The St. Charles, Illinois Area Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit organization that has been serving the St. Charles community since 1922. The goal of the Chamber is to promote economic growth and development by offering support and resources to its members to help them reach their professional goals. For over a century, the Chamber has remained committed to creating a strong local economy through collaboration and community building and believes that by working together, businesses and community organizations can create a stronger, more vibrant community for all.
The Chamber has a diverse membership composed of locally owned boutiques, retailers, restaurants, professional services, e-commerce, non-profits, and manufacturers and currently serves close to 700 members (comprised of 2,500+ individual member representatives) which continues to grow each month as new businesses open across St. Charles, Campton Hills, and surrounding communities within School District 303. The Chamber provides networking opportunities, educational resources, advocacy efforts, and plays an active role in the community all on behalf of their members.
THE OPPORTUNITY
This exciting position is the top administrative employee of the Chamber. The Executive Director is responsible for all administrative and management functions, following the bylaws and policy guidelines of the organization. The Director executes the mission of the organization by planning, directing and overseeing all activities of the Chamber.
Other key duties include operations, staffing, fundraising, budgeting and community outreach. The position reports directly to the Chamber’s Board of Directors.
The Executive Director should be a dynamic, innovative, self-starter who can build relationships; successfully manage multiple projects, initiatives and objectives simultaneously; and effectively create a healthy Chamber membership.
REPORTING STRUCTURE
Reports to the Chairman of the Board and Board of Directors and located in St. Charles, IL.
RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Serves as an advisor to the Board of Directors in determining the direction of the Chamber; assist in establishing objectives to fulfill the organization’s mission and goals; recommend and implement projects and programs which will further the objectives of the Chamber.
2. Works with the treasurer and independent accountant to compile and present the annual budget; oversee all chamber activities and programs within budgetary guidelines; manage daily finances including income and expenditures.
3. Hires, supervises and evaluates staff within budgetary allocations to ensure effective and efficient operations and productivity.
4. Leads business development activities aimed at increasing new membership revenue by 5% annually.
5. Drives Chamber revenue through members events, annual golf outing, and grant applications.
6. Oversees all internal and external communications of the organization; represent the Chamber in the community and media; plan and oversee public relations activities to ensure maximum exposure for the Chamber. (Ie. Ribbon cuttings, Member events, Chamber events).
7. Facilitates organizational operations in the most efficient manner including all aspects of membership management.
8. Provides staff support to the Board of Directors, preparing agendas, minutes and meeting notices; execute decisions, contracts, and commitments as may be authorized by the Board of Directors or established laws and policies.
9. Ensures that all Chamber staff members (including oneself) perform his/her duties in accordance with Chamber by-laws at all times.
10. Maintains open communication with the Board, and works with the Board in the governance of the Chamber; bring issues to the Board in a timely fashion
11. Develops and maintains a positive and helpful relationship with city and county governmental agencies, neighboring Chambers and the State chamber.
12. Performs other duties as requested by the Officers of the Board; shall be a member of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee ex-officio without the right to vote.
REQUIREMENTS
1. Associate degree required. Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, correlated field is preferred.
2. At least 5 years senior administrative experience in a leadership position.
3. Experience with volunteer management and not-for-profit operations.
4. Demonstrated ability to prepare and manage a budget, to analyze organization performance and to project financial performance.
5. Ability to perform cost-benefit analysis of proposed ideas, projects and events.
6. Excellent verbal, written and presentation skills. Outstanding public speaking skills.
7. Outstanding organizational skills and ability to motivate others to assist.
8. Professional presence and outstanding interpersonal skills are a requirement.
9. Knowledge of St. Charles and Fox River Valley and the surrounding area.
10. Must be energetic with ability to build relationships, and be innovative, sales driven, adaptable and hospitable.
11. Strong ability to foster teamwork and collaboration between/among Board members, staff, Chamber members, community leaders, elected officials and strategic committees and organizations.
12. Strong Executive and supervisory skills, including ability to plan, organize, lead, delegate, and monitor performance.
13. Passion for collaboration and networking.
14. Excellent skills in community consensus building.
15. Ability to work a wide and flexible range of business hours, including nights and weekend work on an occasional basis.
