Job Opening - Executive Director Chamber of Commerce

Send questions, resume and cover letter to apply@ClevelandMSChamber.com. The first round of applicants will be reviewed by March 15. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Position Title:                     

Executive Director

Report to:    

Cleveland Bolivar County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and Executive Committee

Overview of Position:      

The Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce provides vision, strategic direction and management for the programs and personnel of the organization.  The Director demonstrates expertise in strategic planning, program and personnel management, member sales and services, nonprofit governance and operations, financial management, public relations, public policy and advocacy and community and economic development.

The Chamber is a 501(c)6 organization with the following entities under the operations of the Chamber: Bolivar County Economic Development District, Cleveland - Bolivar County Economic Development Foundation, Team Cleveland Main Street, Cleveland Tourism Commission, Cleveland Retirement Community and Cleveland Bolivar County Young Professionals. The Chamber of Commerce has the administrative and fiduciary responsibilities for the following responsibilities: Cleveland Development Foundation (501(c)3) and CrimeStoppers.

The Executive Director will be responsible for effectively managing the success of the following positions: Director of Tourism; Director of Community Programs; Director of Economic Development; Controller; Events Manager and student worker/s.

Job Description:    

The Executive Director is responsible for the full range of Chamber activities, including, but not limited to implementation of strategic plan, coordination of the program of work, organization structure and procedures, motivation of volunteers, income and expenditures, community outreach, service and promotion, maintenance of memberships, employment, training and supervision of staff, vision planning and maintenance of facilities.

Job Responsibilities:       

Operational Leadership

• Serves as a non-voting member on the Board of Directors, Team Cleveland Main Street, Cleveland Tourism Commission and on any standing committees under the Chamber of Commerce such as, but not limited to, Membership, Finance, Education, etc.
• Employs, supervises, discharges, evaluates, assigns responsibilities to and establishes compensation for all employees of the organization.
• Continuously evaluates the Chamber’s organizational structure and ensures its function in an effective manner.
• Works with the Director of Economic Development on initiatives and programs supporting but not limited to economic and workforce development.
• Builds and sustains positive relationships with key members and stakeholders of the community.
• Develops and sustains strong working relationships with local elected officials and with appropriate public agencies at the local and state level and with organizations such as Mississippi Economic Council, Mississippi Economic Development Council, etc.
• Recruits, motivates and coordinates the Chamber's volunteers  in execution of programs and events.
• Plans and implements the community’s largest yearly festival and revenue generator for the Chamber, the annual OctoberFest. Responsibilities include recruiting, delegating and managing volunteers for specific areas within the festival; seeking sponsorships and donations; managing contracts and sanctioning agreements with the Memphis BBQ Network, etc.

Membership

• Drives the overall performance of the Chamber’s membership activities, including membership acquisition and retention and oversees all revenue producing events, programs and engagement initiatives.
• Executes all membership events within budget and timeline such as but not limited to ribbon cuttings, annual banquet, networking events, chamber programming for members, etc.
• Implements innovative opportunities for programming and promotions to increase revenue and develop strong relationships with the membership base.
• Designs marketing materials for all events and communications for the Chamber within brand guidelines.
• Develops strategy for marketing and managing the brand for all social media channels for the Chamber.
• Updates and manages websites and all digital platforms including public calendars, social media, etc.
• Designs and coordinates the delivery of weekly/monthly newsletters and email blasts to members on all activities at the Chamber.

Administrative/Fiduciary

• Coordinates meetings and communication with the Chamber of Commerce board, assigned committees and volunteers. Develops agenda, minutes and necessary correspondence and record keeping for non-profit governance.
• Ensures the preparation of accurate, timely monthly and yearly financial statements with detailed information relating to departments, programs and prospective local  and regional activities.
• Develops annual budgets and financial management plans that ensure fiscal integrity and prudence, including oversight of internal audits of financial and operating systems.
• Tracks and designs metrics to measure the retention of membership, membership participation in events, increase in dues and sponsorships and engagement through social media, email blasts, etc.
• Obtains expertise in GrowthZone to manage memberships, run reports, track  payments, promote events, update websites, etc.
• Other duties as assigned aimed at aiding in the communication, branding, marketing and event planning efforts geared toward the advancement of membership and the organization's mission.

Job Requirements:           

• Demonstrated experience working effectively with multiple Boards and committees to advance a nonprofit organization’s priorities and achieve outcomes.
• Proven track record of creating, planning and executing high-quality events and programs to actively engage an organization's membership base, drive non-dues revenue and strategically advance organizational priorities.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Must be a resident of Bolivar County within six months of employment.
• A valid driver’s license is required.
• After hours and weekend work will be required.

Education/Experience:  

Bachelor’s degree and/or three years of experience in economic/community development, public administration, marketing/public relations, general business or similar field. Any equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

Salary:                  

Will be determined based on qualifications and experience.