy/energy efficiency, food and beverage, or medical devices) is desirable.
• Experience with both German and American business environments strongly desired.
• Periodic overnight travel in the US and Germany is required.

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 (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)
• 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. 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.