Overview
The President & Chief Executive Officer is the chief executive and administrative officer of the Chamber. Working in partnership with the Board of Directors, the CEO is responsible for carrying out Board-approved policies, strategic priorities, and organizational goals while leading the Chamber’s day-to-day operations, staff, member engagement, programs, events, advocacy, partnerships, and financial performance.
The ideal candidate will be a visible, trusted, and relationship-driven leader who can work effectively with business leaders, elected officials, military partners, educational institutions, tourism and economic development organizations, civic groups, members, volunteers, staff, and regional stakeholders.
Responsibilities
Strategic leadership: Lead implementation of the Chamber’s strategic plan and recommend priorities that strengthen member value, business growth, and long-term organizational sustainability.
Board partnership and governance: Report directly to the Board of Directors through the Board Chair; support effective governance, clear communication, committee work, and execution of Board-approved policies and priorities.
Membership growth and engagement: Develop and execute strategies to recruit, retain, engage, and serve members, with a focus on measurable value and meaningful participation.
Revenue development: Grow and diversify revenue through membership investment, sponsorships, events, partnerships, grants, programs, and other appropriate revenue streams.
Financial stewardship: Prepare, manage, and report on the annual budget; maintain sound financial controls; provide timely financial information to the Board and appropriate committees.
Staff leadership and operations: Lead Chamber staff and daily operations, including hiring, supervision, evaluation, development, accountability, and employment decisions consistent with Chamber policies and Board-approved resources.
Programs and events: Oversee Chamber programs, signature events, committees, leadership initiatives, and member services; evaluate performance and recommend improvements based on mission alignment, member value, financial performance, and community impact.
Advocacy and public policy: Monitor policy issues affecting local business interests and recommend strategic Chamber positions to the Board; represent Board-approved positions professionally and constructively.
Community and regional partnerships: Build trusted relationships with businesses, local governments, education, military, nonprofit, tourism, economic development, and civic partners throughout the region.
Public representation and communications: Serve as a primary spokesperson for the Chamber and communicate effectively with members, media, elected officials, partners, volunteers, staff, and the broader community.
Experience
- Required or Strongly Preferred
· Demonstrated executive, senior management, or comparable leadership experience in a chamber of commerce, membership association, nonprofit, business organization, economic development organization, public/private partnership, or similar setting.
· Experience working effectively with a Board of Directors, governing body, or volunteer leadership structure.
· Strong financial management skills, including budgeting, reporting, forecasting, internal controls, and fiscal accountability.
· Proven ability to grow relationships, build partnerships, communicate persuasively, and represent an organization in public-facing settings.
· Experience with revenue generation such as sponsorship development, fundraising, events, grants, partnerships, membership investment, or other non-dues revenue.
· Experience supervising staff, building organizational culture, setting expectations, evaluating performance, and leading teams through change.
· Excellent written communication, public speaking, facilitation, and interpersonal skills.
· Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders while maintaining professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment.
Education and Credentials
· Bachelor’s degree in business, public administration, communications, nonprofit management, economic development, or a related field preferred; relevant executive leadership experience may be considered in lieu of a specific degree requirement.
· Advanced degree or professional credentials such as IOM, CCE, CAE, nonprofit leadership training, economic development training, or similar professional development are preferred but not required.
Work Environment and Expectations
· This is a full-time, exempt leadership role requiring regular in-person presence in the Niceville / Valparaiso area and active participation in Chamber and community functions.
· The CEO must be available to attend evening and occasional weekend meetings, events, and community functions.
· Local and regional travel for meetings, events, partner engagement, and professional development may be required.
· The successful candidate must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Compensation and Benefits
Salary range: The Chamber offers a competitive compensation and benefits package commensurate with experience, which may include health benefits, paid time off, retirement benefits, and professional development opportunities. Final compensation will be based on qualifications, experience, and Board-approved compensation parameters.
How to Apply
Candidates should submit the following materials:
· Cover letter describing interest in the position and alignment with the Chamber’s mission.
· Current resume or curriculum vitae.
· Completed executive application.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The Niceville Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Chamber does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Pay: $100,000.00 - $125,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
