Who are we?

The German American Chamber of Commerce of the Southern United States (GACC South) is a private, non-profit organization which serves as the official representative of German industry and trade in the southeastern United States. Our main mission is to promote and support bilateral trade between Germany and the U.S. Our services focus on the areas of Consulting (U.S. Market Entry, Business Representation, Delegations, and Career Services) and Membership. Our organization is part of an international network composed of 150 German Chambers of Commerce Abroad and government offices in 93 countries. Read more about our organization at www.gaccsouth.com

What does this role entail?

GACC South 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.

Location: Atlanta, Houston

Start Date: Q1 2025

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 Foreign Market Entry Program 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 with third-party vendors to ensure successful delegation trip
• 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 South‘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.
• Promotion of GACC delegation trips and services

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.
• Cold-Calling experience is a plus
• Attention to detail, thoroughness, and accountability.
• Interest in learning about new technologies.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Experience in relevant industry sectors (automotive, renewable energy/energy efficiency, manufacturing, aerospace, or Life Science) is desirable.
• Experience with both German and American business environments as well as string intercultural competencies are strongly desired.
• Periodic overnight travel in the US and Germany up to 10% is required.

Why GACC South?

At GACC South, 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
• 12 paid holidays including Martin Luther King Day, President's Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, plus additional days around Thanksgiving and Year End
• Health insurance with multiple plan options and networks & dental and vision
• 401(k) matching with a competitive, discretionary employer contribution
• Long-Term Disability Plan paid by Employer
• Life insurance paid by employer
• Plus: Work from Home Policy, Flex-Time Policy
• Paid Parking
• We offer German classes in collaboration with the Goethe Institute

We welcome and encourage diversity in our workforce. GACC South 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.

To all applicants:

Thank you very much for your interest in a full time position with GACC South. Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are not able to answer each applicant individually. If we find that your skills meet our specific business needs we will contact you. Thank you for your understanding.