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German American · 3 weeks ago

Manager, Business Development (Apprenticeship Programs)

Chicago, IL

Full-time

Onsite

Mid Level

3+ years exp

The German American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. is dedicated to promoting trade and investment between Germany and the United States. The Manager, Business Development for Apprenticeship Networks will focus on expanding company participation in the ICATT Apprenticeship Program by engaging prospective companies and managing relationships with existing members.

Financial Services

Growth Opportunities

Responsibilities

Proactively identify and engage prospective companies across the Midwest through targeted outreach, warm leads, referrals, and regional visits

Serve as the primary point of contact for interested companies and consult decision-makers on the value and structure of the ICATT Apprenticeship Program

Guide companies through the onboarding process, including program scope, timelines, documentation, and implementation steps

Build and manage a structured outreach pipeline, ensuring consistent follow-up and relationship development

Represent GACC Midwest and the ICATT Apprenticeship Program at employer meetings, industry events, and workforce development forums

Identify growth opportunities, new markets, and strategic partnerships to expand the reach of the apprenticeship network

Promote additional GACC Midwest services aligned with company needs (e.g., training programs, events, recruiting & consulting services)

Advise participating companies on apprenticeship implementation, including on-the-job training standards and apprentice recruitment strategies

Coordinate with education partners (community colleges and training providers)

Conduct regular check-ins with network companies and apprentices to assess progress, address questions, and identify future hiring or expansion opportunities

Support client billing processes and coordinate with internal finance teams

Maintain accurate documentation of all activities, communication, and program data in GACC Midwest’s CRM system

Qualification

Business DevelopmentRelationship ManagementWorkforce DevelopmentCRM SystemsMicrosoft OfficeGerman Language SkillsCommunication SkillsPresentation SkillsOrganizational Skills

Required

3+ years of experience in business development, B2B outreach, customer success, workforce development, or a related field

Experience engaging decision-makers across multiple organizational levels

Bachelor's degree in business, education, public administration, or a related field (or equivalent professional experience)

Strong interpersonal and presentation skills; comfortable explaining complex concepts in a clear, practical way

Highly organized, detail-oriented, and reliable in follow-through

Comfortable working in a hybrid role that combines desk-based work with regional travel

Interest in workforce development, education-to-employment pathways, or talent development

Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and CRM systems

Valid driver's license and willingness to travel within the Midwest (primarily daytime travel)

Preferred

Familiarity with the US apprenticeship or workforce development system is a plus; knowledge of the German apprenticeship model is an advantage

German language skills are a plus but not required

Benefits

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