Current Jobs

Executive Director — Chamber of Commerce

Position Summary

The Executive Director serves as the Chief Executive Officer and primary leader of the Chamber of Commerce, responsible for advancing the Chamber’s mission, strengthening its membership, supporting local businesses, increasing community visibility, and ensuring the organization’s long-term sustainability.

This is a highly visible leadership position that builds relationships across the business, civic, nonprofit, and community sectors. The Executive Director works closely with the Board of Directors to establish strategic priorities and leads the organization in executing those priorities with energy, professionalism, and accountability.

The ideal candidate is a relationship builder, community connector, strategic thinker, and confident communicator who understands the needs of local businesses and is passionate about creating a thriving business community

Leadership & Strategic Direction

• Serve as the primary spokesperson and public representative of the Chamber.
• Partner with the Board of Directors to develop and execute the Chamber’s strategic vision and annual priorities.
• Create Board direction into measurable goals, initiatives, programs, and activities.
• Provide regular updates to the Board regarding organizational performance, finances, membership, programs, and community impact.
• Identify emerging opportunities and challenges affecting local businesses and develop appropriate Chamber responses.
• Foster a positive, professional, and collaborative organizational culture.

Membership Development & Engagement

• Develop and implement strategies to recruit, retain, and engage Chamber members.
• Build strong relationships with business owners, executives, entrepreneurs, and community leaders.
• Clearly communicate the value of Chamber membership and demonstrate measurable return on investment for members.
• Create opportunities for members to connect, learn, promote their businesses, and develop meaningful relationships.
• Regularly engage with members to understand their needs, concerns, and opportunities.
• Develop programs and initiatives that increase member participation and satisfaction.

Business & Community Development

• Serve as a connector between businesses, government, nonprofits, educational institutions, and community organizations.
• Promote economic vitality and a strong business climate within the community.
• Identify opportunities to support local businesses and encourage new business investment.
• Build relationships with local, regional, and state organizations that can benefit Chamber members.
• Represent the Chamber at community meetings, civic events, business functions, and other public forums.
• Position the Chamber as a respected and influential voice for the local business community.

Government Relations & Advocacy

• Monitor issues, policies, and regulations that impact local businesses.
• Develop relationships with elected officials and government representatives.
• Advocate for policies and initiatives that support a healthy business environment.
• Educate Chamber members about relevant community and business issues.
• When appropriate, represent the Chamber’s position before governmental and civic organizations.

Events, Programs & Networking

• Lead the planning and execution of Chamber events, programs, workshops, networking opportunities, and signature community activities.
• Develop events that provide meaningful value to members while generating revenue and visibility for the Chamber.
• Ensure events are professionally organized, well attended, financially responsible, and aligned with Chamber goals.
• Develop partnerships and sponsorship opportunities to strengthen Chamber programs and events.

Fundraising, Sponsorships & Revenue Development

• Develop and execute strategies to diversify and grow Chamber revenue.
• Cultivate corporate partnerships, event sponsorships, grants, and other funding opportunities.
• Develop compelling sponsorship opportunities that provide measurable value to business partners.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with sponsors and community supporters.
• Monitor revenue goals and adjust strategies as needed to achieve organizational objectives.

Financial & Operational Management

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Chamber.
• Develop and manage the annual operating budget in partnership with the Board.
• Monitor revenue, expenses, and financial performance.
• Ensure appropriate financial controls, policies, and reporting are maintained.
• Ensure compliance with grant applications, laws, regulations, contracts, and organizational policies.
• Oversee vendors, contractors, consultants, and staff, as applicable.

Marketing & Communications

• Increase the Chamber’s visibility and reputation within the community.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive communications and marketing strategy.
• Oversee the Chamber’s website, social media, newsletters, member communications, and public messaging.
• Promote Chamber members, programs, events, and community initiatives.
• Ensure consistent, professional, and compelling Chamber branding.
• Serve as an effective spokesperson with local media and community organizations.

Board Relations

• Maintain a strong, collaborative relationship with the Board of Directors.
• Prepare agendas, reports, dashboards, and materials for Board meetings.
• Provide recommendations and professional insight to assist the Board in making informed decisions.
• Support Board recruitment, orientation, engagement, and leadership development.
• Encourage Board members to serve as ambassadors, advocates, and champions for the Chamber.
• Ensure Board committees have clear objectives and appropriate support.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will bring a combination of leadership experience, business acumen, community involvement, and relationship-building skills.

Required or preferred qualifications may include:

• Demonstrated leadership experience in a business, nonprofit, chamber, association, economic development, or community organization.
• Experience managing budgets, operations, programs, and/or staff.
• Demonstrated success in building relationships and engaging diverse stakeholders.
• Experience with membership development, fundraising, sponsorships, sales, or business development.
• Strong public speaking, presentation, writing, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with business leaders, elected officials, volunteers, community organizations, and members of the public.
• Strong organizational and project-management skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with a volunteer Board of Directors.
• Strong understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing small businesses and the local business community.

Leadership Competencies

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

Relationship Builder — Builds trust and develops meaningful relationships with businesses, members, community leaders, elected officials, and partners.

Strategic Thinker — Sees the bigger picture, identifies opportunities, and turns strategy into measurable action.

Community Leader — Is visible, engaged, approachable, and committed to strengthening the community.

Business Mindset — Understands the realities of operating a business and can clearly articulate the value of Chamber membership.

Fundraiser & Connector — Is comfortable asking for support, developing sponsorships, cultivating partnerships, and opening doors.

Communicator — Is an engaging speaker and professional writer who can represent the Chamber.

Results-Oriented — Establishes goals, tracks performance, and takes ownership of outcomes.

Collaborative Leader — Works effectively with volunteers, Board members, staff, businesses, and community partners.

Adaptable & Entrepreneurial — Responds positively to changing community and business needs and is willing to develop new ideas and approaches.

Performance Measures

Success in this position will be evaluated through measurable organizational outcomes, including:

• Membership growth and retention
• Member engagement and satisfaction
• Revenue growth and financial sustainability
• Sponsorship and partnership development
• Event participation and financial performance
• Volunteer growth
• Community visibility and organizational reputation
• Business and community partnerships
• Advocacy and government relations engagement
• Successful implementation of the Chamber’s strategic plan
• Board engagement and organizational effectiveness

Work Environment

This is a highly visible community leadership position requiring regular interaction with Chamber members, business leaders, elected officials, community organizations, and the public.

The Executive Director should expect a combination of office work, community meetings, networking events, Chamber programs, public speaking engagements, and occasional evening or weekend events.

Flexibility in scheduling is required based on Chamber events and community activities.

Compensation 

Compensation will be $35/hr.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and professional references outlining their qualifications and interest in serving as Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce.

The Chamber of Commerce is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive business community and encourages qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply. ApplyMukilteoChamber@gmail.com

The Opportunity

This is more than an administrative position.

The Executive Director will have the opportunity to shape the future of the Chamber, champion local businesses, strengthen partnerships, create meaningful connections, and help build a community where businesses and people can thrive.