Assistant Manager – Marketing

German American Events, LLC (Christkindlmarket Chicago)

Dates: June/July 2021 start date

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

In 2020, the Christkindlmarket was a virtual event for the first time in its history, offering various products for sale on the new Christkindlmarket website, which also hosted a series of virtual events. This year German American Events, LLC is celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Christkindlmarket Chicago and we are looking for an enthusiastic individual to support the preparations of this joyous celebration.

Assistant Manager Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a corporate social media strategy across various channels
• Ensure established brand standards and guidelines and best-practice rules are met
• Identify innovative marketing opportunities and promotions to engage with core audience
• Assist with advertising and promotional materials including print, online and electronic media
• Influence public perception and drive engagement
• Manage budget, conduct deep-dive analysis, and develop reports
• Utilize Adobe Creative Cloud Programs to edit pictures, videos and design print and online promotional material
• Identify and build relationships with local prominent influencers
• Develop and execute influencer marketing strategies, visual content, and creative campaigns
• Attend virtual and in-person networking events to grow and nurture media and community relationships
• Assist with SEO and SEA campaigns with focus on Google Ads, Retargeting and paid social campaigns
• Keep up with the latest trends and best practices in web development and design
• Website management, programming, development and coding (using WordPress, Elementor and WooCommerce)
• Manage your own time & development between multiple projects to meet deliverables
• Maintain effective communication with all external partners and always ensure satisfaction of customers
• Other duties as assigned

Required qualifications & skills:

• Strong graphic design skills and experience with Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign
• Attention to detail and layout skills
• Excellent critical thinking, interpersonal communication, time-management, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to use social media for impressions and brand awareness
• Excellent knowledge of social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Pinterest
• Understanding of social media KPIs, ROI calculation, web traffic metrics and SEO best practices and tools
• Experience in developing buyer persona and audience research
• Familiarity with publishing and web design
• Knowledge and use of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Google Analytics and previous experience with WooCommerce and WordPress is a plus, however it is not required
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel desired, but not a requirement
• Must be available to work evenings and weekends (dependent on staff schedule) during high season right before and during event dates
• Must be available during Fall and Winter holidays; willingness to work outdoors on-site during event (between November and New Year’s Eve)
• Proficient computer skills: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook