The Crescent Area Chamber of Commerce is looking for a full-time Executive Director to begin immediately.
General Summary:
The Executive Director is enthusiastic, creative, and well organized, and they are an excellent communicator capable of functioning well in an independent and self-led environment.
The Executive Director is responsible for recommending action to the Board of Directors for the continued success of the Crescent Area Chamber of Commerce. The Executive Director develops, promotes, and plans events and functions; communicates effectively with investors on needs, ideas, and opportunities while maintaining and nurturing those relationships, and develops and implements an annual budget and organizational plan that advances the general welfare and prosperity of the Crescent area and our Chamber Investors.
The Executive Director will enjoy a flexible work schedule including the ability to work from home part-time. They will also enjoy autonomy and a quick paced, ever changing work day.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Chamber Development and Growth - Anticipate emerging and long-term planning needs of the Chamber. In conjunction with the Board, devise and implement a strategic plan and annual program of work to advance the Chamber’s mission, this includes: event goals and dates, membership targets, an overall communications plan (website, social media, weekly newsletter, and annual events calendar), and an annual budget. The director should utilize by laws, precedence and evaluations as planning and implementation tools.
- Board Relations – Build and maintain strong relationships and communications with the Board of Directors. Provide necessary leadership to garner full engagement of board members. Plan and organize committee and board meetings, and coordinate plans and agenda for these meetings. Interpretation of Bylaws – The Executive Director will ensure that the Chamber bylaws, are properly kept up to date and implemented. They will assist the Board and necessary committees in interpretation or amendment of bylaws as needed.
- Investor Relations and Retention – Development and retention of current and future Investor prospects. Keep consistent, strong lines of communication open between all parties, by encouraging investor input and feedback, visiting investors, and keeping up with community and tourism organizations. Execute annual Investor campaign, Investor visits, and new investor welcomes as necessary. Analyze and interpret the needs of investors and make recommendations to increase membership value, engagement and financial support. Act as a liaison between the board of directors, chamber investors, and the community.
- Finance – Formulate the Chamber’s budget along with the Board of Directors. Prepare financial guidelines for each event held by the Chamber and ensure events follow budgetary guidelines to meet goals of each event. In addition, the Executive Director is responsible for tracking and recording incoming and outgoing funds through QuickBooks.
- Events/Community Outreach – The Executive Director will present event opportunities to the Board of Directors and will oversee all event preparation, utilizing volunteers to carry out event objectives. The Director will work to garner community support as well as sponsorship for events as needed. Each new and existing event must include a budget and receive approval from the Board of Directors. Create advertising and marketing materials as necessary to heighten chamber/community participation. Prepare and update a weekly newsletter and annual advertising calendar, and maintain a consistent social media presence. Grant writing will be necessary from time to time.
- Local Advocacy- The Executive Director will take an active part in local government. They advocate for laws and ordinances that benefit business and oppose measures that restrict opportunities and increase costs for employers. They may lobby to lower commercial real estate taxes or support zoning changes to allow business development. The Executive Director is a familiar face at city and town council meetings where they may make the case for sidewalk repairs in a business district, increases in parking spaces or upgrades in public transportation. At hearings and in high stakes debates, they typically offer presentations and reports that outline the pros and cons of the issues for citizens and elected officials.
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Community Ties- Businesses want attractive and culturally rich communities that attract visitors and customers. They also want safe neighborhoods and good schools for employees and their families. The Chamber Executive director will lead the business community's efforts to support and enhance the Crescent Area. They often spearhead campaigns to raise money for local charities and cultural organizations. Chambers may sponsor their own community events such as holiday parades, heritage festivals and job and health fairs. Some directors may launch partnerships between educators and employers so that schools can align their curriculum with the skills needed by the local labor market. Other directors may focus on the business community's role in conserving local energy and water resources.
The Executive Director will lead the charge of being the connection point between local foundations, the school, civic organizations, and churches. - Partnership with the City of Crescent- The Executive Director will office out of and aid the City of Crescent in communications about things the city is doing, grants they’re bringing in, etc. Expectations will include public relations communication, website updating and management, as well as other PR opportunities.
Personal Characteristics and Experience:
- Familiarity with the unique challenges of running a nonprofit; someone who understands the dynamics of a chamber of commerce or similar membership organization and who is genuinely interested in working effectively within that realm.
- Executive style that can generate respect and support from a wide range of constituents including large and small business, nonprofits, community groups, and elected leaders.
- Passion for Crescent and its commerce in the surrounding area.
- Experience in understanding and developing accurate financial budgets, marketing plans, branding, and all other necessary plans to operate the day-to-day and long-term action plans of the Crescent Area Chamber of Commerce
- Motivational leader who can attract, retain, develop, and empower volunteers
- A great listener who can articulate the Chamber mission and vision to retain and attract new investors.
- Time management skills and an ability to prioritize responsibilities
- Reliable, self-motivated, outgoing and ability to motivate others. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Strong networking and leadership skills. Even temperament, even when under stress. Ability to function well as part of a multi-functional team. Presents a professional image whenever representing the Chamber.
Typical Physical Activity:
- Speaking, hearing, reading, and understanding English.
- Repetitive motion
- Pushing/pulling/kneeling/bending
- Stooping/crouching
- Lifting and carrying
- Able to lift up to 50 pounds
- Reaching overhead
- Sitting, standing, walking for long periods of time
- Visual and mental concentration
Essential Qualifications:
- Some graphic design, social media, and marketing experience preferred, or willingness to learn
- Experience in or willingness to learn: Constant Contact, Shopify, Canva, and a texting service.
Certifications and licenses:
Valid driver’s license required
Compensation:
The Crescent Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director position is a full-time position with a base salary and generous compensation plan based on Chamber membership growth and the director’s performance.
How to apply
Please send a copy of your current resume with contact information, three professional references, and salary expectations to crescentchamberofcommerce@gmail.com. Review of applications to begin immediately; position is open until filled. Final offer contingent on successfully passing a background check.