[GACC - Colorado Chapter] Director Commercial & Ecosystem Development at German-

Director Of Commercial & Ecosystem Development

GACC Colorado is seeking an experienced and entrepreneurial Director of Commercial & Ecosystem Development to lead membership growth, sponsorship development, strategic partnerships, and business services while strengthening Colorado's German-American business ecosystem. This role is responsible for driving revenue growth, member engagement, and ecosystem expansion while serving as a trusted advisor and relationship builder for members, sponsors, strategic partners, and stakeholders throughout Colorado.
The Director serves as the commercial leader of the organization and works closely with the Executive Director, Operations Director, sponsors, members, economic development organizations, and community partners. The ideal candidate combines business development expertise, relationship-building skills, commercial acumen, and a passion for supporting international business and community growth.
Reporting Structure:
Reports To: Executive Director (Visionary)
Works Closely With: Operations Director (Integrator), Senior Project Manager Experiences, Office & Communications Manager, Members and Sponsors, Economic Development Organizations, Government and Community Partners, GACC Midwest and AHK Network
Key Responsibilities:
Membership Growth & Retention
Develop and execute membership growth strategies
Recruit and onboard new members, targeting German subsidiaries and Colorado companies engaged in transatlantic trade
Maintaining and developing the CRM system as the heart of customer knowledge
Lead annual membership renewal process
Conduct member outreach and relationship management activities
Refine member benefits and membership tiers
Develop retention and engagement programs
Identify opportunities to increase member value
Collaborate with the event team to convert attendees into members
Conduct member satisfaction assessments and improvement initiatives
Collaborate with Marketing & Communications on promoting and advertising membership and member storytelling
Maintain strong relationships with key accounts and strategic members
Funnel member needs into the GACC ecosystem as input for programming topics, actively selling GACC services, and facilitating referrals among members
Sponsorship Development & Revenue Generation
Develop annual sponsorship strategy for non-Christkindlmarket sponsorships
Create sponsorship packages and partnership opportunities
Prospect and secure new sponsors
Maintain and grow sponsor relationships
Support sponsor renewals and long-term agreements
Collaborate with the event team on sponsor activation and fulfillment
Track sponsorship performance and revenue goals
Identify new revenue opportunities across programs and initiatives
Business Services & Market Entry Support
Support German companies entering the Colorado market in collaboration with GACC Midwest and member businesses
Facilitate introductions and referrals
Coordinate business matchmaking opportunities
Support trade delegations and business missions in collaboration with GACC Midwest
Identify new service offerings and revenue opportunities
Collaborate with the broader GACC and AHK network
Ecosystem Development & Strategic Partnerships
Build relationships with economic development organizations
Develop strategic partnerships with business and community organizations
Engage with government agencies and public-sector stakeholders
Support ecosystem-building initiatives and programs
Represent GACC Colorado at community and business events
Identify collaboration opportunities that increase organizational impact
Serve as a connector between members, partners, colleagues, and other stakeholders
Membership & Community Engagement
Visit member companies
Serve as an ambassador for GACC Colorado
Represent members' interests to the GACC Colorado to support member-centric and mission driven programming
Develop relationships with business leaders and stakeholders
Drive membership recruitment and retention initiatives
Participate in networking events and community activities
Identify opportunities to increase member engagement
Support community-building initiatives throughout Colorado
Propose annual participation & engagement strategy to maximize impact
Lead the Membership & Business Development Committee
Organizational Support & Team Collaboration
As part of a small and entrepreneurial organization, all team members are expected to contribute beyond their primary area of responsibility and actively support major organizational initiatives, events, and cross-functional priorities.
Qualifications
Required
Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Marketing, International Business, Communications, or related field
Minimum 57 years of business development, sales, account management, membership, sponsorship, or partnership experience
Ability to travel frequently to visit members and attend events
Demonstrated experience building and maintaining strategic relationships
Strong communication and presentation skills
Proven ability to achieve growth objectives
Strong organizational and project management skills
Ability to work independently and collaboratively
Preferred
Experience within a chamber of commerce, association, nonprofit, or membership organization
Sponsorship sales experience
International business experience
German language skills
Experience working with economic development organizations
Familiarity with CRM systems and relationship management tools
Key Competencies
Entrepreneurial Mindset
Business Development
Relationship Building
Commercial Awareness
Strategic Thinking
Communication
Networking
Customer Service Excellence
Collaboration
Accountability
Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $80,000

$100,000 annually, based on experience and qualifications
Benefits Include:
Hybrid work environment
Health stipend
Safe Harbor 401(k)
Phone stipend
Work-from-home flexibility
9 Federal Holidays + 3 Floating Holidays
15 Days PTO
Life Insurance
Long-Term Disability Insurance
Unlimited Sick Leave
Why Join GACC Colorado?
This role offers the opportunity to play a central role in shaping the future of Colorado's German-American business ecosystem. The Director of Commercial & Ecosystem Development will directly influence membership growth, sponsorship development, strategic partnerships, and business services while helping expand the impact of one of Colorado's leading international business organizations.