Program Manager

Department:
Global Strategic Initiatives at 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 (GSI) team leads WBC’s efforts to promote Chicago as a global city, manages the Chicago Sister Cities International (CSCI) program – one of the largest and most active sister city programs in the United States, with 28 international sister cities and a network of 700+ volunteers – and manages international relations for the City of Chicago Mayor’s Office.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Program Manager plans and executes events and exchanges; cultivates relationships with partners locally and abroad; and manages volunteer committees. This staff member will work as an integrated member of the GSI team.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Program Manager reports to the Vice President and Executive Vice President of GSI and primary responsibilities include:

• Provide support to GSI’s core initiatives, including the annual International Reception, Chicago Consular Corps Diplomatic Roundtable and the Chicago International Gala
• Manage the relationship with and activities of CSCI’s volunteer committees (portfolio includes up to 8 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, Chicago 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 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

• Must have two to four years of event planning experience and the 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