JOB TITLE: Executive Director, South Lake Union Chamber of Commerce (full-time position)
REPORTS TO: Board of Directors, South Lake Union Chamber of Commerce
SALARY: Salary commensurate with experience; Paid Time-off (PTO) plus holidays
APPLY: To apply, send cover letter and resume to info@sluchamber.org; due by end of day on April 3
South Lake Union (SLU) Chamber's mission is to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life of the South Lake Union area through varied programs and services that benefit members and the community at large.
The SLU Chamber does this by:
The SLU Chamber does this by:
- Encouraging the growth of business
- Supporting community activities
- Assisting members in connection to legislative and governmental matters
- Promoting the general welfare of area businesses, organizations and residents
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Executive Director of the SLU Chamber of Commerce serves as the face of our neighborhood, bringing in-depth understanding and unwavering commitment to the development of this dynamic, growing part of Seattle. This visionary leader is the key advocate and representative for business in Seattle’s rapidly developing South Lake Union neighborhood, and oversees activities and growth of our 180 + membership.
This person is responsible for identifying and securing new members; cultivating and retaining current members; planning meaningful social events/trainings/workshops of interest to our membership base; recommending initiatives to promote/strengthen South Lake Union as a more vibrant neighborhood attractive to small and large businesses, residents, customers and visitors; sharing information with members in a timely manner via a variety of vehicles; serving as a visible presence at a wide array of community functions and meetings; serving as liaison with other chamber of commerce groups; maintaining effective relations with key elected and appointed officials; staffing the Board of Directors and guiding committee work; and partnering with other community, neighborhood, government and business organizations as necessary to further the goals of the Chamber and its members.
As a strong advocate for the SLU neighborhood, the Executive Director provides leadership, direction and guidance for Chamber activities, committees and volunteers, to ensure continued financial vitality and sustained growth for the organization.
Reporting and Supervising Relationships
This position reports to the all-volunteer Board of the SLU Chamber and its Executive Committee, which will provide quarterly reviews and an annual performance evaluation to the Executive Director. The Executive Director supervises one staff person, as well as various committees and volunteers. The Executive Director also serves as a non-voting member of the board.
ESSENTIAL POSITION FUNCTIONS
- Attract and retain members to achieve growth in membership and revenue.
- Serve as the key spokesperson for the SLU Chamber, with excellent oral, written and presentation skills, both in one-to-one and group settings, such as serving as emcee at Chamber functions.
- Keep in ongoing, direct contact with current and prospective SLU Chamber members to survey needs. Develop benefits, programs, events, and materials that support those needs.
- Work closely with the Board to shape the vision of the SLU Chamber and, using strong leadership skills, execute that vision.
- Attain financial, membership, and strategic objectives and goals, developed in concert with the Board on an annual basis.
- Serves as a liaison with other relevant civic organizations.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Excellent interpersonal, written, verbal, persuasive and listening communication skills with a particular focus on public speaking, exhibiting confidence and warmth. Ability to present compelling ideas to a variety of audiences, interacting with all members of the neighborhood, business leaders, and elected officials.
- Proven ability to think strategically while executing and delegating tactics and activities that advance our Chamber mission.
- Exceptional customer service skills; previous sales experience a plus. Savvy, tactful and skillful in working with a diverse background of people, often with differing goals.
- Proven ability to advocate for an organization, while remaining neutral on individual agendas; knowledge of the South Lake Union neighborhood preferred.
- Confident, easy-going personality, with the capability of rallying people around a common goal/cause.
- Self-motivated and self-starter, with ability to be highly productive in an independent work environment.
- Displays ability to problem solve, handle multiple and complex tasks simultaneously under stringent timeframes amid changing priorities/conditions.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Experience in developing and managing budgets, and overseeing financial stability. Familiarity with financial statements and reporting.
- Strong project management experience, providing oversight to external vendors/contractors and internal employees/volunteers/Board.
- Event planning, production, and administration experience.
- Proficient in all Microsoft Office suite – Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, database/CRM programs, as well as website and social media content management.
- Website content development. Experience working with ChamberMaster desired.
- Basic graphic design and/or photography skills helpful.
Education and Work Experience
Required
- Bachelor’s degree in relevant field (business, marketing, etc.)
- Demonstrated success in sales/marketing, including negotiating and securing sponsorships and partnerships
- Background in community relations, public affairs and/or government relations
- Background working with and motivating/leading volunteers and boards of directors
- Development of and management to budgets and timelines
- General knowledge of media/public relations, and ability to be key spokesperson for organization
- Day-to-day management, operations and administration of a nonprofit
- Previous experience working with a Chamber of Commerce a definite plus
Preferred
- Prior experience working with community-based and/or non-profit organizations
