Grimes Chamber of Commerce Executive Director / President

1.Position Specification: Executive Director / President

The Executive Director is responsible for leading the operations, staffing, and community engagement for the Grimes Chamber of Commerce through the strategies and policies set cooperatively with the Board of Directors. This position will engage directly with city and community leaders, businesses, volunteers, and vendors to understand and promote the interest of the Grimes Area business community.

 

2.The Opportunity

The Grimes Area Chamber of Commerce is currently seeking a visionary, dynamic, imaginative, driven, and passionate, leader to help drive success and growth of our organization. We are seeking candidates that will lead our chamber’s efforts, continue to develop our brand and organizational infrastructure, and work with our Board of Directors to provide first-in-class programs and experiences to our membership. You will be responsible for: Being a Pacesetter / Helping Set the Tone of Reaching Measurable Goals with the Team Continued Membership Growth Being Fully Engaged and Committed to the Organization’s Success Establishing Value to the Members Promoting and Participating in Good Community Transparency and External Relations As Community / Membership Grows – Asking Community to Support the Chamber in an Ongoing Basis You will also be responsible for activating the wide array of members and potential members that live and work in our area, guiding and managing our growth in a way that helps provide value to the membership and serves as a strong community partner and community catalyst.

 

3.About our Organization and Our Community

Grimes is a multigenerational hometown with an independent community spirit. Residents enjoy a safe community, an active lifestyle, thriving businesses and easy connectivity to the region: The Grimes Chamber is dedicated to the promotion and development of our 300+ members within the community.   The community’s supportive network of business and professionals is second to none. We understand the importance of networking and connecting with others to grow.

 

4.Priorities

We are seeking well qualified candidates that will help our organization achieve the following:   Organizational Growth: As we continue to expand through membership growth, we need someone to help build bridges within our communities, we are looking to recruit and retain a strong executive, and grow what we do to meet the changing needs of our members; Productive Work with Board: We have an engaged volunteer board deeply invested in our organization’s success. Successful candidates will have had experience in working with these types of boards, understanding the roles and responsibilities of board and staff, and is able to build consensus with our board through fruitful collaborative efforts; Adapt into a Strong Existing Team Culture: We are looking for a leader who is dynamic, adaptable, and fits well in the positive culture that exists within the Grimes Chamber, while bringing and leveraging their own strengths and talents in their role as a leader; Fiscal Responsibility: Experience developing, balancing, and maintaining a budget are highly desirable skills from you as a candidate.

 

5. Core Responsibilities

As our Executive Director, we will look to you for guidance in the following areas, including but not limited to: Promote and enhance the culture and connectivity of the Grimes and surrounding business community; Identify opportunities to create and enhance Chamber value to the business community; Identify partners and partnerships to support the growth of the chamber and member businesses; Assist in the development of the annual budget for board approval; Assist in the development of business retention strategies; Participate in the Committees and Efforts of the Greater Des Moines Partnership, as determined by the board; Assist in and support short- and long-term strategies for financial growth and sustainability; Coordinate and work to support Grimes Chamber’s financial health by working with external accounting and financial firm(s). Ensure compliance with the budget and financial policies approved by the board of directors; Ensure compliance with requisite non-profit business and tax filing including biennial report and IRS Form 990 in conjunction with external accounting and financial parties and/or those designated as responsible by the board of directors; Oversee and/or assist in creating board policies regarding day-to-day administrative and operational tasks, including emails, mail, and phone correspondence, marketing material creation and approval, accounts payable and receivable, CRM updates and payroll, etc. Perform human resource functions related to oversight and supervision of staff; Support Committee Chairs, volunteers, and related projects by attending meetings, providing resources, and managing back-office tasks and communications; Facilitate marketing strategies to promote the mission and benefits of the Chamber Act as media contact and coordinate responses to media inquiries; Develop solid professional relationships with members, community partners, and other area businesses and resources to facilitate knowledge-sharing and cooperation in the Grimes Community; Work with the Board of Directors to develop, implement, and manage a strategic plan; Actively engage in professional development and continue learning and improvement opportunities.

 

6.Leadership and Culture

We are seeking the following in a leader for the Grimes Chamber. Candidates must have a proven track record of success exemplifying the best qualities of each of the below. Our organization functions as a core piece of the culture of and for our community of leaders and the surrounding areas, and that helps define what our region expects from us and what we can strive to provide to them. We are seeking a leader who understands and embodies that – that is a good fit for us and for those we serve: Building Ties to the Community The Business Culture in Grimes; Feel and Hear Businesses Here – Be a Champion of the Community; Not a 9-5 Job – Dynamic Nights, Weekends, Early Morning Engagements with Members; Keep a Cohesive Staff / Inspire Staff Authentically and Sustainably; Develop and Cultivate Culture Inside the Organization;

 

7.Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Some key things we are looking for in a new leader:      General Skills Visionary Strong Operational Forte Intelligent in Selecting Self-Work vs. Outsourcing Entrepreneurial Spirit – Understanding the Different Needs as Different Phases of Business Interested in Learning / Continuing Their Development and Education      Communication Skills / Board Relationships / Collaboration Good Oral and Written Skills Good Follow-though / Follow-up Good Organizational Communication Skills with Staff and Membership Good Listener / Open Minded / Collaborative Transparent

 

8.Education and Experience

Previous Business or nonprofit organization management experience.  2+ years preferred.  Preferential benefit for previous chamber management experience. Understanding of nonprofit board management / fiduciary responsibilities Understanding of Chamber Operations Event management and program development capabilities Demonstrated leadership, outreach, and structured relationship-building abilities Fundraising and sponsor relations experience Strong financial acumen and experience with developing and managing budgets Effective public speaking and media relations Strong marketing, public relations, and sales skills Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office software, social media platforms, email marketing, surveys, and customer relationship management (CRM) software Self-directed with strong time and task management skills

9.Compensation

Compensation and benefits will be competitive and commensurate with education and experience.

10.Contact

        A resume and cover letter should be sent to Chris Watkins, Board Chair, to ensure consideration. Review of         applications will begin immediately. The position is open until filled.
 
        Chris Watkins
        CHWatkins6@msn.com
        515-491-3917