OTTAWA AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
POSITION SUMMARY
The Executive Director serves as the Chief Administrative Officer of the Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry and is responsible for the overall leadership, administration, financial management, and strategic execution of the organization's mission and programs.
Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director provides professional leadership to advance the Chamber's goals, support its membership, foster community and economic development, and ensure the effective operation of the organization.
The Executive Director serves as the primary advisor to the Board of Directors and Executive Committee and acts as the official representative of the Chamber within the business community and with local, regional, state, and national organizations.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Organizational Leadership
- Serve as the chief administrative officer of the Chamber.
- Manage the day-to-day operations, business affairs, and assets of the organization.
- Implement policies established by the Board of Directors.
- Provide leadership and recommendations regarding organizational priorities, strategic initiatives, and operational improvements.
- Perform all duties assigned by the Board of Directors that are consistent with the responsibilities of the position.
Board and Governance Support
- Serve as the primary advisor to the Board of Directors, Executive Committee, and Chamber committees.
- Prepare agendas, reports, supporting documentation, and recommendations for Board and committee meetings.
- Attend all Board and Executive Committee meetings.
- Record and maintain accurate minutes of Board and committee meetings.
- Maintain official records, governing documents, correspondence, and corporate files.
- Ensure compliance with the Chamber's bylaws, policies, and applicable laws.
Financial Management
- Serve as the fiscal officer of the Chamber.
- Develop and administer the annual operating budget for review and approval by the Executive Committee and Board of Directors.
- Monitor revenues, expenditures, cash flow, and financial performance.
- Maintain accurate accounting records and oversee financial reporting.
- Prepare monthly financial statements detailing income and expenses.
- Present periodic financial reports to the Board of Directors.
- Ensure expenditures remain within approved budget limits.
- Oversee membership dues collection and other organizational revenues.
- Coordinate with accountants, auditors, and financial professionals as necessary.
Staff Leadership and Human Resources
- Recruit, hire, supervise, train, mentor, evaluate, and, when necessary, discipline Chamber staff.
- Foster a positive, collaborative, and professional workplace culture.
- Establish staff responsibilities and performance expectations.
- Recommend staff compensation within Board-approved budget parameters.
- Maintain current job descriptions, organizational charts, personnel policies, office procedures manuals, employee handbooks, and policy manuals.
Membership Development and Relations
- Promote membership growth and retention.
- Maintain strong relationships with Chamber members.
- Respond promptly to member inquiries and concerns.
- Encourage member engagement through committees, programs, networking events, and volunteer opportunities.
- Assist members in maximizing the value of their Chamber membership.
Program and Committee Administration
- Oversee the implementation of Chamber programs, events, and initiatives.
- Maintain regular communication with committee chairs regarding progress toward goals and objectives.
- Monitor the status of Chamber projects from inception through completion.
- Provide administrative and professional support to committees as needed.
- Assist volunteer leadership in planning and implementing programs.
Community Relations and Economic Development
- Build and maintain productive relationships with business leaders, elected officials, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, and community partners.
- Identify emerging community issues, business concerns, and economic opportunities.
- Bring relevant issues to the attention of appropriate organizations, agencies, committees, or public officials.
- Maintain awareness of local, regional, state, and national economic and civic trends.
- Represent the Chamber as an advocate for its members and the local business community.
- Promote collaboration among community organizations.
Communications and Public Relations
- Oversee official Chamber communications.
- Supervise the preparation of monthly membership newsletters, annual reports, press releases, membership communications, website content, digital communications, and social media messaging, as appropriate.
- Preserve official correspondence and organizational communications.
- Promote the Chamber's programs, services, and mission throughout the community.
Strategic Planning
- Work with the Board to establish organizational priorities and long-term strategic goals.
- Recommend new programs, initiatives, and partnerships.
- Evaluate existing programs and recommend improvements.
- Stay informed of best practices within chambers of commerce and economic development organizations.
Professional Representation
- Represent the Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry at local, regional, state, and national meetings, conferences, and events.
- Maintain professional relationships with chamber executives and industry organizations.
- Keep informed of trends affecting chambers of commerce, nonprofit management, business development, and community leadership.
Records and Reporting
- Ensure accurate maintenance of organizational records.
- Maintain membership records and historical files.
- Prepare and submit reports requested by the Board of Directors.
- Present an annual written report summarizing the Chamber's accomplishments and organizational performance at the conclusion of each fiscal year.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Communications, Public Administration, Nonprofit Management, or a related field preferred.
- Three to five years of progressively responsible leadership experience in nonprofit management, chamber of commerce operations, economic development, business administration, or a related field preferred.
- Strong financial management and budgeting experience.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong organizational and project management abilities.
- Demonstrated leadership, supervisory, and team development experience.
- Ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and standard business technology.
- Ability to work evenings and weekends as required for Chamber events and meetings.
CORE COMPETENCIES
- Strategic Leadership
- Financial Stewardship
- Relationship Building
- Organizational Management
- Public Speaking
- Community Engagement
- Membership Development
- Event and Program Management
- Staff Leadership
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Collaboration
- Professional Integrity
PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS
The Executive Director is expected to:
- Operate with professionalism, integrity, and sound judgment.
- Support and advance the Chamber's mission and strategic goals.
- Maintain positive relationships with members, volunteers, community leaders, and partner organizations.
- Demonstrate fiscal responsibility and organizational accountability.
- Provide responsive leadership to the Board of Directors.
- Promote a positive public image of the Chamber and the Ottawa business community.
- Foster organizational growth, member engagement, and community collaboration.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIP
The Executive Director reports directly to the Board of Directors, acting through the Board Chair and Executive Committee, and is accountable for the administration of all Chamber operations consistent with Board policies and directives.
Pay: $65,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
