Program Manager, Chicago Sister Cities International
Global Strategic Initiatives
World Business Chicago
World Business Chicago (WBC) is a public-private, non-profit partnership that drives inclusive economic growth and job creation, supports business, and promotes Chicago as a leading global city.
The Global Strategic Initiatives team leads WBC’s efforts to promote Chicago as a global city. As part of GSI, Chicago Sister Cities International program’s mission is to promote Chicago as a global city, develop international partnerships and networks, and share best practices on a city-to-city basis.
Position Summary
The International Program Manager manages committee volunteers; plans and executes events and exchanges; and cultivates relationships with partners. This staff member will work as an integrated member of the GSI team.
Primary Responsibilities
The International Program Manger reports to the Executive Director and Deputy Director of GSI and primary responsibilities include:
- Lead or provide support to GSI’s key initiatives, including: the Discover our Sister Cities Series; the Global Youth Ambassadors Leadership Summit; and the Chicago International Gala
- Manage the relationship with and activities of CSCI’s volunteer committees (portfolio includes up to 10 committees)
- Lead and project manage a diverse group of events and initiatives in the fields of international business, culture, education, and government relations
- Develop and manage budgets for projects and committees
- Create itineraries for international delegations in collaboration with city, public and private sector representatives
- Work with internal teams on strategies for fundraising, marketing and logistics
- Act as a liaison with the Mayor’s Office of the City of Chicago, international contacts, consular corps representatives, community organizations, and other Chicago-area institutions
- Represent the organization at events
- Provide administrative support for Finance, HR, and Development processes
- Manage membership database and ensure its accuracy
- Manage database of external partners and stakeholders
- Prepare a variety of written correspondence, reports, directives and other materials
- Perform other duties and special projects as assigned
Skills & Competencies
- Bachelor’s degree or associate degree/certificate required
- Must have two to four years of event planning experience and ability to work across a variety of skill areas, including event planning, project management, and/or volunteer management
- Self-starter with the ability to work independently as well as with a team; enjoys working with volunteers and helping them create and implement new initiatives
- Strong organizational skills and a commitment to deliver against deadlines; ability to handle high priority and pressure situations
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively and effectively with a wide range of individuals within and outside of WBC
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to clearly communicate to all levels of management
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy
- Strong computer skills with expertise in Word, PowerPoint and Excel
- Experience with database management; Salesforce preferred
- Ability and willingness to work some early mornings, evenings and weekends, as needed
- A passion for international relations and protocol
- Foreign language skills a plus
Qualifications
- Full COVID-19 vaccination is required by the first day of work unless there is an exemption due to medical or religious reasons
To Apply
If interested, please send a cover letter and resume to: